Heart check:

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The routine flight instructions that I have heard time after time:

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"Put the air mask on yourself before you help someone else."

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"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?........Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2: 1, 3-5 (NLT)

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I am reminded of the importance to keep check on my own heart

before I 'try to help (fix)" those around me.

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Cutest 6th grade boy!

School started this week in many parts of Georgia. Among the thousands of Dixie-land students who have or will be squeezing through metal door frames, over thresholds and onto shiny waxed floors, I know of 140 sixth grade students in particular, who have an amazing year ahead of them. Many of these 140 are from broken homes, don't know who their daddy is, let alone who their grandpas are.

There is one amazing, balding white-haired man who made a decision nine years ago to begin the journey of becoming a role model for these 140. After 30 years of working in the field of production and production management, the desire to teach children caused this man to engage in a new chapter of life. Beginning college in 2000 and continuing through his master's degree, my "Mr. Bergen" now begins his sixth year of teaching. He is modeling to these children that learning is a privilege, offering them the satisfaction of accomplishment. I am so proud of this man; my husband!

Kyle's commitment to these kids is making an impact on generations to come, one child at a time. This year's Social Studies students will not all grasp what is offered them about our world and about life. For those who wrap their minds and hearts around what is opened up to them, I am excited. I cheer them on to a brighter tomorrow.

In 1963, this young 6th grader, fishing along the banks of the Black Hawk Creek, was asked to pose for the Waterloo Daily Courier front page. Pretty cute, huh?!

I love you, Kyle - you are my hero!
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Goin' a little too far...

There is not a photo to post with this.
You will understand after you read it.
Here is the scenario:
Women's restroom at the resort.
Stalls side by side.
Woman number 1 is in her stall, peeing.
Woman number 2 is in her stall, peeing PLUS talking on her cell phone in the volume most people talk on their cell phone.
Woman number 3 is in her stall, peeing.

Okay, women go with me on this (no, that is not a pun). You can hear all three women peeing. And you hear #2 TALKING. So, logic has it that on the other end of the phone the person #2 is talking to, can ALSO hear the three women peeing.

I was either #1 or #3, it doesn't really matter. The point is, I did not feel like I was in a private, safe place. My personal business was being broadcast to who knows where (people visiting resorts have traveled from homes all over the country or world)!

It still has me in shock, and the pee broadcast happened 5 hours ago! Ugh!!

Who has had a significant role in molding you?

What a treat I had tonight! I am in 112 degree Phoenix, Arizona for WinShape ministry. What a perfect opportunity to spend a couple hours with dear friends, Jim and Pat, who have retired to Phoenix. I was disappointed that I forgot to take a picture of the three of us, so I copied this from Jim's facebook page.

Jim and Pat are stable, precious, Godly people who have made a big impact on my life. I have been so blessed by the many people God has chosen to sow truth and grace into my life, and the lives of my family. Jim and Pat were special, though. Not only did Jim and Pat watch me grow up, but they also saw me get married, were there to hold each of our new-born children, teach Sunday School to Kyle and me for years, and then come to Georgia in the early years we were here, to do a marriage retreat at our church. Stories around the table tonight were catching up on their children and grand children, and just sharing memories and stories of God's goodness to us all. I took a friend, Julie Baumgardner with me, and it was a treat to introduce them to each other.

Jim and Pat told me tonight, that my dad's love for teaching the scripture had molded young Jim in many ways. They even said I was the one who originally asked Jim to teach our class in Iowa. I don't remember, but I know if I did encourage him, it was because God showed me that Jim could not only teach, but Jim and Pat together, could shepherd our class of young married couples. And, that they did! So many couples were nurtured and loved by them. Proof, now 25 years later, I scramble to spend time with them whenever I can. It is a reminder to me that people need to hear how they are gifted and encourage them to use their gifts and talents.

Who are some pillars in your life that have made a big footprint on your heart, the way Jim and Pat have on mine?

Rhubarb

In 1985 we transferred all our earthy possessions from Iowa to Georgia. Crossing the five state lines, Kyle was behind the wheel of our bulging Ryder truck that towed our hillbilly packed pick-up truck, and I drove the yellow Buick station wagon with bedding and toys stuffed tight from roof to window to seat! In the midst of it all were two drugged dogs and four precious trusting children. We knew we would miss so many things in Iowa, of greatest loss was the relationships we held so close to our hearts.

