Thailand Two: Return of the Thai

I am now sitting in a lovely hotel room in the city of Chiang Rai, Thailand.

How awesome is that?!

I'm in Thailand for a Global Ministries retreat, both as a participant and as the on-site journalist. Nearly all of our full-time GM missionaries are here to worship together and get some rest and relaxation.

Of course, it took nearly two full days to get here, so I'm in desperate need for that rest.

I don't think I've slept since Thursday.

You'll forgive me if this is brief. I'll try to be more detailed in the future, but I wanted to keep you up-to-date.

I think I'll go try that sleeping thing now.

Beka

Last Thursday, another dear friend of mine moved away, this time to continue her ministry in the Philippines. Beka and I went through CROSS-training together, and I was so incredibly blessed to have her as we started in Communications together. Beka went on to join Mobilization and moved upstairs, but I continued to be blessed with her friendship.

Please pray for Beka and her ministry partner Lauren as they minister to women and children in the Philippines.

 

Guess what?!

One week from today, I will be winging my way toward Thailand.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!!?!

Global Ministries is taking all of their missionaries to a resort in Chang Rai. We're also visiting our ministries in Thailand.

I'm so excited!

(more soon)

In Europe, a vacation is a holiday.

You know all those things you leave undone before a major holiday like Christmas because it doesn't need to be done until the next year and you have plenty of time and there's not much left to be done anyway so you can let it sit until you get back but you're secretly hoping they are no longer a priority when you get back and will no longer need to be done?

They didn't go away.

I can't begin to tell you how many things were tabled before the holiday that have returned with a vengeance needing to be dealt with RIGHT. NOW.

This is not a good time to be preparing to leave again.

Note to self: don't stack vacations, holidays and trips out of the country.

In other news, I'm leaving the country soon.

Welcome to 2013

"Hi Jessica, how are you?"

"I'm doing well. And you?"

"Good. How was your holiday?"

"It was nice. Yours?"

"Same."

--Every conversation the first time I see someone after getting back to the office.