Learning Thai

Claire with Grandpa Schrock in December 2005

This past Sunday my Grandpa Schrock died. I'm glad that he has finally been released from his weakened body and that he is now with his creator, but it still feels like a loss. I remember saying goodbye to him in 2006 before we left for Thailand and I thought then that I may never see him again - and in a way, I was right. I ended up seeing him twice after that, but by then he was very weak and basically uncommunicative.

I've been living away from Greenwood for a long time, and I have been envious of my siblings and cousins who have been able to spend more time with him and help to care for him. At the same time, I'm glad that my primary memory of him is from longer ago - the big, strong, hardworking man that I remember from my childhood. My earliest memories are of his prickly whiskers and the way he would pretend to sleep while I touched his face - until he would suddenly snort and bite my hand. He also liked to tease his grand-kids and I remember him having a lot of fun frustrating me by answering my "Why?" questions with "To make little boys ask questions." I also remember leaving his house on Sunday nights and him telling me to "sleep two rows at a time" since I was getting to bed late.

As I got older I was impressed by the many ways in which he served other people. He was very quiet and humble about it and I think that he demonstrated that aspect of Christ-like service better than anyone else I've known. He certainly did not seek out leadership positions, and I never remember him even speaking in church, but somehow it was very evident that he was a deeply committed follower of Jesus.

I remember being surprised by how many people in the community knew him. I could often identify myself as "Elvin Schrock's grandson" when someone had no other way of knowing who I was and that was always a positive association.

One of my favorite memories of him is from when I was a young teenager. I'd been left home alone and I discovered that one of our piglets had gotten its head stuck between the slats of its pen. It was making a terrible racket and I could not free it.I didn't know what else to do, so I called Grandpa. He dropped whatever he was doing and immediately came to my rescue, quickly freeing the pig. I was greatly relieved -and very impressed by both his problem-solving ability and willingness to help me when he certainly had better things to do.

I've been thinking about and missing him a lot this past week. I don't think that I can identify the extent of his influence on me because he was so consistently and quietly faithful. He didn't make a big deal about teaching me things or setting an example -and my life has taken a much different path than his did. But he has always been one of the men that I've most admired and he will continue to be an important role model for me as an ideal of selfless service to others.

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

From Facebook I've gathered that the recent earthquake on the east coast of the U.S. caused quite a stir. I was surprised, however, to see that it made the front page of at least one of the Thai newspapers. I've noticed that in reporting on natural disasters or terrorist attacks in other countries, the Thai press often focuses on the plight of Thai expats in those locations. This earthquake was no exception. The first line of the article reports that "An earthquake was reported in Virginia. No Thai people were injured or killed." You have to read through the end of the second paragraph to find out that there were no reports of any deaths or injuries - Thai or otherwise!

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week marks some pretty big milestones in our family!

Three years ago this week, a baby boy became a part of our family! We celebrated his big day on Saturday and it was amazing to think how fast his first three years have gone! We love that kid- he is a mess and a joy! :) (probably what God says about me all the time :)). He got a racecar with pedals for his birthday, so you can envision him racing around "the circle" in our house with fierce concentration and lots of racecar noise.

A very hot, August moving day in Ohio.

Five years ago this week, we left America and arrived in Thailand! I will never forget how overwhelmed, small, and lost I felt facing this big city of strangers, moving into a strange, empty house and learning a whole new system of acting, speaking, and thinking! So grateful for God's grace as we learned and for his wonderful provision. My heart is full of praise and gratitude now as I look around at our happy home and life, the kid's schools and all the wonderful people we know. He is GOOD. We are humbled and happy to be here.

From empty house to full house!

-Candice

P.S. Pray for Tom and kids these next few weeks as I am headed to America for my brother's wedding. Extra grace will be needed to get work done and kids cared for. Thanks for supporting me to go, Honey!!

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Reach team left Thailand two weeks ago, has been through re-entry and are now back home. Please pray for the seeds that they planted here in Thailand. Pray that the people that they taught and the university students and children they worked with will continue to be impacted by their experience with this team.

One important work this team did was with Lung and Geat and their two children Faa and Dtao. Rachel and Rhonda were able to live in the same apartment building with them and witness their growth in spiritual interest. It was really good to see them start to ask more questions, begin reading the Bible at home, and to pray as a family. Lately they have begun attending our small worship meetings in Thippawan. We are really excited to see God's work in their life and to witness in the changes in their family.

Now that the Reachers are gone, we are trying to stay in closer contact with them as a family. One thing we are trying is to get together at a playground most Sunday nights. Last week we got rain when the kids were playing and they got to run and splash on the basketball courts. Silas was really impressed by Faa laying down and making "rain angels" and of course had to copy her. :) It's fun to see the kids getting to be better friends.

By the way, in the interest of making this more of a blog focused on ministry updates, we've started a new family blog with personal updates. If you'd like that address, please e-mail anytime and we'd be happy to share it!

-C

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saturday evening a large group came to our house for a final celebration meeting/goodbye party for the REACH team. They've been here for 8 months and are returning to the States on Wednesday morning. It had been a while since we had a large meeting like this (we've been focusing more on small group meetings) and it was a lot of fun (and a little chaotic!)

Before the meal Wana gave a cooking lesson. Her spicy pork salad is the best we've ever had.

A small portion of the food. Everyone brings food to share...and even though we worry every time that there won't be enough, there always is!

The kids' table. They gobbled up the sushi that Wana brought.

The REACH team (along with a Chinese friend).

After the meal we had a Bible study, heard the team share about what God has taught them in Thailand, and then did a string tying ceremony as a way of blessing them and sending them on their way.

It was good to see everyone together again - some believers, some seekers, and some new friends. It's quite a diverse group, but we're grateful for the unity that God's spirit brings.

-Tom

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Silas' current favorite activity is running around the house pretending that he is Super Why (a PBS reading superhero). For a while he was wearing this helmet. Now he prefers a cape that Candice made him out of an old t-shirt.

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever since this school year started Claire has been telling us stories about a particular boy in her class. She used to sit next to him but was very relieved when he was moved a few weeks ago. He loves talking to her and is apparently obsessed with Thai history. All of this would be fine if he didn't take it upon himself to point out her mistakes and to give her long lectures about Thailand's history.

Today she came home from school with this drawing that he'd made to warn our family about "Nok Ten" the tropical storm that is currently causing flooding in northern Thailand. He helpfully drew a map of Southeast Asia and told Claire that a storm surge is coming and that we could be flooded out.

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's my favorite recent example of English translated from Thai. I was out looking for potential apartments for friends who are moving to Thailand soon and saw this notice that was being distributed to the tenants of one complex.

-Tom

Posted by Tom & Candice Mast at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)