Easter in Kazakhstan

This was an Easter unlike most Easters I've known. We started off with worship and the Word from a local Russian speaking Korean church. Fortunately I have a translator.

So the service and fellowship was very good and it's unique to be with others who celebrate the Resurrection in a different culture. The team, with Olya, took a drive to the mountains for more fellowship, sharing, singing and relaxing while having a great picnic etc. Fortunately with the Rav4 we are able to navigate the dirt trail through streams and bushes until we reached the perfect area.

On the way back we came across a local Kazakh who was riding his horse managing his flock of sheep. We've run into him before and again having Olya as our translator we were able to communicate with him. He loves talking to "The Americans". Only this time he had a surprise. In a plastic sack he held a lamb born just 2 hours previously. He took him out for us to see, hold and take photos. Olya is holding the new born lamb, Sara is standing then there is me and the Kaz Shepperd man.

I couldn't help but reflect over the significance of seeing a newly born lamb on Easter Sunday!

It was a great Easter, wish you were here.

Great Vacation in Thailand

I went to Thailand for a 2 week vacation. One great advantage of working overseas is going to different countries for vacations. I may never have thought of going to Thailand if still working back home. A walk on the Sandy beach is a beautiful thing especially when sharing it with someone very special. Olya and I have been dating for 3 months now and enjoying the relationship God has given us. Jason and I had a Chariots of Fire moment when I decided to race him to the beach. It was great fun and we both collapsed on the beach from tripping in the water. We went to Bangkok for a couple days, then onto the beach at Hua Hin and after the beach onto Chaing Mai for more activities and relaxation. We took a ride on Elephants, took a Zip Line excursion, shopping, eating out, rode Jet Skies, walked the beach for shells, went on a Safari and also saw a light and water show, went to a Go-Cart track and so much more. Sara Coggins went with us and helped setting up this vacation as she had previously visited Thailand a couple years back. Thanks to Jason for meeting us from America!