1 Month now back in America

This will probably be our final blog...at least for a while, because we have finished up our 3 year time of service in Thailand. We were excited to see God work in so many ways the past few years. We really appreciate how you have prayed for the Kui people and for us as we have served there. If you are nearby, we would be glad to speak at your church or youth group, just let us know. We are currently living in Fuquay-Varina, and are looking for a ministry job, probably youth pastoring, in the NC area. You can be praying that God will lead us to the right place.

Now that we are back, we have experienced quite a few interesting things that I thought I would include in this blog.

1. Hudson's fascination with water fountains. Since he's forgotten all about America, he's not used to lots of the normal American things. We were at Cracker Barrel the day after coming home, and I saw a water fountain. I told Hudson, "Hey, do you know what that is?" He said "no"??? "It's a water fountain...go try it," I said. Hudson proceeded to the water fountain hit the button and was amazed watching the water come out. When I told him he could actually drink the water he was even more amazed. After the water shot up his nose and then in his hair, he finally got a little bit in his mouth.

2. Getting a new driver's license. Since Pamela's drivers license expired nearly 2 years ago, we went to the DMV to get a new one. Since it had expired for so long, she had to do everything over. Without studying, she passed the written test on the first time. She did fine on the signs test. Then they said she need to do the driving test. She was a little freaked out. She hadn't driven in America in over 3 years. This means, she would now have to take a driving test on the opposite side of the road she's used to, on the opposite side of the car that she's used to, and with an automatic transmission. Even though she turned the windshield wipers on everytime she signaled, somehow they let her pass!

3. Air condition. The first day back, Pamela and I went into the mission house where we would be staying and the air condition hit us like a brick wall when we went in. We had forgotten what it was like to go into a house with central air. When we left, we just about turned it off until someone reminded us that your supposed to leave it running.

4. Cold weather...for us. On cooler days, we are freezing. Pamela sends Hudson off to preschool in the morning with long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a jacket. All of Hudson's teachers have a good time picking on Pamela because almost all of the other kids are wearing short-sleeves and shorts.

5. Missing Thailand. We had our ups and downs while in Thailand, but after being back, we really do miss those we've been around and the many opportunities to serve. Our friends at the church we attended, the kids and adults in the village where we lived, and our American friends we miss a lot. Even though Hudson doesn't express it much vocally, we can tell that he really misses his "family" in our village. He had his Thai grandmother living across the street and his best friends that he played with every day. When he sees their pictures he just gets real quiet.