Recent Adventures

 Songkran

 Songkran, the Thai new year, was nationally celebrated from April 12th - April 18th. However, some parts of the country ignore the calendar and continue the partying for a couple more weeks. The most common form of celebration is the throwing of (sometimes ice-cold) water on whomever may cross your path - especially people who are driving. Of course they also have fireworks and party until ridiculous hours of the night, but the buckets full of water was the original aspect. The roots go back to a Buddhist tradition of worshiping the god of water so that the rains would come for harvesting. Interesting how holidays remain but the meanings fade. I went out 3 times to enjoy being drenched. First, Naree and I  went out late with a few of her friends in the back of a pickup truck. As soon as we reached the super highway, I saw two wrecks, one of which was fatal. The downside of partying is the irresponsible behavior of under-the-influence drivers. Last year over 300 died and some 3,000 vehicle accidents were reported. I think the numbers were down this year. Praise God!  Quite the morbid way to start out the holiday, but I still enjoyed partaking of the Thai custom. I also joined Media Light one evening. We took two trucks full of eager young adults. We bought large blocks of ice to put in our barrels. Even I hated us for being so cruel, but it was fully watching backs straighten from cold water. Jintana took me on her moped. I was soaked before we reached her friend. Apparently, defenseless white girls on the back of a bike are extra points.  In fact, being a foreigner was quite exciting for many natives. I learned learned the phrase, "Pa lao" which means "Enough!" 

Waterfall/ White Temple

On April 18th, Pat took me and a few of the kids on a fun outing. First stop, the waterfall. The incline trek was a 1200m hike, so not too horrible, but it was SO BEYOND WORTH IT! The water was icy refreshing! One of my favorite God moments was standing at the base of the waterfall and looking up. I cannot quite explain what I was feeling at that moment. All I know is I felt so small, yet comforted in knowing that I am loved beyond measure by the Creator. "But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14-15

After some splashing, we piled back in the truck to head to the White Temple, but not before eating some DELICIOUS lunch. I love Thai food. The temple was simply odd. Unique in its monochromatic scheme compared to its rich, colorful neighboring temples, the white masterpiece was designed as a tourist attraction. When crossing the bridge, statues of hands from those hell-ridden reach up in desperation. Inside (sorry no cameras were allowed) a mural wrapped around the room. It was the most... well odd mural ever. Within the painting was Super Man, Spider Man, characters from Star Wars and Harry Potter along with thousands of automatic weapons. We were homebound after a snack (coffee for me and Pat and icecream for the kids) and a little gift shopping :) 

April Birthdays

Last night was the party for the April birthdays: David, May, P'Kloy, and Pon. A past helper, Yu Pean, came to help cook and brought some delicious desserts with her! The feasting was amazing, and I probably gained 10 lbs in one night. We had fried chicken, sticky rice, pepper dip, pig intestines filled with mixed up rice, noodles, and meat (MY FAVORITE!), rice balls with a red filling, fried crepe looking things that were green, pineapple, and papaya salad. They all enjoyed their gifts, and I loved watching their excitement in opening them. It's never a dull day here at River of Life (and always a tasty one!)

  

 

I'm only here for 2 more weeks. Please continue to pray for me!

Winning Story, Easter, Jo

The Winning Story is............ drum role........THE LONG NECKS!!!! And the crowd goes wild!!!

(Clears throat)

One of my first adventures in Thailand was a trip to the make shift village of five tribes. Here tourists may peak into the lives of the humble and content. The Karen Long Neck tribe was one of these tribes, clearly spotted by the brass rings about their necks. At the beginning of the trail, they allow you to hold an sample and feel the weight of these rings. I was amazed how heavy they were and impressed at the people's amazing posture! I now have no excuse. Anywho. The story goes that years ago, the people of the tribe wore these rings to protect their throats from the jaws of mountain predators. Although this is no longer a threat, the rings have been embedded within the culture, especially for the women. I saw the rings around their necks and below their knees. Under the rings for the necks is a cloth to help with how uncomfortable they can be against the skin. Here are some pictures of the other tribal types there. Their "job" is to live there and make tourist items. They send the money back home to their families in the mountains. I would think that to be a lonely life, but evidence of sacrificial love.