What I did not calculate missing were two things that had been foundational in my mid-western life. Lilac bushes and RHUBARB! Spring of 1986 brought heartbreaking reality when no one had either one in their yard and I couldn't find any in the local farmer's market. My solution was to buy plants from Iowa and start my own lush lilac bushes and hearty rhubarb plants. To make the long story short, after several years of attempts, the verdict was clear. Neither one will grow without a deep freeze in the winter. My spring staples of rhubarb crisp, rhubarb pie and rhubarb jam all served at a table with a lilac-filled pitcher were to be no more.

For years, my mother cut up rhubarb and froze it and brought it down to me in the fall. I used the last package of her loving care a couple years ago. But since mother died, I have not had the storehouse of rhubarb to enjoy. Until this spring. It is now in the freezer section of the grocery store. Ahhhh...not quite as good as fresh, but so good to our family. I grab the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren cookbook, find Merna Miller's recipe and make the bubbly crisp. Add ice cream, and we are back to our roots in minutes!

Tonight, Mike and Judy were visiting, and since rhubarb is not available in Thailand, I made some for our dessert. Mmmm.....it smelled so good baking, and I just had to nibble a few spoonfuls out of the corner while it was piping hot!

Do you have a rhubarb memory?

The stone was rolled away.

Studying John 20 during another makes-me-think Sunday school lesson, I became aware again of a truth that I hadn’t thought on for a long time. I love our class and the discussion of so many people who know the Word! Here is where the discussion took me:

· Why was the stone rolled away from the tomb when Jesus resurrected?
· Did He need the stone rolled away to get out of the sealed tomb?
· I think the tomb was rolled away for your and my benefit. As with everything surrounding the death, resurrection and ascension, it was done for us. So we could see. And believe.

Admittedly, I see the work God has and is doing in other parts of the world through cloudy glasses. I live the missionary life vicariously through prayer letters, emails, and the spoken word. After stepping into the culture and world of Thailand for just a couple of weeks, my glasses are clearer. God was so gracious in allowing me to see into His work for those days. From the perspective of those who have served there for years (Mike and Judy are now 30 year Asian missionaries), I have seen so little. But, from my perspective, the stone was rolled away. So I could see. And believe.

This YOUTUBE link will take you to my picture of Thailand. I hope you capture the people and can feel their need through the words of the song.

Boys will be boys!

Okay, so I agree that a good trip lets the guys be guys and the gals be gals. Recorded below are the differences in what the guys and the gals enjoy.......

The story begins with fishing.
Bait: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches wadded up in a ball
Line: 20 pound test
Total catch: 250+ pounds of fish
Grand prize: Kyle's 100 pound catfish!
Extra Bonus: New friend - BJ!

The story continues with motor cycle riding.
Transportation: 250 Kawasakis
Cost: $25.00 per bike for 24 hours (helmets included)
Destination: Mountain top (beautiful!)
Obstacles: Mud, trees, heat, getting lost
Results: Bruises, blood, and getting home (finally)
Extra Bonus: Memories and laughter (eventually)

And not to be done yet, go cart riding.

Outcome: Fun but much less exciting than the first two adventures.

And, all the while, the girls were enjoying some quality five-on-one time!

Elephants galore!

Elephants are synonymous with Thai life.

We learned several interesting facts about them:

• Gestation is 22 months (oh my!)
• A new born calf emerges into a loving network of mother, aunties and cousins
• Female calves spend most of their life with the same family
• Male calves become too rambunctious at about 12 years and are expelled from the herd
• Average life span is 55 years, some live much longer
• They mourn the death of fellow elephants
• They have personalities unique to each elephant
• They can learn over 40 voice commands

The elephant camps or farms, present a show which includes painting, playing soccer, stacking logs and other various tricks.Each morning, they have bath time, which was so fun to watch!
We rode elephants twice. Enjoy various photos of us riding through the jungle.

Sitting on an elephant before her bath time.

Off we go, on our ride....
Our driver got off and took our photo while the elephant reached to get fresh grass. Returning safe and sound.....
This is our second ride.

We thoroughly enjoyed the personality of the elephants, and loved riding through the absolutely gorgeous jungle. It was so hot each day and we got a kick out of the elephants blowing air through their trunks on us.

Campus Crusade for Christ ministry

Part of our desire while in Thailand was to understand and experience the heart and passion Mike and Judy have had for Asian people for the past 30 years. After spending two and a half weeks there, we better understand their love of the Thai people who they have centered their lives around for over 20 years. Thai people are so kind, gentle and appreciative. We fell in love with those we spent time with.

