Happy Times in Chiang Rai

Hey all,

Day 6 and 7 Update: We cannot believe we have been here in Chiang Rai for almost an entire week! The time is a flyin', we just have 3 more days to spend with CFPM before we head to Chiang Mai to meet up with the Sold Team and VCDF. Yesterday was a restful day, we had time to sleep in (because Thai energy drinks have the force to keep you up until 4am, In fact, Thailand is where Red Bull all started) and then we ran some errands and spent time just playing with the children, teaching them songs and games. It is going to be extremely difficult to say goodbye to these kids, they have stolen our hearts ;) We are learning more about how organizations work, about frustrations and successes, and how much it takes to run a solid foundation and to spark a vision. Ryan has been great with being open and answering our questions. Another great conversation about something we love and trying to figure out how to better make it happen. After another one of Amy's authentic Thai meals we headed to the night market to spend our last night with Judy and Steve (Ryan's parents) who have shared so much wisdom with us in daily devotions and in how they live their lives. Anyway then we settled back down at Ryan's house and watched Life is Beautiful ( a must see people!) before heading off to bed.

Today we woke up early ate some fibrous oatmeal and weetabix (there isn't the same fiber opportunities of whole wheat and vegetables here as there is in California) and then headed off to elephant land up in the mountains. The drive up was absolutely beautiful and we got to drive by many of the villages where the many of kids of CFPM are from. We passed corn and rice fields, and finally arrived at the elephant camp which thrilled the kids, though they patiently waited to head over to the giant animals. We began by feeding the elephants then splitting up into threes to ride the elephants for a good half hour which was a blast.

Before heading out we held a 130 kilo snake (about 280 lbs) and posed for this wonderful picture. After this adventure, we headed to Big C (a mall/grocery store...an all-in-one) with the whole crew which is exciting for the kids and always an event in itself..Sunni and May enjoyed their first KFC experience and we wandered around. Beng got a new pair of jeans for memorizing and being able to spell 50 English words!

We had our last meal together before taking Judy and Steve to the airport, which again entailed the whole crew. It was hard to say goodbye, but we are so thankful to have had the privilege of being taken in by the Roes. After leaving the airport we headed back to the house, the kids are staying with us at Ryan's tonight to give the CFPM staff a break for the night, so we watched a Disney movie and put the kids to bed.