       

Bringing Easter to Thailand

As a Buddhist-majority nation, Easter (or properly "Resurrection Day" as my Mother has always taught me ;]) is not a celebrated holiday. Peeps are not peeping and plastic eggs are not losing their other halves here. Try as we might, there were no plastic eggs or perfectly packaged mini candies to place inside multi-colored eggs. So, Jo and I improvised. With the help of Pat and our 50 chickens, we made our own version of an egg hunt. After boiling 40 some-odd eggs, everyone painted two eggs and hid each others eggs. Object of the hunt: find YOUR eggs. I was the brilliant one who painted her eggs green. I had to ask for hints (maybe specific directions) for both of my eggs. I had no idea how crafty these kids were having never experienced an egg hunt before. Next time, I'm making more specific boundaries. Special prizes were given to the first four to find both of their eggs. And of course, for lost ones such as myself, general prizes were given as well :). After everyone found their eggs, as well as the specially hidden "demo" egg that I had painted, Jo and I washed the eggs and made deviled eggs (which translated as "Satan's eggs"... wonderful.) We all had a great time celebrating Jesus' Resurrection!

 

Prayer for Jo

Though she may not know it, she has brought joy and light into my dark days and reminded me why I should smile. Her heart is pure and seeks only to love others and serve others. Not only is she active at River of Life, but she volunteers at a local school called Media Light, which teaches young leaders to reach the lost through media. Along with her awesome volley ball skills, she has taught the kids how to better their skills in base, acoustic, and drums. I have only known her for a short while, and already I feel my heart knit to hers as Jonathan's to David's. It is because of this that I cry with her as well. Jo's mother has been ill for quite some time, having pain in her lower abdominal area to the point of being unable to walk. Last night, her mom was rushed to the hospital due to inability to breathe as well as an extremely high fever. While Jo was on her first available flight back to the Philippines, her mother passed away. Jo had shared with me one day the pain she went through losing her father over a decade ago, and I simply cannot imagine facing this world orphaned. Her father will not walk her down the aisle, and her mother will not be there to coo at her newborn grandchildren. Please pray for Jo. Pray for peace, but also comfort in being broken in God's hands. Pray for the family to grow closer together in the time of mourning. Pray that God will protect her heart from attacks against Satan while she is feeling weak. I love her, and I know that God loves her more. I do not understand His will, but I trust Him and remember His promise to work all things for our good. 

Thank you again for reading. I apologize for ending on a sad note, but joy comes with the morning. 

Until next time.

Getting the Hang of Things

My apologies to the faithful followers who have not seen an update in awhile. Life here is busy but only in the most beautiful sense. It is Friday evening here. This upcoming Sunday will be two weeks away from “the States” as I hear USA often referred to as. There is so much to say. I guess I shall start with the daily schedule. I am EXTREMELY impressed with how Pat & Debbie have chosen to raise these children. The schedule is regular, but not stringent nor without modification when necessary.

