Learning Thai

Yesterday we celebrated our family Christmas so we wouldn't have to lug our presents to Chiang Mai. We went to a pool during the day and actually got a little chilly since there was a breeze and it's gotten a little cooler lately. It was fun to be able to swim on "Christmas" day and Claire loved it even when her lips were purple from cold! After naps, we had shrimp for dinner and then dug into our pile of presents. It was fun to have some to open from the aunts and uncles in the States and the girls were so excited with their new books and toys.

We have been touched by the incarnation in a new way this Christmas as we think about God becoming Immanuel, "God with us," here in Thailand. We also been impressed as we sing Christmas songs, that the story of baby Jesus is THE missions story! We think of lines like...

"Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her king"
"and make the nations prove, the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love"
"long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth,
"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.."
"Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies"
We wish all of you a wonderful Christmas too and that you will really experience the reality that God is with us!

We are taking the overnight bus to Chiang Mai tonight (Friday) and will be staying through next Wednesday. We will take our laptop and will have internet access so keep writing and we'll talk to some of you on Christmas! We love you and miss you!

On the way to the pool. Claire takes good care of Eliza singing "Beautiful, Beautiful Brown Eyes" and "Let the Sunshine In" all the way there

Claire at the pool enjoying the sun and eating her favorite snack of strawberry popcorn

Merry Christmas!

The girls are excited to open their stockings...the sugar rush is coming.

Claire loves the new bell and basket that Daddy added to her bike

Claire and Eliza with new friends Pooh and Piglet.

The pooh playhouse that was such a hit that the girls ate their eggs and toast in there this morning!

We also had our team Christmas party here on Wednesday night. Highlights: eating too many cookies, singing Christmas songs and trying to remember all the gifts for the 12 days of Christmas, learning about the origins of Santa Claus (started by a random argument),and a white elephant gift exchange of mostly food and gift certificates. The girls had a great time too staying up late and eating waaay too much candy and opening great gifts from the team. We are really thankful for our team to celebrate with and are grateful for their friendship and kindness to our girls!

Claire sneaks food from the snack buffet before the party starts

Ben, Tom, Joe, Dan, and Trish.

Claire with Sharon, beginning to wind down from all the excitement (all that dancing and jumping has worn her out)

The girls love their gifts from Joe (Claire yelled HAPPY FEET!...she just saw the movie). They also loved the coloring books, books, and video from Trish, Sharon and Dan.

-Candice