Blessed

What better way to close out my mini-adventure than with my two closest friends?  

 Lunch with Mu.  A genuinely good man and even better friend.

There is no one in my life I'd rather hang out with.

Then one last chance to visit with Seth, as he and my Young Leaders guys showed up to take me to the airport.

Grabbing one last Thai meal together at the airport food court!

These guys are the future leaders of our church and of their communities!

Very cool that they wanted to see me off.  (Of course, maybe they just wanted to be sure I was gone! lol)

Last I'll see of my buddy Seth for quite a long time.  Before I go back for Mic's wedding in September, Seth is leaving for six months of training in South Africa with Operation Mobilization.  But we'll definitely stay in contact.  South Africa is probably closer to Kansas City than Thailand is!

Immanuel

Immanuel Baptist Church has been my home church for about eleven years now.  I've a wonderful church family.

This is the sanctuary, where regular services are held.

 About three years ago, they opened this new, six story building, such houses class rooms, offices, and meeting space.  As they neared completion of the construction, our pastor, Ahjan Winit, announced that they were building twon rooms on the top floor. One would be used to accommodate visiting missionaries and pastors. The other would be set aside for my use when I come to Thailand. He explained that my job would have me returning more often and he didn't want me staying in a hotel.

 This is incredibly humbling, but "my room" has been a marvelous blessing and had has provided me with everything I could possibly need.  You might think, "but what about privacy?"  It's amazing.  I've an elevator to the top floor and no one has ever come up to the room uninvited.

 A huge comfortable bed, two small tables, storage space, a fridge...

 Cold A/C, great Wi-Fi, a washing machine steps away.  I'm spoiled!  A really perfect set up which has saved me (and my company) a large amount of money, while keeping me near my church family.  I'm incredibly grateful!

 Today, I got to spend some time with my pastor, Ahjan Winit, and hear him share about his vision for the church.  That was so great.

And I owe a big thank you to Kuhn Nong, our church administrator, for all she does to help arrange my visits...she works so hard behind the scenes!

Dinner with Batman and Robin

So today was mostly about seeing my kid, Ton.  He and I met for a "snack" of khao soy noodles, and then sat and visited until Chut got off work and was able to join us with his wife, Pong.  We had spectacular food at one of Ton's favorite restaurants, Samyo's Late Night Rice Soup. We had a wonderful time together.

 Ton, working on his "snack".

 Chut and Pong

 Ready for some GREAT food!

 Interestingly enough, this is referred to as "Super Soup."  It's traditionally made with chicken feet, but we ordered this with drumettes, just to get the extra meat.  lol

 Tom saab, my favorite soup.

 Shredded and fried catfish

 Something resembling sauteed morning glory.

 Clams and shrimp paste

Finishing off with cake and coconut ice cream.

Me with Batman and Robin on either side!  Chut (Batman) was Ton's (Robin) mentor when Ton first started at DST.  They've remained close through the years.

Lunch with the Ladies!

A great time today, meeting and enjoying lunch with the managers I work with here in the BOC.  Like always, lots of great food and laughter!

 Left to right: me, Eam, Nun, Air

We ate at Dalian, a terrific Chinese restaurant.

 Pig intestines with bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Really good!

 Deep fried egg plant.

 Spicy green beans.

Catching Up With P' Seth

Most of you know Seth. One of the best friends I've ever had, Seth took over Young Leaders Group after I returned to the US.  He spent several months with me in KC last year, as he looked into attending seminary there.  

 Now he's back in Bangkok, giving vocal music lessons and preparing to go to South Africa for six months with Operation Mobilisation (OM), an international missions organization.

 We caught up today over dinner at Harrods.   I got to hear about Seth's current life and about his future plans. A terrific evening.  Seth is a born leader and its exciting to see how he's impacting the lives of many.

 Classic fish and chips.

 Fish pie.  Under the broiled mashed potatoes are chunks of salmon, cod, and shrimp in a rich white sauce.  Delicious!!!

Finished our London adventure with scones and scones and a great tasting muffin.

Church and Lunch with Young Leaders

A great Sunday starting with church service at Immanuel Baptist.

            Our youth worship team       did a great job.

               My church family.

               Ahjan Winit preached on God loving cheerful givers.

               Afterward, the Young Leaders met for a terrific lunch!  Twenty of us!

     .......More food photos...

Gang Night Out

Just another terrific night out with the gang!