Time to meet my housemate - Beth

Beth and I decided that we needed to introduce each other to our collective friends and family. In 2005 we both came to Chiang Mai and Grace International. We did not know each other previous to our arrival. It just happened that there was one place and two people wanting to share cost. What could one do? As a new missionary, I benefitted the most from that linkup because Beth had served in China, Kenya, Pakistan and a group of islands that I can never remember. She provided a most steady environment for me in a not so steady world. Beth teaches the 8th grade core classes at Grace and comes with a 25 year background in gifted education in Roanoke, Virginia. Her love is history and Chinese history in particular. We have learned to live in this most different place and have been housemates for the most part of 3 years. I took six months off for furlough starting the 2nd semester and Beth took off the 1st semester of last year and came back 2nd semester to cover for me. For some reason for which neither of us can figure out, we are often mixed up. We will let you decide if there is any similarity. Students and teachers alike often call us by the wrong names. Someday we might even dress alike. Now, that would be a hoot! We do have a good time together and have traveled to Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and soon will fly to the Philippines. I am most blessed to enjoy her cooking and Beth is most blessed because I cleanup after her. It is a good arrangement!! This picture is taken at Raffles Hotel in Singapore. We enjoyed 'High Tea' in a most beautiful dining room of the hotel.

Suda's picture

The mahoots bring Suda's picture closer to the gallery where people can take photos of this most amazing accomplishment! Can you see the signature! Most incredible!

The elephant artist!

My church family has seen a picture painted by an elephant. It has to be one of the most amazing feats and this elephant was the star of the show! Here is Suda the elephant not only painting a picture but signing it as well.

Thai oxcart

Most of the cows in Thailand are white! These brown cows truly stand out and I just love this picture! It is a keeper!

Elephants love to eat!

For 40 baht (about $1.50 US) one can buy bundles of bananas and sugar cane to feed the elephants. Our elephant easily ate 4 bundles of each!

Elephants bathing - takes a large bath tub!

In no uncertain terms bathing is a large job for an elephant! The mahoots (trainers) have a wire brush that they use to clean the skin of the elephant. One must get too close to this event. The elephants love to spray people!

Thailand and elephants

The Thai people love their elephants. This weekend we traveled north to an elephant camp near Mae Tang where they train elephants to help with various tasks. This particular camp features elephants doing various stunts such as soccer, basketball and log rolling. In addition one can go on a bamboo raft and oxcarts. The river is quite high so we did not attempt the bamboo raft.

The Secret Cupboard alias puppet theatre!

Theresa has some hidden gems in the secret cupboard to go along with her story. She chooses a different child every week to open the doors. The suspense and joy are visible every time with the younger students as the secrets are revealed. Tough job, but somebody has to do it!

New Thai-style playground equipment

You are looking at the elementary school playground with its new playground equipment. It is quite colorful and quite well used! Behind it is a climbing wall! With some imagination you can see the door to the elementary library. We are located on the second level just above the tall palm tree. Any wonder why I love this place! In the background is the World Club Mubann (village) where we live!

Our new classrooms in progress!

With an increase in enrollment, new portable classrooms are being built. The 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes hope to move into their new rooms by the October break. Right now these grades are in various odd sites - 2 squash courts and an upstairs room at the restaurant across from the entrance to the school. Not ideal - but these people are definitely copers!! Each day we see progress! Note the children in the foreground. The workers live on site with their families. Some children actually help!