thaibowles

[thaibowles]

[thaibowles]

Both of these very true . It has been a tough few months here

[thaibowles]

This was 5.1 km from our home , so we evacuated to friends’ condo in the city. Today, we returned home but staying indoors bc toxic fumes .

[thaibowles]

[thaibowles]

Last night, John and I were startled from sleep (about 3am) by a “bang” and slight rumbling. I sprung up with a “what was that?” And we figured a bird had hit the window.

It’s morning, we woke to news of a huge chemical blast and fire just a few km from our house! What next?!

[thaibowles]

I have a dear friend, she is Thai, her family practices Buddhism, and she found Christ in her 20’s. I asked her once what she appreciated / ever missed about her former faith. And after she spoke of her love and respect for her family, She turned to me and said something I’ll never forget , “…but Julie, the Gospel lacks nothing.” Amen .

[thaibowles]

Thaibowles as of lockdown measures this summer

[thaibowles]

[thaibowles]

Current state of WFH

[thaibowles]

New daily case high . Plus, Phuket, an island in the south, is opening for vaccinated tourists aka “sandbox” experiment!

[thaibowles]

Context clues …we have one big “Line” group for Grace City Bangkok. Today, our pastor and his wife received the covid vaccine. It was posted and celebrated w stickers on Line . Our life is still majorly on hold here (no mtg in person/ mass closures etc) …slowly and uh, un-surely the vaccine is rolling out.

[thaibowles]

!! Right!! I find this played out in myriad ways here. ..feel like I’m just getting perspective on a way I have never thought before

[thaibowles]

New territory here : getting a vaccine is real complicated/ not an option currently. We considered returning Stateside but : forced state quarantine + expensive covid tests before and after = can’t.

[thaibowles]

During this hard season of more covid complication and frozen life ...I often wonder what’s the theology behind “it could be worse.” Is this a fruitful thought / perspective as a believer? Well, I don’t know. But to that end - I’ve been reading people’s stories to gain said perspective . And this book...wow, God makes some ppl so resilient and brave. Additionally, patriotic feelings can be complicated, but this book certainly gave me pause for gratitude.

[thaibowles]

Chloe wrapping up Kindergarten online . This is alphabet dress up - U for Unicorn, our Chloe! She took online learning in stride tho everyday the students asked why they can’t come to school and that they miss their friends 😭. Kids need kids. People need people.