Jonathan and I returned from our trip to Thailand yesterday. Our trip was AMAZING!
We stayed at a place in Chiang Mai called Juniper Tree, which is a "home away from home" for missionaries in Asia. You can learn more about them at www.juniper-tree.org.
We met missionaries who are working in China, India, Mongolia, Thailand, Korea, and even some fellow NICS missionaries from YISS and ICS-Uijongbu. We met families with hometowns in the UK, Australia, and all across the US, including Richmond, VA and Tulsa, OK. We even met a family who adopted their daughter with Small World! It was so refreshing to hear about what God is doing across Asia and meet some new great people.
We kept busy some days and relaxed during others. We read lots of books and had lots of fun. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, check out these snapshots from our trip, and check facebook for more!
Here are some photos from my walk around Juniper Tree.
The middle house was ours, and it was lovely.
This was our walk to the dining hall everyday.
It was around 70-80 degrees everyday, and it was gorgeous!
This is where all of the families gather for meals.
bamboo for a fence...cool!
little soccer field
beautiful pool area
And then it was time for a little relaxing.
We were able to visit several temples in Thailand.
They were BEAUTIFUL, but heartbreaking.
We also took a Thai cooking class. It was great!
The school grows their own herbs and vegetables to use.
Thai ginger is different, FYI. :-)
Then they took us to the local market for some more ingredients.
First they gave us a "welcome snack."
And then it was time to cook!
Jon's hot basil stir fry
My pad see ew stir fry
I made spring rolls for my appetizer.
Jon made green papaya salad.
Then we made curry powder...from scratch! It was HARD WORK!
Jon's green curry dish
My khao soi curry dish
We also visited the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Only one picture, though...too much to shop for!
We went on a dinner cruise down the river.
It was beautiful!
We even got to visit the Tiger Kingdom
and spend some time in the cages with the tigers!
It's almost our turn!!
Let's just say...I don't have a zoom lens.
Couple moment with our tiger friends.
Jonathan LOVED it!
So many possible captions for this one.
Yep...I did it too!
We went to a King Cobra show...Jonathan's idea.
Again...no zoom lens.
"cobra kiss"
We also had a great time at Maesa Elephant Camp!
We got to feed them.
And then they took a bath before their show.
...relaxin'
Then we played with the babies. This one liked Jonathan.
He placed that hat on my head.
Then it was time for their show.
They played soccer,
and threw darts,
and PAINTED!!
It was amazing!
Here is one of their paintings.
Job well done, elephant!!
Then we relaxed with some Thai iced tea (YYYUUUUUMMM), until...
It was our turn to RIDE!
On our last day, I got a massage.
A perfect end to a perfect vacation.
We had a great trip, and we are ready to hit the ground running for our second semester serving the Lord at PICS!
~Laura~
