My Eyes and My Heart

"Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city."  Lamentations 3:51.

I wish I could share with you just exactly how much my heart has been affected.  I wish I could share with you the things I have seen, the things I have felt.  I think the only way you can really know is to see it with your own eyes. 

My heart aches for those who live in such deep poverty and oppression. Not just oppression from their government, but from Satan who has bound them with idolatry.  For most of us, we cannot feed them, we cannot clothe them.  But we have the Bread of Life to offer to them.  We can give them something that will change their lives now and for eternity. 

I wish I could record every moment.  But then, remembering hurts.  Perhaps it's that pain in my heart that will keep me tender to the Lord's leading in my life.  I ask myself, can I really make a difference?  Little me, with nothing to offer but this sinful body and the small abilities the Lord has given me.  But since when are we strong in ourselves?  Since when can we accomplish great things for the Lord by our own knowledge and abilities?  I don't know what the Lord has planned for me.  I don't know what He has planned for you.  I only know that I want to be used more than anything.  I want to be that person that the Lord says, "You can't do anything, but let me use you and I'll do mighty things through you for MY glory." 

This is my prayer.   This is my heart.

Nutella Mug Cake

Since there are only two of us living here (Pookie and myself) it's not really necessary to go all out and make an elaborate cake when we get the craving for sweets.  Well, I found this A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. recipe for Nutella Mug Cake, and it hits the spot!  The ingredients are things commonly found in the kitchen, and it's a mug of moist, chocolately, nutella goodness.  I've tried a few mug cakes before and they were either way too dry or just plain nasty.  This one is perfect in every way. The only issue is... you'll be hooked. :-) So I'm just warning you now, "bake" at your own risk.  The recipe and picture were both taken from this website.

Nutella Mug Cake
Ingredients:
4 T self-rising flour
4 T white granulated sugar
1 egg
3 T. cocoa powder
3 T milk
3 T Nutella
3 T olive or vegetable oil

Method
1. Combine all ingredients in a large coffee mug. Whisk well with a fork until smooth. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 – 3 minutes. (Time depends on microwave wattage. Mine took about 2 1/2 minutes.) Top with whipped cream and a little chocolate sauce if desired.

2. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Enjoy!


Note: Depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may have to increase cooking time.



Makes 1 very large serving.

Giveaway Shoutout

Check out Kim's blog http://www.yellowsongbird.blogspot.com/ for an awesome giveaway she is hosting! Three awesome shops and some beautiful products!! 

Maesa Elephant Camp

Today I went with Pookie and Klo to visit Maesa Elephant Camp here in Chiang Mai.  Before I left I was told my someone.....ahem.....that I have to show a picture of me riding an elephant. So you know....I was just being the obedient daughter.  (Oops did I let the cat out of the bag?)

It was SUCH a fun time.  We weren't sure how things would go (or how the pictures would turn out) because it was raining.  Not pouring necessarily, just a steady drizzle.  Similar to what we get on Whidbey.  When we got there we still had about 45 minutes before the show started.  So we approached the pen of elephants after buying some sugar cane and bananas to feed. It was nice because people hadn't started gathering so we had them all to ourselves so to speak.  After a while the trainers mounted their rides (The elephants) and led them to the water to bathe before their big show.  It was hilarious to watch them roll around in the water and spray themselves (And us!). We hustled to the show so we could get front row seats. I'm so glad we did!! It was great to watch these intelligent creatures march in the elephant parade (some were playing harmonicas!!!), play soccer, play darts, play basketball, paint pictures, and do more tricks. Of course, they had to come greet all their fans after the show.  We were able to get pictures sitting on their knee. Nothing like having an elephant trunk draping over your shoulder!! :-D

Then Klo and I mounted our mighty steed and took a trek through the rainforest.  That sounds pretty dramatic, but hey, it was so fun! It was a rather bumpy ride and more than once I was clutching the bar in front of me.  It was so cool to be atop such a large creature!  All in all, I think it was a pretty memorable day and I'm glad I could share it with friends.  Here are a few pictures, but it would take so much space to put them all on here.  So at the bottom you will see a link to view more pictures.


Feeding the little guy.

Klo, myself and Pookie

Riding the elephant!!

Ahhh!!!! They are so strong!

Hahaha...cute.

A little basketball?

This painting went for 6,000 baht.  That's roughly $200!

Sitting on the elephant's lap. :-)

Riding....