BJ and Lamoi serving a delicious Thai meal to us in their home.
Paul Utley (Jesus film CCC staff), Mike, Kyle and BJ.

We loved being in BJ and Lamoi's home for dinner one night. BJ is the director for Northern Thailand CCC College Ministry. He is a Thai man who came to know the Lord through CCC, and now leads the ministry. Mike is passionate about developing and teaching Thai nationals to lead and minister to their own people.

On another evening, we had the privilege of meeting with Judy's weekly Bible study group of college alumni that meet at her house. This was a highlight of our trip. We learned their names, had a pizza dinner, then we did a craft that was incorporated into their study.

Judy told me ahead of time to bring something for them to make, which was challenging. A ‘craft’ for men and women college graduates who speak broken English, that would have some meaning to it, and could be transported to Thailand. Hmmmm….after walking the isles at Michael's, I settled on a small brown cardboard box, that could be assembled. Then I bought several sheets of letters. My plan was to have them write whatever they wanted on the box, something like ‘Bible Truths’, ‘Promises’, etc. Then, I wanted each to suggest a verse or a 'truth' that had special meaning to them, write it down, and put it in each other's box

Here I am explaining the boxes, letters and verses.


It turned out pretty cool. They loved the alphabet letters, apparently they can’t get them there. They were very creative with what they wrote on their boxes. The most precious part was their verse selection and hearing them share the reason they chose that verse. It turned into a time to really hear their hearts. Mike and Judy and Kyle and I contributed verses and told the reason for our verses as well. I titled our box "Truth from Thailand" and treasure the verses each person hand wrote for our box. I can still hear their broken English explaining their personal story around that verse.

Then during the prayer time, we had the opportunity to hear the burden they have for family members to come to know Jesus. It was a very precious time for Kyle and me. Jane shared her burden for her boy friend's parents to know Jesus. She and Tuu have been dating for several years and plan to get married. In the Thai culture, Tuu would be disrespectful of his parents if he suggested they believe differently than Buddhism. Jane cried with the burden she feels for the family she loves and will marry into, that they be believers and able to spend eternity together. Since Thai value Americans so much, Tuu's parents would be more open to hearing the gospel from them than their son. So in August, the entire team will go to Tuu's parent's home for the Bible Study, where the door will be open to present the gospel to Tuu's parents.

Thai culture prayer time is different than we are use to in America. All members of the group bow their heads and pray audibly at the same time. We were in awe as we heard them all pour out their hearts to our Father at one time, in a language I could not understand, but knowing He was hearing and pleading on their behalf to the same God we all worship. WOW! Here is the group before they left for home, all showing their boxes of verses. I may not spell the names right, but I remember most of them...Lamoi, Jane, Tuu, Jin, Tuu, Ponn, Poy, (and one more that I can't remember). Verses were: Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 5: 13-16, Isaiah 43: 18-19, Matthew 6:33, John 8:12, Matthew 11:28, and two 'truths' as written on the slips in my box were "If we have hope we can go on" and "He never done me wrong". (I love the broken English expressed by honesty in this one.)


I am praying for Tuu and will look forward to hearing how his parents respond to the presentation of the gospel in August. Tuu is in the red shirt and Jane is in the black and white shirt sitting in front of him. When you think of it, pray for Tuu's family to know Jesus.

To market, to market.......

Chiang Mai is quite the market hub! Night Market, Walking Street Market, Wood Carver's Village, Sa Paper Village, Daytime Thai Market.....and we have made the rounds several times. The Thai make so many things. Prices are very reasonable, plus you bargain with them for a lower price. The baht is the Thai currency. Divide a baht by 33 for the value in US currency. If something is 100 baht, then I know I am paying $3.33 in American money for it. Thai use very few coins, but have paper money down to 20 baht, which would be about 60 cents.

This is a little spirit house in a store. Every home or piece of property has a spirit house. This one in a drug store, is for people to leave food or gifts to please the spirits in this store. The front yard of homes have one of these also. People put out food every day to please the spirits and bring good fortune on the home. The next morning all the offerings are thrown away and it starts all over again.
There are countless blind people singing or playing an instrument for money. Here are four blind men singing and playing at the Sunday night Street Market. Thai people are so sweet and willing to have photos taken of them. Very appreciative of our purchases. They are not real respecters of personal space, so I get a little overwhelmed sometimes of how they want to help you, so stand really close while you are looking at something to purchase. They are so kind, so I appreciate it, but it is just hot, and space would be welcome. :) Here is a photo of women making umbrellas.

