Thailand week one

We are almost through week one of our time in Thailand. We made it here fairly smoothly last Saturday night and have been conferencing with lots of people in a nice hotel. The first few days were very tiring...Chris is leading music for the entire conference, which is a huge job. And I had committed months ago to help with registering people from our area. So the first two days were a blur of Chris and I juggling children and responsibilities, with some help from good friends. We both were up till 1 am the second night doing work, but then my work ended. I have not gotten to see a lot of Chris- he sometime returns at 11 or 12 pm and is up and gone by 6:30 in the morning. But he and his band are doing an EXCELLENT job leading worship. The music sounds great and I have gotten so many compliments on it for them. I am really proud of Chris and it is fun to see him be able to use his gifts to bless a LOT of people.

The boys are also doing pretty well. We have managed to stay healthy so far, despite a nasty stomach bug that is going around. PLEASE pray we stay healthy and do not get it. Throwing up children in a hotel room with no laundry room can be a nightmare. And Chris needs to stay well with his responsibilities. There is childcare every day and they have gone every morning and one evening. Austin really likes it- they are learning about the 10 Commandments, do fun crafts, go outside and eat yummy snacks from America like marshmallows and granola bars. Bennett has done fine too, though today he did cry when I dropped him off. I think he would have been fine except that almost every single kid in his class was crying when I dropped him off and I think it was really overwhelming. But when I picked him up he was very happy and came running saying "I played toys! I had a good time!" so I think he recovered fine.

It has been really fun to connect with old friends, of whom there are many here. Time is too short though to hang out with everyone I would like to. With Chris so busy a lot of meal and free times I am on my own with the kids but thankful for others' help. I know I will enjoy the last day tomorrow, but I am also looking forward to vacation which will start Saturday. We will take a mini-bus on a 4 hour drive to our resort, where a lot of other families' we know will be vacationing. Pray we stay healthy!