There is just nothing like home. Our bus trip home was typical. I was ready to say some choice, well planned words to the bus driver and his attendant, and the only thing that stopped me was the fact that they could not understand me! They played those horror movies for 4 long hours! That is almost more than I could take, and a whole lot more than I thought that I could take! We don’t even watch them, but the noise is terrible. If you ever come to Thailand, be sure to bring ear plugs. We wish that we had the big red ones that we used to use for work. They fit over the top of your head, and pretty much block out most all noise. I want that kind in order to get my point across!  Hannah and Jason and Roy met us at the bus station, and they were a very welcome sight! Hannah was very quiet, but she seemed happy enough. I am sure that it is bewildering having Mommy leave her like that, but she did really well, as long as Daddy and Jason were around. In case I didn’t mention it, Jason had come down to help Roy while I was gone. He had been up at a medical missionary training in Chiang Mai. And by the way, he learned how to do massage while there, and he was happy to practice on me! He is really good at it too! I just wish that he could have stayed long enough to get my back to working properly again. Oh well. He did show Roy how to do it also, so I have high expectations!

I still couldn’t go to church, since I cannot sit that long, but Roy reported a DRASTIC change at church.He said that the children sat with their parents, and it was quiet. No one went potty on the floor either! Just when you think that nobody notices what you are doing, you find out differently. I guess the pastor had preached a sermon about how to behave in church a few weeks ago, and people have been watching us intently, (like he told them to) to find out how to handle your kids in church!  We had also had a talk with the Pastor about what is considered appropriate behavior for church, because a few weeks ago they had a business meeting right after church, in order to fundraise and plan for the new village around the church. It was not a fit meeting for Sabbath. Then, the next week, the youth class was asked to buy their youth quarterlies during Sabbath School! We felt that it might just be time to say something. So Roy met with the Pastor during the week, and he seemed to really appreciate what Roy had to say.(He is a lay pastor and has never been officially trained) So, guess what the sermon was about on Sabbath? Yep, he told the whole church about his meeting with Roy, and about the things that he had learned from him! Everyone seems to be really open and responsive, and they are making  the changes when they hear about it. We have also had some impromptu bible studies with the students, explaining how to keep Sabbath, how to dress, and just about everything in between! They really want to know.

Before I left for Lao, I found out that some of my students really wanted to learn to do art work. So, while I was gone, I bought them drawing books and colored pencils, and water colors. I already had some nice drawing pencils that I had brought with me. The funny thing about it is that my students were asking me to teach them art. (if you know me at all, you will be in hysterics about that one!) When I gave them the tools, and we all sat down to draw, I found that ALL of my students are really good at art! I am the one who needs to learn from them! Now, whenever they have time, I will find them with their drawing books, happily drawing away. ( I caught Kentegee drawing in the kitchen this morning…the only place she could draw without Hannah helping her)

Another big deal on this trip was that I bought a guitar for the training center. Travis had found out that Pearl and Seh Doe like to play the guitar. So, now we  have more music in our home. As I write, Pearl is playing the guitar and singing in the other room. Since we have been talking to them about what kind of music is good, and what is not, I liked the idea of giving them ways to make their own “good” Karen music. We are all very anxiously awaiting the arrival of the piano also! (my parents donated one, but we had to have it shipped since they would not take it on the plane) Travis is planning to give piano lessons as soon as it arrives, and several of the students are really looking forward to that.

So, even if I am still having to stay down most of the time due to my back, there is just no happier place than home! That is the only good thing that I can think of about having to go on visa runs, home is appreciated more than ever when you get back!