The day begins at 6:30. One of the girls has an alarm that goes off at 6 AM, and I get out of bed after I hear the creaky door separate from it’s magnetic strip about three times. Following the proverb of the day, we all workout together. I’m not always excited about waking up at what I would consider an early time, but having about 15 accountability partners really makes a difference. Workout is every morning but Sunday. Breakfast is then served, often times leftovers from the dinner before (now I know where my Papa gets his ability to eat anything for breakfast). However, even in my protest, I am often greeted with a personal plate of rice and an over-easy egg - my favorite thing for breakfast here. These poor souls do not know what a biscuit and gravy is. I must show them before my time is up here. Dishes are always hand washed, dried, and put away immediately following meals. Multiple hands makes for a quick pick up. Then, they all attend to their morning chores/ responsibilities. All of the grounds are swept (with 8 acres, that’s a lot of ground), the bathrooms (sinks, toilets, and showers) are completely scrubbed down, trash is collected, the three dogs (Sammy, Tractor, and Sunny) are brushed, and probably some other chores I am unaware of. Chores are normally completed 8:30 – 9 AM. Then, there is the morning project. Pat is a firm believer in maintaining and not simply waiting until something is broken to fix it. Whatever the project is, whether that is detailing the trucks (a weekly responsibility) or cleaning out the creek (a delicious job). Lunch is served around noon. The girls cook every meal and they switch out who cooks what. Most of the time, the afternoon is free time. At the conclusion of last summer, they completed the three-year project of the lovely pool positioned at the back of the property. The kids LOVE the pool. A couple of the girls are very artsy, so we spent one afternoon making fabric flowers and gluing them to hair accessories. We also play a lot of card games. I taught a couple of them Egyptian War, and we play that often. One of the first days I was here, I was learning how to count to ten in Thai. However, my tone deaf self actually said, “Do you have a mouth?” instead of “Do you have an eight?” Nid burst out laughing, and Fern had to explain in between her own giggles what was so funny. Two of the little guys, Lee and Chai are still learning to read, so the girls spend time helping them with that during the summer break. The list goes on, of course. We normally jump in the shower after the pool. Volleyball at 5 has become a tradition. I like to use the excuse that I am timid to play on a concrete court, so I don’t really go for the ball, but God knows I’m just not great at volleyball. Dinner is served at 6. What follows dinner is dependent upon the day. Monday is bible study with Jo. Tuesdays and Thursdays are worship practice. English lessons are taught by the college English student, Gonjana. Friday through Sunday night, they normally enjoy a movie and snack. Friday is the market day, which I am always invited to tag along for. My favorite part is the honeybee store, where we pick a yummy bakery snack. Saturdays involve the once-a-week chores, and Sunday is the Sabbath basically. The children lead worship, wonderfully I might add, and Pat preaches a lesson. And that is the schedule that I’ve experienced for the past 1 ½ weeks.

Answers to the commonly asked questions:

1.     The climate has its pros and cons. It is certainly summer here, but I’ve experienced worse. Those who make a living farming rice are burning off the fields right now, which covers the atmosphere with a blanket of smoke. The sun is orange fuzz. The times of Wall-e are near (just kidding). Debbie says it should clear before I leave, and I certainly hope so. I saw a cloud the other day and got pretty excited. Some afternoons have a light breeze, which is also enjoyable. The rainy season will not come until after I leave, but I’m hoping for a couple showers to water down the smoke. However, the smoke has helped me avoid sunburn. Malaria is not an issue in northern Thailand, and the mosquitoes are mostly a problem between the hours of 5:30 – 7 PM. Quite a blessing I was not expecting.

2.     The food is absolutely delicious. I’m not used to a hot meal every meal during hot days, but delicious nonetheless. Rice or noodles are in every meal.  Debbie says that much of the country is diabetic because the staples are starches that turn straight to sugar during digestion. Most meals are cooked veggies with a little bit of meat. Last night was Pad Thai, probably my favorite thus far. I have gained an appreciation for the little things, like crushed red pepper or peanut pieces, because peeling/ crushes those suckers is quite the workout. Then I made the mistake of touching the corners of my eyes shortly after crushing the red pepper. Ow.

3.     River of Life (name of the home) is a short drive from town, but does not have crazy traffic immediately outside the door. R.O.L. is also at the backdoor of the university, CRV, which is a blessing for the girls in college. They drive on the left side of the road here and are not have as precautious as I would hope for. The roads are covered with mopeds that drive wherever they please, often into the bumpers of cars. Public transportation varies from three wheeled vehicles, to open vans, to buses.

Adventures:

Pick a favorite picture, and I'll post the story for the picture with the most picks. 

Prayer requests/ Praises:

God has made it extremely evident that I am here in His perfect timing. I am still trying to follow his leading to why exactly He wants me here. I am not experiencing the “desert” I expected, but I know that progress happens on accident when our hearts are set of the needs of others. Also, Debbie really hurt her knee in a fall the other day, healing is evident, but please pray for a quick recovery. Lastly, pray for these sweethearts. I love getting to know them better each day as they continue to open up to me. Their backgrounds and life stories break my heart but praise God for how far He has brought them through the love and care of Pat & Debbie.

Well it would appear I have talked your ear off, metaphorically of course. Thanks for making it all the way down here. Let me know if you have any questions- it’s likely you’re not the only one.

