Chris and I visited Doi (mountain) Suthep to see the Wat (Buddist temple) and the King & Queen's Winter Palace. These stairs lead to the Wat and quite nicely show the symbolic statues (dragon-like creatures) that often adorn the temples. Chris made the climb and went into the temple.  

The Thai people love the elephants and have discovered that they have many talents. Normally they are used in the jungle to help with the lumber industry and other tasks requiring great strength. So, painting a picture is quite a remarkable opposite trait of dexterity and gentleness. Ask Chris about the amazing things that the elephants did at the show. He has some remarkable stories to tell! 

One cannot visit Chiang Mai, Thailand without enjoying the unique experience of riding an elephant. We had a most animated elephant who in spite of the very muddy ground figured out how to dance around!  

Before I left Rockford I made one last visit to Beth Eden Church to talk to the children at Vacation Bible School. Much to my delight I witnessed discipleship right in the church! For Beth Eden folks I am sure the recognize your Pastor sitting in the chair to the right and your Youth Pastor looking a bit like Gilligan in the lower right hand corner.  

Summer break is almost over. Wow - it is by far the longest vacation I have taken since I started working over 30 years ago. It has been a long time since my last posting. During the break I went back to the States; visited friends and family; spoke at several churches; filed my income taxes; and caught up on other necessary errands. I rested a great deal which unfortunately contributed to a gain in weight. I enjoyed the beautiful Midwest countryside and simply loved the weather! I tried watching the Cubs but must admit to not being quite the die-hard fan that I should be. They were dismal! My son joined me on the trip back to Chiang Mai. We stopped for 2 days in California to visit our Uncle Chris and then arrived in Thailand on July 31. Still a long journey, it helped to break it into two parts. We were greeted at the Chiang Mai airport by thunderstorms and flooding streets. However, we were pleasantly surprised to experience awesome weather the rest of the week - moderate temps and NO RAIN! Chris and I were able to ride the elephants; visit Doi Su Thep and its well know Buddhist temple; shop at the Night Bazaar; and visit the factories for silverware, celedon pottery, umbrella and paper; and the famous Shinawatra Silk factory. Shinawatra is the family name for the current Prime Minister. School for teachers starts August 9 and the students arrive August 15. I will be more faithful with news and photos now that I am back in Chiang Mai. Let me know if you have any comments.
Blessings! Judy