by Home of the Open Heart
Share
by Home of the Open Heart
Share
 Dear friends and family, Life in Thailand seems to have a unique way of daily presenting us with interesting and unexpected opportunities and experiences. The reason for this could be a combination of facts, not the least of which is that we are foreigners living in this asian culture, and also that we have chosen as one of our major life roles, the joyous challenge of raising a largish number of Thai children as our own. We do find great joy in the process, and are acutely aware of our need to rely on Jesus, not our own strength or wisdom in all the ups and downs of life.  We hope we are coming to the end of our rainy season, this year the rains started early, and have lasted longer than any year we can remember. We have lost power and water more times this year than ‘normal’ and we have seen more flooding than other years. Needless to say, as well as being involved in flood relief, everything is a beautiful shade of green, all the trees and grass, the surrounding rice fields and even the inside walls of our house, our cupboards, ceiling, roof, etc, which we prefer were not moldy! Vinegar is a great solution at this time of year.  Mai and Mae are both enjoying almost full time child care work. Yanee is a beautiful encourager. She continues at home working alongside Supun, making meals, cleaning, shopping, serving our kids church, joining us on regular community visits as we support families in our nearby communities who are affected by HIV.  Some of you might have heard directly from Nui and/or Jono, regarding their future plans. In summary…. It was disappointing when Jono was denied his Mexican visa in May, however, we learned in the process and were able to reapply three months later. So, on August 15th we travelled again to the Mexican Consulate in Bangkok, to reapply. Hugely grateful to report that Jono was successful on his second attempt. He plans to travel to do his DTS (Discipleship Training School) in Mazatlán, Mexico on September 10th. Paul will travel with Jono, as he has never travelled outside of Thailand. We want to be sure he arrives safely in Mexico. Thanks to so many who have cheered him on in this process.  Other news is Nui, who also has the goal of doing a DTS, also has changed her location choice to Battambang, Cambodia. Previously she had thought that she would go to Orlando. Several factors have caused her change of heart, most significantly is the level of difficulty for Thai passport holders to enter USA. We all believe she will have a great experience in Battambang.  August 17, was Arnie first day in grade 3. We are grateful his health is much stronger. He is a carefree and caring young boy, it is a delight to nurture him. Mercy and Faith (twins who continue in Colleen’s care) also started grade 4 on that same day, at the same school. Both girls are thriving in Colleen’s care. Colleen does a spectacular job of caring for their many varied special medical needs. They do need more tuition support for school fees, so if you have a heart for education and would like to help specifically with their school fees, please email me.Thanks for standing with us in prayer and thanks to so many of you who encourage us and continue to partner financially with us. Paul & Penny. |
STAY IN THE LOOP
Subscribe to our free newsletter.
Dear friends,We are grateful for our health and that our lives are full of opportunities to impact our community, invest into the lives of our grown kids, speak destiny, influence, praying for/with younger leaders, encouraging colleagues to stay on track and refocus when needed. Our daily goal is to be intentional to take time to listen …
Last month we were deeply encouraged by kind responses from many of you who received our news. We are blessed beyond measure to have each and every one of you, who partner with us, encouraging us, helping us to see these kids through. We are honoured and thrilled by your love and support. You know, …
Dear friends,Some snippets of fun news from Paul & Penny in Chiang Rai. It’ll be a joy to have almost all our Thai kids home for Christmas, so they will come to share Christmas Day with us at home, with their friends tagging along. Our decorations just went up in preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Of …