The markets are so interesting, and a great opportunity to people-watch! We have watched them make umbrellas, paper, wood carving, mats, jewelry, etc. And everywhere in the markets are food carts. Watermelon smoothies are our favorite, but today I had a mango smoothie, which was definitely worth ordering again!

Hand made paper stacked up at the sa paper village market. Yesterday we were walking between vendors at a market, and two elephants walked down the center of the street. We loved it and bought bananas from the local vendor to feed them.

It is hot and humid here. Sweat (can't even begin to call it perspiration, it is SWEAT!) rolls down our faces, necks and backs. It really is exhausting to be out in the heat, walking among sausage and fish stands, etc. But, we don't want to miss anything either...so we just crawl along like little slimy slugs! (Now isn't that a pretty picture for you to imagine!) BUT, there is this wonderful trade-off.....massages. In the middle of that hot shopping, massages are really inexpensive and wonderful. This was a time when the four of us stopped for one hour foot and leg massages. I forget what we paid here, but last night at 10:00 p.m., we all had 1 hour and 45 minutes foot, leg, arm and back massages and it was only $20 per person. We got home about 11:30 and let me tell you, we slept very well! The massage mats or chairs are all over, it is just a common thing to do when you are shopping!
Judy and I went to a market today, stopped to have lunch at a very nice tea room, then rode a tuk tuk through town to their home to rest and cool down.

Random experiences

I am going to post some random photos from the past few days. Some of them recapture what we have already explained, some are new. Enjoy!
Yummy fresh squeezed orange juice and coconut milk from a street vendor in Bangkok. A great break in our jet-lag day when we arrived.
One of the practices is for the Buddhist believers to gain merit with their gods. They do it in many ways, some that I explained on other posts. This one is feeding the fish. There are bread stands and bread boats where people buy bread, then immediately tear it up and give it to the fish. The cat fish are huge and very eager for the constant feedings they receive. All this to please their gods.

Rows of vendors selling fresh flower leis and wreaths to offer as merit.

"Eat Mor Beef"? - a big gold chicken along the road on our trip south to Ranong.

Somsak, the pastor who has opened the orphanage for ten children he gathered from the two islands we visited. These children will now have a stable home life that he and his wife, Uan, create for them. Today, Mike ordered a ping pong table for the orphanage that our Sunday School class will buy in addition to the uniforms. In this photo, Somsak is praying for a family that has received one of the one-room cement block homes on one of the islands. He is a precious man who cares for not only the physical, emotional and mental well being of the kids, but for their spiritual life as well.

Children on the island loved the little Chick-fil-A cows we took them.


Sawat, the boat driver took Kyle out fly fishing in the Andaman Sea during the afternoon we were on the islands. This was an hour that presented a pretty calm sea, so Kyle could have this cool experience. This is the boat we came and went across the sea in, that protected us when other boats near-by capsized and lost two of their passengers.

Girls on Chang Island playing jacks with sea shells.


Rough housing with the Moken kids....a treat for both us and them!


This is the sight entering any one's home. This was actually at a store. All shoes come off to keep the inside floors clean. This has been strange, no wonder they wear flip flops all the time!
Two children in the orphanage in their school uniforms. Their hand gesture is their way of saying thank you to all who gave money for the uniforms.

New uniform shirts washed and drying for the next day at the orphanage. They have no clothes dryer at the orphanage, so there are drying racks everywhere!

Judy and eating breakfast on the train. She slept in the bunk above me, then when they unmade her bunk, she shared a table with me.

Kyle's berth-made-into-table that he shared with another passenger. When the man went to eat in the dining car, I snuck in for a photo of us together. What a fun experience to sleep and eat on the train!

One of Judy's gifts is hospitality. She has planned so much for us, had fresh flowers in the house and in our little guest house. Note the Grady Farms milk bottle with the flowers. Those little bottles get around! It really is a treasure for us to see their home that is so welcoming and comfortable.

Lady selling leis to us at an intersection in Chiang Mai. They cover their heads and faces to stay cool and not to get sun tanned.

Like I said, there are motorbikes everywhere. Pizza Hut delivery here! I'm not sure why he has a coat on, this is in the middle of the day, and we were soooo hot!

These have just been a few random shots for you to see of our experiences here. We are having an incredible time!

For more updates, you can check out Judy's blog too, if you would like.