Thai ’08 Journal 7

What a day yesterday was! In the morning Annabelle Bell, the Administrator’s wife took us to a recently opened Tiger Kingdom. One of Lorraine’s lifelong dream was to pet a tiger. At this place we were able to pet both baby tigers and grown ones. It was memorable! Then in the afternoon we took out our sponsorees (along with a friend of their choosing), for a bit of shopping. It was Christmas in July! Then we ate at a lovely Northern Thai restaurant before taking them to the Night Safari. That was also an unforgettable experience. The boys especially were ecstatic. It is a unique experience with the wild animals all around us as we drove through the park in the dark. Of course they shone spotlights on them as we passed herds of the various animals.

More important for this trip, however, was the bonding with these kids. We are committed to their success. So they got to know us as family, and we were able to talk to them about the importance of doing well in school, etc. The little boy especially needs attention, and we have arranged for him to receive special help.

Also important is talks we had with David Bell the Administrator. There is a great link with WWU and CAA, which we want to continue. (Incidentally we got to see Michael and Summer Lee for 2 minutes this morning just as we were leaving early for the airport.) One of the great ideas David and I talked about is having CAA participate in mission service. They are always receiving. They want to give. This is what Mission College is doing; and we are partnering with them in their mission service. And here I am back at MC to begin this year’s endeavor.