Thai Skies and Slow Days (that Go Fast)

It's always a mysterious thing how we can be accomplishing a fair bit in any given day, yet the pacing and general sense of the place is this relaxed.

Our arrival Tuesday evening has given way to what is now already the end of our first week, and it's hard to know where the time has gone and how it could actually be Friday.  Sure, we lose a day in the time change, so that's a big factor.  And this trip we also prolonged the whole experience of getting here by dealing with a missed connecting flight in Taipei.  I'll give it that.

Even so, we have packed in more than one strategic planning meeting, two meet-and-greet dinners, two evening worship times with the kids, and today a visit over to the new property.    Zoom calls home for mentoring and meetings, connecting the Sponsors up for a "different kind of Valentine," and getting set to begin our English time today after school, and - poof! - the week's rolled into a very satisfying wrap.  That includes some very necessary afternoon naps to balance off the jet lag.  

I truly love every iteration of Team that I get to travel with.  AND, there's something uniquely good when Ken and I can be here together.  He is intrinsically involved in what God has called us both to do in their season of our life and marriage together, but mostly holds down the fort at home.  To have him be here, doing his best to sing along in Thai at worship times, remembering the kids' names, sitting at the table with graph paper and pencil, and a fancy rolling ruler, pulling Suradet aside to measure something in light of our big cite planning meeting yesterday, it's all part of what makes me love him more.

So, on this already-Friday, I am realizing I do need to take more pictures!  Which I hope to do when we visit the property later on.  

Actually did get some good shots 

of us marking off the dimensions of the building plan.

But also just of the kids themselves, especially with Ken.  And of course, sorry, not sorry, of the sunrise.

A little fun with some big leaves.

January in this part of Thailand could not be more perfect in weather.  Not too hot during the day, quite chilly actually (16 C) first thing in the morning, and no humidity to sweat about.   I know back in Canada there's snow and windchill, and, as cozy as all that sounds,  I am okay with missing all that right now.  

Just taking in these moments.  Grateful, oh so grateful.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18