Aloha from Thailand

I really wanted to do a story on "Living with a Pakistani Family"but the internet service goes up and down in Pakistan. Like Kenya the electrical power is not reliable. I hope to do that later.

After spending four nights at the Bangkok Institute of Theology I am now staying at the Christian Guest House in Bangkok. Here, I have to put a coin in every 10 minutes so I will need to find a better internet service.

I have spent almost every day since I arrived with Mike and Kay and the girls at the "Well"short for Women At the Well mission. Also Kay's brother Kong and wife have joined the staff. From the first day I have been attending Christmas parties at Center 2, that is Kay & Mike's and Center 1 which they left because they expanded and now Center 1 is devoted to teens.They have their own staff. I haven't seen Center 3 & 4 but since they started 3 1/2 years they expanded their program form one center to four. It simply amazes me.

Last Friday a group of 16 from a church in Atlanta,Georgia came. Kay was surprised to learn that they found their Center through another connection. The husband & wife team came to Bangkok last February and felt called to bring this team of 16 back to tell about the"True Christmas Story" They presented a very nice program including 3 testimonials. This was done at Center 1. Later in the afternoon they came to Center 2 to hear a testimonial of one of the girls from Center 2. They were deeply moved. They promised to support Fern who hopes to attend a YWAM mission school in Vietnam.
Besides a Beauty Shop the girls also make bead jewelry to support themselves. This day the group bought lots of jewelry to take back with them. The "Well" also have supporting churchesin the U.S. where they send the jewelry.

Today is 24th December and I felt I needed a break. Actually I left Karachi with the remains of a cold. I arrived at the Christian Guest House Saturday. Attended Sunday worship around the corner at Christ Church, an Episcopal church. It's pastor is Rev. Peter Cook of England. He reminds me so much of Rev. Jan Rudinoff,formally of St Michael's Episcopal of Lihue, Kauai.
I really enjoyed the service. It is called the Family service so they had some young adults do a puppet show from the pulpit about"What is Christmas" Earlier before lighting the Advent Candles they had a Question/Answer True or False session about Christmas. Frequently substiting words like Birmingham and car dealer,etc. for Bethlehem and carpenter.

After the service we were invited to join members and guest for lunch. There were many visitors from Nairobi, London, and elsewhere. I decided to purchase a ticket and join them.
It wasn't a Thai menu ...more English....but very very nice.

In the afternoon I learned to use the sky train and get myself to the "Well"and back. Kong had his Bible Study class put on a puppet show. I watched Kong make those paper puppets all week.
Simple, but very effective. They had another little Christmas party,fashion show, and games.

Tonight I plan to attend the 11pm Christmas Eve Service at Christ Church.

Before my time runs out I want to wish everyone a Beautiful Christmas.
May you feel the Love, Blessings and Peace of God through his son Jesus Christ.

Aloha Nui Loa, Joanne
s.