Thailand update - July 4th

Hello from Thailand and Happy 4th of July!

Of course, it's not a very meaningful holiday out here. There were a few fire works shooting off close to where we were at the peer. I presume it was due to some Americans (other than us, of course). Karen was on the phone with her mom. The rest of us were pretending we were under attack. Sorry Karen's mom, we were just horsing around. REALLY!!! No shooting, just fire works.

We had a good day today. We start each day with team time. I figure it's a little better to do that after everyone has had a chance to get some sleep. Then, like this evening, the team can go straight to bed once we return from distribution. Sleep is a good thing.

This morning was spent at Tan's Sweat Shop. Yes, we got really sweaty. Karen, Megan, Mandy, Alli, Wendy, and Bro. John were downstairs putting together packets and boxing them. Briana, Paul, my Thai friend Baan, and I got to work upstairs boxing packets that are being sent to a different part of the Asian world. Mid-way through the morning I was asked to go to the building of a different ministry and take a look at their computer network. I spent time with the leader, Eve, and got them all fixed up.

Of course we got to spend quality time with Tan. She informed me upon my return from Eve's office that our team schedule has changed. "I'm taking the team shopping. It'll be fun!!!". I had no choice but to say... Uh, OK.

So off we went. She took us to a nifty little store where we could purchase nifty little gifts for family and friends at home. All you family and friends reading this can rest assured you're going to recieve some nifty things. Yeah!

Mandy, Wendy, Megan, Karen, Briana, Allison, and Paul ventured out to get massages. Brother John and I stuck around the hotel for a little down time. When they returned they each discribed the brutality they received. Well, Briana enjoyed her experience. The rest of them will probably be bruised from head to waist - literally. Karen even mentioned how bad her ears hurt from it.

Glad I didn't tag along! I've never wanted to pay someone to beat me up, and I don't plan on starting anytime soon.

This evening we were at the peer for distribution. It went off without a hitch. Our team distributed over 100 packets to the Chinese people. It was awesome to say the least. We are the first team to distribute since distribution was halted by the local officials. PTL that it all went so smoothly.

The phone situation has been resolved.

Tomorrow will be basically a down day. We will be visiting the Gardens in the morning. The afternoon is rest, swim, and whatever else fun we can think of.

Prayer needs:

1st and foremost, please pray for the Chinese people who have received packets as well as those who will be receiving packets in the next few days.

Pray for the missionary leaders here, that they will be delivered through the difficulties they are facing personally.

Continue praying for our team, particularly for God to keep us focused on the distribution tasks at hand. This is an awesome team. You all should be very proud of each member.

Continue praying for Allison's travel to get changed so she can return home with the rest of the team. That would be nifty.

YBIC,
Jim