This was our first Christmas and New Year’s living abroad. It’s not like we haven’t vacationed outside of the U.S. during the holidays but it sure feels different when one celebrates from one’s newly appointed digs. As we mentioned last post, Thanksgiving is virtually non-existent in Thailand (with the exception of the U.S. expats) while Christmas is celebrated modestly in comparison to where we’re from.
The church we attend, Acts Church of Chiang Mai, gave us a treat during the Christmas Eve morning service. They put on a very colorful rendition of the Prodigal Son, traditional Thai style.
The drama team was meticulous in keeping the music and costumes classical but they also threw in contemporary humor and imagery in keeping with the times. 
The morning show was actually a dry run for an outreach event later that evening. Acts Church hosted 800 unchurched people from the neighborhood, treating them to lots of food, refreshments and fun activities with the Prodigal Son production as the main event. My forearms were going numb from scooping countless servings of ice cream for our hot chocolate float food booth.
A big bonus for us: Diane and Al (Lori-Ann’s sister and brother-in-law) flew in to visit during the Christmas season!
We recently got to attend our first Karen wedding. The Karen are the third largest ethnic population in Myanmar, many of whom have migrated to northern Thailand. Most of our local staff, Bible students and rescued children at ZOE are Karen. Lori-Ann got to be pretty close to the bride-to-be so we were very fortunate to be invited to the festivities. Lori had something in her eye the entire time. Just kidding, if you know her well, she couldn’t help but cry, it was such a beautiful event.
Thai language studies continue to slowly progress. I may have a better grasp of the mechanics of the written language but Lori-Ann can latch onto the conversations of the locals better than I can. The Thai speak so fast! I am constantly asking them to repeat themselves or to speak slowly…with a permanent look of bewilderment and confusion on my face. I have to be content with baby steps.
We had some new children arrive at ZOE after they were rescued in December. We can’t share much about the details for their protection but please pray for their adjustment and healing, and for open hearts to the life-giving message of Jesus.
Thank you for all of your continued support and prayers for us and for ZOE. We wish you all a Happy and Blessed 2018! We have plans to visit Hawaii in the late spring. Stay tuned, we will be confirming the dates shortly.
Please consider joining the fight to end human trafficking! We are going to be part of the road support team for ZOE International’s Road of Justice cross country bike ride this summer. Please prayerfully consider your part. To learn more and to partner with us go to http://gozoe.org/roj-donate/