2008 has gotten off to a warm and wonderful start for us here in Chiang Mai. Please join us in praising God for so many blessings this past month.

Noon and I arrived back in Thailand on January 12, and we are grateful for your prayers as we were in transit for 36 hours. All of our flights and connections went smoothly, and we were even able to see one of the church teams as they were flying out of Chiang Mai just as I was arriving! It is especially wonderful for me to be back with all of the children.

Integrated Ministries for Ethnic Minorities was blessed with two teams from Baptist churches in Ohio and New Jersey. Both groups did 2-day Vacation Bible School programs with our daycare. Our energetic preschoolers loved the attention showered on them. Then, the children were treated to field trips and lunch by both groups.

One excursion was to the Chiang Mai zoo, and the highlight for everyone was seeing the panda bears. The other group took the daycare children to a beautiful garden, and everyone had fun discovering topiary animals. Feeding camels, fish, ostriches, and deer was another favorite activity there. Both groups also had special time with the House of Love family. These church friends have been praying for us for years, and what a joy to have them visit and encourage us firsthand!

Pastor Ty Choate gives a special hug during a House of Blessing program.

The big high-light of the month was our official ground breaking ceremony for the House of Love (HOL), on January 25. Wayne Paulsen from the ABC of Ohio has been one of our biggest advocates in raising money for the HOL, and we were delighted to have him be a part of the ceremony. Here are some photos from the evening.

Co directors Khun Amnuayporn and Kim Brown welcome everyone.

(See the cow in the background? Our neighbor’s animals really enjoy our land!)

A dedication plaque was laid as a cornerstone. (from l-r-A. Sanan, Wayne Paulsen, Khun Emi, Khun Adat, Nirada, and Kim represent the group)

The children took time to give heart-felt thanks. They also sang 2 special songs.

Wayne Paulsen and A. Sanan pray during the ceremony.

Rev. Dave Percy, a local missionary who has been helping us with the building, gave the final prayer as the group of about 80 people join in. Following the ceremony, we all enjoyed a pizza supper.