I love you all!

My New Family

Goodness, I am falling in love with this family everyday! Pat & Debbie have taken 27 (I believe) children into their home since God called them to Thailand. Currently, they have 19 beautiful souls they are pouring into. Many of the older girls can speak English well enough to carry on a conversation. "Conversations" with the younger ones consist mostly of a blank stare, wide smile, and desperate look to an older sibling for translation. Every day I get to know a couple of them better. Like most people, they are more willing to open up when you get them one-on-one. God has given them many talents for musical instruments, singing, athletics, cooking, and so on. Please keep each of them in your prayers as God continues to reveal Himself to them, and join me as I thank God for people like Pat & Debbie who were willing to get uncomfortable for God's glory. I love you!!

The Trip Over

Tokyo after 14 hour flight

March 19^th:

We left DFW at 12:45 pm on March 18^th and landed around 4:30 pm on the 19^th. Yes, I just lost over 12 years of my life. But I plan on getting them back in a couple months. The further I stepped away from the plane, the further I realized how not in America I was. First of all, when awkwardly making eye contact with someone, slightly smiling DOES NOT solve the awkward issue. If anything it worsens it when it comes from anyone other than a five-year-old girl. I was quite confused to see many Asian folk in the foreign passport line, but Mark explained that most likely they are Chinese. I would say 90% of the females had bangs draping over their foreheads in a straight line. Their clothing fashion was… daring.  I must applaud their boldness in style. One individual in particular caught my attention with her matching purple hair, purple pants, and purple suitcase. She should be famous because she dressed like it! I was severely underdressed in comparison. With some wearing heels so high and pointy, I caught sympathetic foot syndrome whereupon my feet hurt due to mere sight of their shoes. After giving Japan both of our index fingers and a smile-void picture, we proceeded to pick up our luggage. About one in every twenty people had white masks like the ones doctors and nurses wear. Mark explained that it was common in the Asian cultures for people to wear them for fear of catching something. Yet another indistinguishable characteristic of Asia filled my nostrils- the smell of cigarettes. I had not dressed or packed for the 40-degree weather that welcomed me with goose bumps as I exited the airport to await the bus to our hotel. While traveling to the Hilton, Mark pointed out that we were on the left side of the road. I embarrassingly admitted that I had not noticed. I was too busy marveling at the mini, boxy cars occupying the parking lots. I want to bring an F-350 to Tokyo just to take up 3 or 4 parking spaces. I saw actual bamboo grow wild. Their temples are gorgeous, I hope to go in one someday. I ordered room service for my dinner, and didn’t realize until it got to my room that the salmon I had ordered was raw. Good thing I like sushi I guess. It wasn’t too bad but they definitely have more of a taste for the sour/ acidic things than I’m used to. Anyways, I must admit that I am tired and shall now retire to my perfectly white bedding. This hotel must not expect children. Goodbye!

