Greetings from Thailand and Scott and Tan Coats,   

Immediately after the last day of classes in early June, Tan and I and the kids headed for the United States.  After a rushed but rewarding two months, four of us arrived back in our home here in Chiang Rai while Alisa stayed with my parents for a few more weeks. We had just been home two nights, but Tan and I were up rattling around the house at 4 a. m. as our body clocks tried to adjust to the eleven-hour time difference. We were eager to get home, although the boys were less so, having had such a good time in the U. S.

In my haste to return to our home and work, I seemed to have forgotten about the dampness and the mold and the tropical monsoons; about the fact that clothes don’t dry, and about the frogs, cockroaches, ants, and the occasional snakes in the house. What a contrast to the clean, dry homes in America where we had to privilege to stay this summer. Neighbors here say that it’s been one of the wettest rainy seasons in years. Fortunately, we haven’t seen it flood yet like it has in the past. Living on the flood plains in a house that is built on the ground always makes me a little nervous in the rainy season.    I want to apologize to those of you whom we weren’t able to connect with while in the States these last two months. Our summer furlough included a schedule of visiting and speaking over thirty times in two dozen churches in the Indiana-Illinois area. So it was very busy, and I knew that this year we wouldn’t be able to get out to the East Coast or the Seattle area to see some of you. Just not enough time. 

For those of you whom we did have a chance to visit, thanks so much for receiving us and showing such interest in our ministry here in Chiang Rai.  It was great to finally meet some of the wonderful people who have been supporting us without personally having a chance to meet us. Your willingness to uplift and pray for us despite never having that personal contact is real encouragement.     Although I had hoped to stay out of the office for another week -- fixing all the broken things in the house, attacking the ‘jungle’ that is our yard, going to the doctor, etc., I did pop over to join the Mekong Minority Foundation staff team for Monday morning worship.  They were engrossed in a Bible study on knowing God’s calling in one’s life.  The worship, sharing, and scripture reading lasted for over two hours.  A move seems to be under way where each one is taking their faith more seriously.  I’ve also been particularly impressed with how well they have been working together to sort out organizational challenges. Wow, that’s really good news.

There is sad news, though.  Aunty Amy Suriya passed away soon after we left this summer.  She was about 81.  Some of you will remember this sweet, single Karen lady from Burma who had lived in Thailand working in the Baptist-related schools for tribal children since before 1960.  Educated in Burma before 1950, her unique contribution was in her excellent English skills.  Our MMF team had gotten quite involved in looking after her these last few months.  Some friends and I were supporting her, and we, with the help of some of our youth, helped to build a water filter and storage tank for her little home so Aunt Amy and her adopted daughter would have clean water to use.  The MMF staff hosted one night at the wake.

Thanks again for your part in keeping us on the field serving Him.  

Blessings,  

Scott and Tan