Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Elephant Parade

A little late in posting this, but this is the Elephant Parade from the show at the Maesa Elephant Camp here in Chiang Mai. It was so much fun to watch them prance around. And yeah...the elephants are playing harmonicas. :-D

Van drives uphill with no engine!

This was a fun experience on our recent trip!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Nearing The End

My time here in Thailand is drawing to a close. I have nine full days left and I know they will zap so quickly, before I know it I'll be on the long flight back. First, let me show you what we were able to do last week. I went with a few of the coworkers to a waterfall and it was so much fun! From the bottom it looked pretty piddly. But as we climbed higher....and higher..*gasp!* It was really beautiful. At one point, I got rather scared about jumping over rushing water from one slippery rock to another. But with the help of my trusty coworkers I made it across with no trouble and was rewarded by the beautiful view from the top.


Starting out at the bottom of the waterfall.






I don't know if you can see.....but Kaw is up high and Bro. A is down low. (Click to enlarge)


Climbing UP the waterfall!


Ok this is the part that I got scared....

Looking dooooowwn.....

Yes.....I can do this..I think...

Aaahhh!!!

Totally worth it to climb to the top!


If you enlarge you will see that Bro. Jeng Lang has lost his shoe. Hahaha!  He climbed down and surprisingly found it!


Kaw.....he was officially dubbed the Monkey. :-)


The Guys



So now....my time left is short, but it's not over yet. Much is planned and I hope to make the most of the time I have left.  It has been so nice to have the Gaudets back.  It's a blessing to be able to spend time with missionaries who have been on the field for over 30 years and to see a little what their lives are like.  If I've learned anything since I've been here it's how effective prayer is. We've seen Satan so obviously fighting in so many areas.  Prayer is such a powerful thing and through it we've seen the Lord do mighty things.  I can't WAIT to see what He has in store for the future.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Practical Lessons for Living in Thailand (Part 3)

Number Twenty-one (Yee-siyp et): If you really want to feel Thai, ride three people on one motorcycle.  It's not too scary actually.  A little uncomfortable, but not too bad!

Number Twenty-two (Yee-siyp song): Breakfast?  Pork on a stick and sticky rice!

Number Twenty-three (Yee-siyp sam.  Are you getting this pattern yet?):  If you're smelling something in the market that is extremely foul, like the cross between rotten meat and old fish, you're probably smelling Durian, a fruit that Asians love!

Number Twenty-four (Yee-siyp see): Warning!! While climbing waterfalls, do not wear slip-on shoes.

Number Twenty-five (Yee-siyp ha): Did your mother ever tell you to "watch your tone"?  Well, it's so true when speaking Thai.  You might think you are saying "yes" but you are really saying "kill".  Thai is a tonal language and using a different tone can completely change the meaning!

Number Twenty-six (Yee-siyp hok): Every night of the week the restaurants are busy up till midnight.  I guess you could call it the ten o'clock meal time?

Number Twenty-seven (Yee-siyp jet):  If you want to see snow, visit the Chiang Mai zoo.  They have a Snow Dome.  Entry fee: 150 baht per person (roughly $5).

Number Twenty-eight (Yee-siyp bad): When someone is praying in Thai, be sure to listen closely for the "Amen".  It's terribly embarassing to be sitting there with your eyes closed while others begin to eat!

Number Twenty-nine (Yee-siyp gao): Clothes can be hung to dry anywhere really.  It's commonplace to see people's.....ahem......clooooothes fluttering in the wind on the side of the road.

Number Thirty (Sam-siyp): Spicy = good food.  Not spicy = add 2-5 more ingredients to taste (fish sauce, peppers, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.)  Salt = fish sauce.

Friday, September 2, 2011

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.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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!!