March 20^th

God is multi-lingual - NT Bible in Tokyo hotel

Unfortunately, the raw salmon did not sit well with my stomach, and I had a difficult time falling asleep at first. I went to bed around 7 PM Tokyo time and found it difficult to sleep past 1 AM. I attempted and then gave up around 4 AM. After showering and some reading along with Girl Scout’s Samoas to tie me over until breakfast at the airport, I rested my eyes for a few minutes. Before long it was time to start for the lobby. The shuttle was leaving at 8 AM for the airport. Right as we were sitting down on the bus, Mark pointed out that my backpack’s front zipper was open. Before zipping it, I double-checked to see if my expected wallet and camera were in their designated spots. My wallet was missing. Mark rushed into the hotel to see if possibly someone had already turned it in at the front desk. When he returned, I had already searched the rest of my backpack, and no wallet surfaced. We exited the bus and retrieved our luggage. After searching both of my suitcases, I followed a man to my room. I was praying that God would let it show up. I had four hours to get ready in the morning, and I was pretty sure that not a thing of mine was left in that room. With a deceptively calm face but racing hands, I peered under the bed and by the nightstand. I slipped my hand under the sheets and my hand stopped as I felt my wallet. Thank you Lord! The cleaning lady in the hallway was enthusiastic I had found what I was looking for. Although I had no idea what she was saying to me, her bright smile and high-pitched remarks communicated excitement. The woman I had sat next to on the plane over to Tokyo happened to be on the same bus and she said for a third time “Good luck” regarding my mission trip. Anticipating 40-degree weather once more, I made sure to dig out my jeans from my big suitcase. Although they were handy for the couple minutes I was outside, they proved a disastrous idea, as the 7-hour plane ride was horrifically hot in my tiny seat. My numb rear end and nauseated stomach from the smell of smoke surrounding me reminded me just how fortunate I was to ride business class the day before with the blessing of overnighting in a very nice hotel. But, I am getting ahead of myself. I must tell you that they eat salad and drink alcohol for breakfast here!!! It doesn’t have to be 5:00 in this culture- I know a few people who would love that aspect. Haha… anywho. I did not partake of either- it simply would not be breakfast. We departed at 10:50 AM, passed through a couple time zones, and landed at 4:00 PM. Hello, Bangkok! I quite loved the Bangkok airport. It was properly busy, which is more fun in my opinion. I gawked at the ginormous idols, each with a name, family history, and claims to having Budha’s bones within it. Idolatry does not always need a “modern application.” Sometimes, they have “golden calves” so to speak. Mark knew of an amazing place that gave 30-minute foot/leg massages for under $9! Lovely! My dinner consisted of roasted duck over noodles swimming in soup. Yumm!! Our flight was about an hour late leaving (not quite sure why, actually). I was seriously running out of juice at this point. Mark and I slept the 1 to 1-1/2 flight to Chiang Rai. The humble airport quickly led us to my new parents, Pat & Debbie Wheeler. Smiles and hugs were exchanged before packing into Pat’s truck (which he was driving on the right side of the car in the left lane… STILL trying to get used to it). Some of the girls came out to greet me and introduced themselves to me, but I was honestly too tired to comprehend anything. I headed straight for my little bed that was placed right next to the fan – girls already thinking of me J. That was 10 PM Chiang Rai time, 10 AM Dallas time.

We're in a war not with this world

My journal I shall be writing in whilest I'm here :)

I shall return later with details about my lovely home and family! Love you all!

God is Faithful!

Family and Friends,

When Thailand was less than a month away and I had not raised enough money to make the trip, I honestly began to worry. I started pinching pennies, hoping that my income would take me the rest of the way there. And then God. I'd finish the sentence, but we all know what I mean by that fragment. Half a dozen letters would come in one day with donations beyond what was expected. Not only have I met my requirement, but it has been exceeded!!!! Right now I am praying about what God shall have me do with. What I see as excess, He has already destined for something, all I need do is listen. With Thailand nearly 10 days away, I am so excited I can hardly breathe!!! If you have any packing tips, now would be the time to share :) Thank you for all that have helped exceed my financial goal and continue to keep me in your prayers! 

I love you!

Elise

A note to you from the missionary who's making it all happen:

To the Friends of Elise Lanning,

I have been a pastor, author and missionary for the past forty years.  I have known the Lanning family since before they were a family.  My wife and I have watched Elise grow into an amazing young lady who excels in every way.  It is our joy for her to travel with us to Thailand and work for several weeks in a ministry we support. This will not be a short term, one shot evangelism trip nor will it be a vacation with a few ministry activities to justify the expense. 

Elise will be immersing herself in the Thai culture and into the lives of the Thai people.  She will live with and help lead 30 young Thai Christian gals and guys from five to twenty five years old.  She will be living near the Thai/Burmese border where thousands of refugees cross to escape the fighting in Burma/Myanmar.  She will spend nearly two months sharing Christ on the university campus, helping Thai students with their education, helping them learn English and develop computer skills, assisting the local YWAM outreach and equip these young people to change their culture and country from business to education to church planting.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime that will powerfully influence many lives and your tax deductible gift will make it happen.  If you haven't given yet, there is still time.  If you have given, you may feel impressed to give a little more.  Elise is "good ground" to sow into and this experience will bear fruit in Thailand for years to come!

Mark Drake

markdrake.org