We are half way around the world from home in a different culture, a different language and a different climate. I suppose we have experienced culture shock, disoriented by the differences, longing for the familiar, although I can't say I have been longing for the snow and cold of Thunder Bay. In the Thai mind early February is the beginning of summer and it is getting hotter, 30 to 35 in the mid part of the day with the the nights in the mid twenties.
Lots of differences yet on the basic issues of life similarities. Two days ago Jo-Anne's cousin Maureen in Thunder Bay died suddenly. Yesterday Prince, a Thai friend of Chris's died of cancer. We knew Prince a little bit and have become acquainted witha number of his friends who loved him dearly and greatly respected his faith in Jesus. This just reminds us that we all grieve and suffer loss no matter who or where we are. Our common humanity binds us together more than the surface differences separate us. We grieve a loss with our family in Thunder Bay and we grieve a loss with our friends here in Phitsanulok.
We go to the street market tomorrow morning. Lots of cheap fresh produce, and almost everything else. Never know what we will see.
Praying for you guys!
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