For more pictures go to

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.144762372277124.38786.100002300866566&l=e255f567d0&type=1

Homemade Sugar Scrub

Today I got the idea to make a sugar scrub, homemade of course.  I found that it's VERY easy to make and it feels soooo good!  Why spend so much money on this stuff (actually, I never buy it because it's so expensive) when you could make it yourself? Here's how I made mine:

Ingredients:
Sugar, white   (or equal amounts of brown and white)
Olive oil
Vanilla extract (for scent) or another scented oil

I didn't measure the ingredients but just mixed until I was happy with the consistency.  First, pour your sugar into a glass bowl.  If you're using brown and white mix them together thoroughly.  Add oil.  If you add too much, simply pour in more sugar.  Alternate between oil and sugar until you've got a nice texture.  I prefer mine to be more on the oily side as opposed to dry.  But you can do what you like.  Once you've got it how you like, add your scent. When I used the Vanilla extract I couldn't really smell it in the mixture.  But once I used it, my hands smelled nicely like vanilla. So it that's easy!!  I've thought that this would be a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift.  Just find a cute little jar, add some ribbon, and you're all set!

To use: First, wash hands.  Dry, then apply sugar scrub.  Scrub for a while to get a good exfoliation.  Rinse and dry.  If you don't like the feeling of oil on your hands wash with soap.  You can also use this scrub in the shower for a full-body exfoliation.   ENJOY! :-)

Practical Lessons for Living in Thailand (Part 2)

Number Eleven (siyp-et):  Don't be surprised if the security officer bags your groceries and sort of walks you out at the grocery store.  It's not because you're a farang. That's just what they do. (I was a bit confused the first time!)

Number Twelve (siyp-song):  Never, ever leave any food out on the counter for more than five minutes.  You will have thousands of tiny ants coming for dinner if you do.

Number Thirteen (siyp-sam): Speaking of ants, don't stand on the porch too long where the red ants reside.  They are rather carniverous and they WILL chase you!  Not to mention they eat their dead and that alone is frightening!

Number Fourteen (siyp-see): Thai people aren't used to seeing a white girl on the back of a motorcycle with a Thai girl.  Expect to get some funny looks.

Number Fifteen (siyp-ha): And speaking of funny looks, Thai babies are often enthralled at their first encounter with a white face.  I've received some very amusing looks (mouth hanging open with a somewhat concerned look.)

Number Sixteen (siyp-hoke): Always carry toilet paper or tissues in your purse.  Enough said.

Number Seventeen (siyp-jedt):  Riding side-saddle on a motorcycle isn't as scary as it looks.

Number Eighteen (siyp-bad):   To drive like an American will put you in more danger when driving even though you are driving "safely".  It's more "safe" to drive like the Thai and abandon most rules. :-)

Number Nineteen (siyp-gao):  Corn in Thailand is considered a dessert item. Corn ice cream anyone?

Number Twenty (song-siyp):  Never take a night walk in the rain.  It might cause flooding issues. :-D

Flooding!!

So I've been a little off the radar the last week when it comes to blogging.  Well, here's something interesting to write about!!  For the past several days Thailand has been experiencing significant rainfall over the entire country.  Naturally, after so much rain, flooding is to be expected.  It finally started yesterday we noticed the river in our village rising and moving quickly.  It began to fill the streets and rise very quickly!!  We set several alarms during the night so we could check.  That is not something you want to be surprised about in the morning!! And with all the computers in the office we want to keep tabs on the water level.  PTL it didn't rain too much during the night, but today we have noticed a definite rise in the waters!  We drove the car to the office this morning and it wasn't too bad.  We drove very slowly and it was manageable.  By lunch time things were much worse.  When Ahn Ahn went to get lunch for everyone his motorcycle nearly died from the water. 

About an hour ago Pookie and I took someone else's motorcycle to go get supplies (water, batteries, etc).  His motorcycle is much higher.  We started out taking the car but after some rather frightening noises decided against it.  The motorcycle seemed to work but while driving there, the water was above Pookie's feet!!  We made it out of the village and to the supermarket.  By the time we got back it was even higher! I was just praying the whole way into the village that we would make it to the office and praise the Lord, we did!!  Not sure how the coworkers will make it home today and we certainly won't be going anywhere till the water goes down.

This is kind of like a snowstorm......only different. Here's another adventure to add to the list! :-D

Driving to the office this morning.

Turning the corner to the office.

The tree in front of the office that fell.

This is later in the day. It has risen quite a bit at this point.

So high!!

Started out trying to go in the car.  Created quite the waves.

SOO much water!!

Look how high the river is!

Pookie's feet were covered as she drove the motorcycle.

We may need to get some of these at some point. Hoping not!