I booked an early flight home because Air and I were missing each other and I had completed everything I had to do. I thought I was going to have a terrible time on the flight because it went via Melbourne and Phuket - 14 and a half hours. The flight wasn't too bad actually because I was able to sleep over 4 seats on the Melbourne and Bangkok legs. I also slept for about 4 hours on the long Phuket flight so all in all it wasn't too bad. My eyes are only just starting to recover from a bout of conjunctivitus. Air loved going through the bags that I brought home - especially the baby clothes from my sister and mother, easter eggs and seeds to start a garden. I was quite overweight but because the flight's weren't full it ddn't matter.
We have a really big prayer point for everyone to pray for. Next tuesday (26th April) we will go to the Australian Embassy in Bangkok for an interview and application for Air's permanent residency visa. Our plans for the next few years hinge on Air being given this visa. We don't think that there will be any problems but please pray that we will remember to cross every t etc and that we are able to get everything done quickly in Bangkok.
Air is getting quite fat now - she is up to 58 kg which doesn't sound much I know but she started at 47 kg. Since I left her she has been eating at her mum and dad's house every day and the traditional Isan food is very much to her liking. She is going for a checkup on Friday and I will be able to go with her this time.
We are in complete holiday mode in Thailand at the moment. Songkran has just finished (Thai New Year with lots of water fights) and the new term will not begin for another month or so. So there isn't much ministry news to report. But Air has been teaching and interpreting at the Disciple Training School that Khon Kaen Church holds twice a year. Teenagers from many Churches in Isan come to Khon Kaen to receive training.
For those of you who know Aajaan Thamanoon from Nong Khai - we saw him yesterday and he is very well indeed. He told us about a miracle that he and his wife experienced recently. They wanted to sell their car so they prayed that they could do it quickly. The next day a man came in and looked it over with a very critical eye. He pointed out all the things that were wrong with it and then asked Thamanoon how much he wanted. Thamanoon said 230000 baat not expecting to get anywhere near that for a 10 year old pickup with lots of problems. The man said okay I will offer you 225000 (AUD7500) and he pulled out a huge wad of cash notes (which were legal by the way). He didn't even take the car for test drive. It is really amazing how God cares for us in every part of our lives and how we can see Him work when we are faithful to Him.
Thankyou for your continuing prayers for myself and Air and especially the baby.
Bye and Pra jao wee porn,
James