Happy New Year!  In Thailand, we actually celebrate three new years -- the western one in January, the Chinese New Year about a month later, and the Thai New Year in mid-April.  For us in the office, it isn’t so much a time of making resolutions, but rather of reflecting back on 2008 as we write annual reports.  Most certainly, it is a time for praising God for all He has done leading our organization through these past 12 months.  Next month, we will be posting our annual review so you may also praise God with us!

The nativity story being acted out by the Center for the Development of People with Disabilities (CDPD) children

Praise Points:

•    What a wonderful Christmas season we had celebrating Jesus in lots of different ways.  One of my favorite events is the House of Blessing daycare Christmas party for all the children and their families.  Over 220 people gathered at our office for a program put on by the children followed by a simple luncheon.  Some of the graduates of the daycare program came for the event.  My heart is so joyful to see how these children are succeeding in the Thai school system.  Eleven of the students have won awards for achievement this past year.

•    The House of Love children had a special Christmas party at KFC sponsored by one of our supporters here.  I think fried food is a universal treat for children from any culture!  We also had a pizza dinner together at the current House of Love.  The children are excited to know that next Christmas they will be in the new buildings -- their new home!

•    Some of the HOL children who are studying violin, keyboard, and guitar were able to be in a special Christmas concert on Dec. 21.  Music is such a wonderful way to worship God, and the children did wonderfully.  I love hearing their progress!

•    I was able to be in Mae Sariang for the Center for the Development of People with Disabilities (CDPD) Christmas pageant.  I don’t think there were ever more convincing angels than the girls in that program.  What a delight to see these children with special needs be able to enjoy being on stage, and being able to proclaim Jesus.

•    You may remember that I was to have a Thanksgiving weekend with my brother and niece -- and instead they were trapped in Bangkok during the trouble with the airport.  I was able to take a 12-hour bus ride and still be able to have some time with them -- what an adventure it turned out to be!  Thank you for praying!

Prayer Points:

•    The HPTP staff is now working on collecting baseline data that is necessary for directing our work.  Please pray for safety in travels.

•    One of the House of Blessing Daycare teachers, Khru Rae, gave birth three months early, and her child is now in the special care nursery.  Please be praying for Khru Rae and her family during this stressful time.

•    I hope you don’t get tired of praying for the building project.  The final bits are being done on the house and kitchen -- please continue to pray that everything finishes in good time.  The children are so excited as they see the progress they can hardly wait!

•    I am so grateful I can return to Florida to celebrate my mom and step-father’s 50th wedding anniversary.  All seven of us children will be with them, which will be a special time.  Please pray for safe travels and good health as I spend this time with family.

Three Lahu daycare students ready to perform for the daycare Christmas program

Smiles from three of the graduates of the House of Blessing daycare program