Dear Richmond...

Dear Richmond,

When I first met you seven years ago, I didn't like you much. In fact, I told you that I'd only be here long enough to finish a lease I had signed before I had ever been here. But not all blind commitments are bad. I stuck it out and now I'm sad to be leaving you, again. Chiang Mai is pretty awesome though, so I'm looking forward to enjoying its charming personality of a big city disguised as a small town. Flip-flops are always acceptable, dogs are always welcome, everyone smiles and nods as their way of saying "Hello", and chill coffee shops abound. However, Chiang Mai doesn't have Monument Avenue in the Spring and Fall, Gene & Sabrina to deliver the latest news,  and certainly no Carytown. But I do think if y'all could meet, you'd be friends. Richmond, you're a rockstar! I'll miss you! Goodbye.   --Wendy

So long, Springfield!

I've had a BLAST hangin' with Missy, Brad, and Zeke! Got to see Rachel and Amanda but failed to snap photos! We were so busy catching up! It's been awesome just chillin' and spending time with these peeps that I'm gonna miss so much! I've made special memories while being here. Now, it's back to Richmond to wrap up my final days there. Then, headin' to Kingsport, TN to visit with the fam before leaving for Thailand. Good times, but sad times.

Easter & Zekester

Made it to Springfield, MO to visit my sister, Missy, her husband, Brad, and of course the cutest lil guy in the world, Zeke!!! We're having a blast! Got in last night, chilled, read books, and went straight to bed! Long day! Today, it's pouring buckets o' rain. Lookin' forward to catchin' up with Rachel and Amanda, my Chiang Mai peeps sometime this weekend! Good times!!

Packed Up and Winding Down

A very nice gentleman from the liquor store let us have our pick of their finest cardboard boxes to use for packing. After a week of packing boxes and sorting things into piles to throw away or donate to the refugees, it was time to pack it up and move it out! So...this past Friday, we got moved out of the apartment. Daddy and Uncle Bean came up to fill a Uhaul trailer with my life's belongings. It was pretty cool to see the things that I own can fit in a 5x8 trailer. I like to stay mobile, I reckon. Momma suggests widdling everything down to the stuff that'll fit into a backpack....not a bad idea...especially after this move. Just say no to junk!

Home Sweet Home

On our way back from Cha Am (12 hour van ride!) we stopped in at a market called Samchuk. We did some speed shopping and grabbed some pork and rice encased in a lotus blossom and grilled. Weird--I know, but delish!!!!

Made it to Chiang Mai around midnight last night! Stayed with Lah at her house and then on to meet up with Goy for some good strong Thai coffee! We had a great time talking and listening and praying for each other. She's a believer and a sweet, sweet friend. Then, we went and got khao soi---probably my favorite food in the entire world!!!!!! We even went to the shop in my old neighborhood! It was just as amazing as I had remembered!!!

Tomorrow is another jam-packed day of running, visiting with peeps, and spending time enjoying this place that I love so much!

Sawadee Bii Mai 2010!!!!

Happy New Year y'all!!!

The last couple of days have been awesome-but busy! New Year's was amazing!!! Fireworks on the beach and my peeps was so much fun!!! However, the next day was our first day of "work". The kids showed up and we had a great time of study with them and it's been a true joy getting to know these kids! Their parents are in their work meetings all day and we get to study, talk, and just enjoy hanging out. I'm working with the high school kids and they are a real hoot! Lovin' it and learning so much from their kind hearts and sweet spirits.

Will holler again later, but at least wanted to post some photos below. Enjoy and happy new year!!!!

One Night in Bangkok, 4 Nights in Cha Am

After an uneventful series of LONG flights, I made it!!! Got into BKK last night after midnight. After standing in the immigration line (along with a couple thousand other foreign passengers) I got my backpack off of the luggage thing and went searching for my friend, Goy! I passed through 4 congregations of tour guides and taxi drivers before I saw Goy's sweet little face shine through the crowd. It was the first time I'd seen her in over a year! We hugged, step back to look at each other, laughed, hugged, cried, and the first words spoken were Goy saying "Khop khun Pra Jao!"--Thank you, God!

We had an awesome time catching up and eating a couple meals together. Then, it was time for me to get on a van to ride south for 3 hours to Cha Am where I'll be doing volunteer work. The rest of the team will arrive after midnight tonight. So, I had the privilege of enjoying dinner with some friends that are here working. They hosted me for a "VIP"--pronounced "wee-eye-pee" seafood dinner of squid with chili sauce, tom yum gung, and som tam. Below are some snaps of the evening, including a sign in the restaurant for a house on the beach WITH FUR. I love this place!