This morning Jodi picked us up and took us out to the Ubon University to meet Randy. Randy is doing his research project for his masters degree in aquaculture at the university, and he gave us a tour of the hatchery facility where he conducts his work, as well as look at what he is building for his project, which involves rearing freshwater prawns. It was awesome for me to see how he has progressed in his education and understanding in the 16 months since I last saw him, and I'm very excited for what this project and the business that Randy will look to be setting up upon completed his degree will mean for the team and for the Issan people. You can be praying for this endeavor, especially that they will find a site (a good water supply is critical) and that Randy will find a Thai helper to come alongside him in the work.
We then headed back into Ubon for lunch, which was a traditional Issan meal, including a barbecued chicken (which is incredible here, if you ask me), barbecued fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice. Good stuff. This also offered us an extended opportunity to connect with Randy and Jodi.
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel for a quick rest and some freshening up, before embarking on tonight's task, which I'm currently in the midst of. Our team has provided Lynn and Amy and Randy and Jodi with free childcare for the evening and a little seed money for a date night. John and Cheryl are with Jodi and Randy's kids, and Andrew and I are here with Lynn and Amy's clan. You wouldn't expect such a task to afford time to sit down and blog, but the kids have been very, very cooperative. I'm hoping that continues, because I need to get some laundry finished before we leave. The team was instructed to basically pack for a week, so we've reached the point where we were all going to start being less pleasant to be around if we didn't get some clean clothes.
I ask that today you would just pray especially for Lynn and Amy, Randy and Jodi and their families. Raising a family in a completely different culture has unique challenges, and so pray today especially for continued strength and wisdom as they bring up these wonderful and beautiful children.
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4 comments:
Let me add my two cents here. Cheryl and i are watching Randy and Jody's children, and they are IN BED after a good time of giving them dinner and taking them out on a walk.
Let's see.. out of their driveway, take a left for 15-20 yards, take another left down the street for 20 yards, and what do I see... The lot for the Pink #3 Song T (pickup truck taxi service of Ubon). Hey Scott!!! We've been here before! For the inside info, please read yesterday's blog.
Anyhow, one thing that struck me today as I talked with Randy and Jody is that even though they are doing well as parents with these wonderful children, not having family or babysitters that they can trust around them creates a wear and tear on any marriage relationship. I just got a call from Jody a few minutes ago asking how the kids were at 9 p.m., and after I reassured them that things were going very well, they told me that they were heading for a massage (which is the thing to do around here, I suppose). It did my heart good to know that we traveled 17 hours plus an 11 hour train ride in order to babysit three children. It may not sound significant to some of you here, but as a parent of 6 I know how much of a blessing it is to have someone come and take the pressure off for a little while. Pray for the parents of this team, Randy and Jody, and Lynn and Amy. Pray that God would lead them to someone or some people whom they can trust to watch their precious cargo for a little R and R from time to time.
And by the way, Cindy dear, you get a FREE NIGHT the first night I'm back. I need something to keep me awake from jet lag. Pray for my wife while I am away and she has four to herself for a few more days.
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JK
"Date nite in Ubon" that is a curveball headline. I went back to early blog to the Thailand trip schedule and it wasnt there so the HS is leading. as always prayer is with you.
i hope you are haveing fun and all is going ok your friend and team mate ted
Hey everyone!! I've been reading your posts faithfully and I am excited to hear about everything you are doing and learning over there. Here are a few notes of encouragement to everyone:
Scott, it sounds like you've been really helpful to everyone there, but still learning a lot. That's so exciting! Keep on truckin'. :)
Cheryl, I just know you will be such a great light to any person you encounter in Thailand! Keep on shining!
Andrew, this is such a great opportunity for you. Soak everything in and make sure to write about your experiences so you can remember and look back on them as time goes on!
John, it's so cool to see and have a pastor that actually is honest about new things he is learning. That's so cool!! I can't wait to hear you, all of you, speak about this trip. P.S. - I contacted Anya and I have also purchased Captivating by Eldridge and the Journal to go with it. Very fascinating and I've only read 1 chapter. I'm trying to be like David and face this giant in my life. :)
My prayers continue to be with all of you for the rest of this trip and especially on your travels home. May God shower you and all of the Thai people with many blessings and miraculous things! God is amazing and can do innumerable things!
Blessings, Sarah B.
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