It's Amazing!

I just praise God for Tim in my life and that we can focus on returning to Thailand together right now.  It's been about three months since our wedding day and when people ask us, "How's married life?"  We smile and reply, "It's awesome!"  I never knew that marriage would be so full of adventure.  Sure, there are ups and downs and we know that we won't be on this newly-married high forever, but we are basking in joy of these first few months and enjoying every bit of it. 

We praise God for the godly couples in our lives who's marriages have taught us about love and sacrifice.  We are still going through our pre-marital counceling/coaching with Joy.  She's been great at pointing out our strength and growth areas.  Tim and I have many areas we need to grow in.  We also have alot to thank God for.  Through our almost four years of dating, we have learned so much about each other that has prepared us for these days and the days ahead. 

Duffy:  I miss Thailand, but with all of these new transitions and goals of paying down our debt, I have faith God will bring us back sooner than later. 

Tim's words of wisdom for the day, "Yes, dear."  and "I hate beef risotto.  No to the risotto!" 
(That was in response to a failed dinner attempt at something new by me, Duffy.  Oops. 
You lose some, you win some.)

Tim and I at Monteaux's Public House in Beaverton for our Friday Night Date.
We have a date night every Friday and it has been a good connecting point in our busy week. 



They look the same!  Teeheehee.


Easter with Tim's Parents and nieces on Anderson Island, Washington


My trip to Montana last week.  I stayed with my friend Hilary and her husband Paul.  I miss you guys!
The kitty is Hewy.  :)

 
I got to ride this kewl motorcycle in the cold wind.  The valley was beautiful though!


My friend, Meghan, and I having coffee and dessert in Montana.  She's an awesome friend.  I miss you, Meghan!


Tim picked me up at the airport and brought me flowers on Sunday!  He really is the sweetest husband.
Okay, now I'm bragging.


We have a beautiful park behind our apartments.  Praise Jesus for His wonderful creation and walks in the park. 
(Sometimes we jog together...but that's rare.)


Can you guess what my favorite dessert is? 

Life in the Sticks

Once again I find myself the only white face in a crowd of tanned-skinned, dark-haired people.  The nearest group of foreigner travelers can be found an hour away, but I rather have enjoyed these past two weeks of feeling like I'm miles away of anything white or Western.  The last leg of teaching English in Phang Nga has gone great.  We have our final English party tomorrow and then I head back to Bangkok on Saturday morning to finish up my last two months in the country I have come to love so much. 
Being with Thai people has become easier and easier this past year.  It has only been through many experiences of both laughter and extreme frustration that have I grown into my half Asian brain.  It's strange to grow another cultural skin over the one you've had all of your life.  My roommate, Dee, and fiance, Tim, have often caught me saying English sentences the way Thais would say them.  Things like "She cares for fish." or "Please close your papers.  We will test now."  Here are a few pictures taken during our time in Phang Nga.  It will be these strange things I will miss upon my return in December. 


Chicken feet soup anyone?  It really is a much loved food here!


Pii Chian killed this huge snake after it was spotted trying to eat a caged pigeon right above our heads.  Not joking either...ew! 


There is no such thing as an overweight vehicle in Thailand.  If it has wheels, it can haul whatever it can hold!


An authentic Thai treehouse.  That's Dee and I. 


This picture was taken for Tim.  He thinks the dried-grass brooms look funny.  I guess they do, especially with the pig and chicken in the background. 

 Continued Teaching in Phang Nga

As you may remember, last April and May Niina and I spent time teaching in Phang Nga.  At the beginning of this month, my roommate, Deanna, and I had the chance to return to work at the place!  The sites, smells, and laughter of the people all brought such a happy feeling as we continued what we started.  God has really given us a unique chance to get to know the people outside and inside of the church.  The English group of about 8 adults went well for the first two weeks.  More than half were my old students who were estatic to have their old teacher return to teach them.  One lady even studied so hard these past few months that she jumped from a level 2 to a level 5 in speaking abilities!  They really are motivated and ready to learn.  My favorite part was that the woman who was so eager to learn English came to see us at church last Sunday.  She had never been before and I do believe was touched by the small group of people worshipping God. 
Below are some pictures of Pii Bom and her house.  Pii Bom is a lady in the church that we work with.  She loves to have us over to cook for us.