I am writing this update from our new home in Nakhon Sawan – 248 kms north of Bangkok.  We moved mid November last year.  It was a blessing to find two houses – almost opposite each other.  Amnuay and Di live in one, and we live in the other.  Neither houses were furnished, nor had a kitchen.  It has been an extremely challenging time.  Some sweet folk from Lad Prao Baptist Church helped us load the truck, but the challenge began when we arrived late in the afternoon … they were still painting the inside, and the house was so filthy that all we could do was unpack the truck and stack everything in the lounge room.  The only furniture we had was a sofa.  We had no hot water either, so we stayed at a “resort” for the night (where, I might add, their hot water wasn’t working either) – but at least we had a bed to sleep in!! 

So the next morning we purchased some furniture and started cleaning.  Both houses were in quite a state of disrepair.  However, Amnuay’s landlady has been very proactive in getting their house ‘liveable’.  Our house .. well .. despite no kitchen sink (or tap), 2 broken doors, 3 broken toilets, no curtains, no phone line or internet (which is my means of communication with Sarah and Justin), no air conditioning, leaking taps and toilets - is starting to feel a little more like home!   We believe this is where God wants us, and whilst it was a BIG step of faith for us and been somewhat challenging, believe that God has, and will continue to take care of all our needs.

Below are some photos – the first being some children of the worker’s.  They were lovely boys and whilst not working, really enjoyed playing with Curtis.  The father said we could pick them up anytime, so are looking forward to working with them and the children in their village / community.  The third photo is washing up Thai style!

Please pray that now we have taken this first step that God will give clear direction as to His purpose for us here.  There is just so much to be done, that it is quite overwhelming.  Although we know God is working, even if we can’t see everything.  Since we decided to make the move, Deeo and his wife both have received Christ as their personal Saviour – which is a tremendous answer to prayer.  I know many people around the world have been praying for Deeo for some time.  Both Deeo and his wife are living with us here at Nakhon Sawan.  There are a number of challenges that will need to be worked through, but please continue to pray for him and his wife, that they will grow and be used of the Lord here in Nakhon Sawan.  Please pray for Wayne also, as he disciples and trains them – that God would grant him wisdom, grace and patience!

Below is a picture of Deeo and his wife in church with us.

We went back to Australia in December, Curtis and I had to renew our passports.  It was so nice to have Christmas and a little time altogether as a family.  Curtis and I flew back into Bangkok Monday morning and we drove straight to Nakhon Sawan. 

As Curtis has been out of school since mid November, my first priority was to get him back into school.  There are no international schools in Nakhon Sawan, but we found a Thai school that teaches three subjects in English.  It has 350 students (only 2 of those farung).  Of course this means that Curtis’ Thai will improve dramatically, but I’m not sure how he will cope with 8 subjects being taught in Thai.  Then an added bonus … school starts at 8:00 am and finishes at 5:00 pm!!!  I’m not quite sure how he will cope with that as it makes for an extremely long day.  He may also have to take extra tuition until his Thai is ‘up to speed’.  I saw the school on Tuesday, and we enrolled him to start the next day (yesterday).  It was very hard taking him to school – my stomach was in knots.  Curtis, who is always very easy going, was also a little nervous.  He was glad to be picked up at 5:00 – it wasn’t a great day.  There will be a lot of adjustment for him.  Please pray for him – that he will make the adjustment, make friends, and be happy there.  Also please pray for his protection. 

Sarah has given notice at her current employment, and will be joining us here at Nakhon Sawan at the end of this month - actually three weeks and two days!!!.  She is very excited about working with us, and I’m looking forward to having her with us also.  Please pray that God would prepare her and use her for His Glory!  Justin graduated at the end of last year, so his school days are now behind him.  He is currently looking at his options for this year.  Please pray for him, that God would give him clear direction and a peace about what he should do.