Naerunchara Hot Spring Resort Chiang Rai

... with us briefly. He just said 'no' no one could spare the time and that we could just wander into the village. When I asked him what had been happening there of late he couldn't answer and just didn't seem to give a ****. Anyway...Ian and I did wander over at least to see the bridge but went no further.

Having been to MA we were really depressed and it really contrasted the welcome we had had
in the Orphanage [Cambodia SCAO], where any help was appreciated ...

... It’s all here, and I have no alternative than to be totally humbled-out by the whole thing. It’s such a privilege to be here surrounded by so many positive individuals all trying to come up with even more positive ways to enrich other people’s lives.



So in the main that’s where I am and what I’ve been doing; helping the volunteers ...

... son. God loves him so much. Jesus came to bring him life and abundant life. It is his inheritance. It looked like he was tearing up and wanted to say something but couldn't. Then the leader of the center spoke to him a little more in Thai. Our team really felt peace after praying for him and that God moved. We have been learning that our team has a gentleness and also authority in Christ, and when those 2 are combined, it is dangerous for the enemy ...

... directly at the viewer. Creepy, but hopefully effective in deterring whole families (mum, dad, 2 kids and the family dog) from riding on a motorbike without a helmet in sight. On a lighter note, Dave's insoles have completely given up the ghost and are now in the trash bin, I'm surprised they haven't walked off on their own before now. I don't think I've mentioned my 'new' saddle since leaving the UK. Anyone who read this blog ...

... asked if i was going to pai (basically "are you simple why are you walking it"). i replied yes and they told me to 'jump on'!! normally 2 people can fit on a moped without being too uncomforable. but sandwiched between girlfriend and boyfriend that you have just met, is a interesting and awkward 5km! but bless them for thinking to pick me up. would that happen in uk!!!? i'm sorry i'm rambling. there is so,so much to tell and i get carried away. i ...

... beautiful children, flying kites with them, playing in the sand pit and just hanging out with them laughing and enjoying each others company. I was amazed how bilingual the children were especially Josiah who spoke more than any three year old l have ever met and he spoke both Thai and English beautifully. Stephanie took me down the dirt road outside the orphanage where we passed the most beautiful Northern Thai architecture on our way to a little outdoor ...

... 10 mins, and they do this about 7 times a day! So tomorrow i go to the hightest mountain near Chaing Mai, and see the summer palace of the King and Queen. Am sure i'll get an invite in for tea if i play my cards right. The food here is amazing by the way if i havent said that before. Every day its fresh fruit for Breakie, something from one of the local stores for lunch and proper Thai cooking for dinner....The trick is to go somewhere ...

... and themselves with Luster flower watter, flowers are offered and people release small birds that have been caught for the occasion for good luck. I met a Mormon couple from Utah (on their way to India o work for an NGO - they are great) who invite me to accompany them on an organized 4 day trek into the mountains just north. On this trek you can meet members of one or more of the dozens of hill tribes that live in the area ...

... stayed two days did not much at all- my options were do a jungle trek.... No thanks - see some tribes and elephant rides - nope and nope .I am leaving Thailand on the 4th of May - so i have a few days too kill -I killed two here and off i went back ...

... busy and noisy and took a bit of getting used to. We are now fully into loving the Thai food and looking forward to enjoying this country. Its not going to be the cultural experience of Laos and cambodia so much more like bars, beaches, diving and english friends!! Cant wait!!