We’ve begun our round of good bye dinners, parties, hugs this week. We have one more week here, but many folks to hug!

The English school has finals this next week. Most of the kids did very well. Some have already dropped out who would have finished had they just stayed in their seats. Graduation is next Friday. Some of the girls gave me a “longgy” last week. A longgy is the burmese skirt that men and women wear here. Many of the young people have opted for western dress, yielding to Korean TV fashion. But most adults still wear the longgy. I now have three, and have been wearing one at least once a week. yesterday when I got out of the taxi on the way to school, mine was noticeably loose, and I had to duck into an alley to retie it. The locals retie in mid stride, but I am not that accomplished. Plus my fashion conscious wife helps me to get the knot just right, and the pleats just right. The locals tie an over hand knot that come loose more quickly, we use a square knot.

Last week in the DTS I was wearing my longgy and dancing like David… the knot held! Praise God. Most of the students did not dare jump too much.

Over all I was very pleased with the teaching time. It was a good experience for me, and I pray for the students too. I challenged them to  present their bodies a living sacrifice, as Jesus did. He went so far as to declare that He did nothing without seeing the Father do it first. And He only said what he heard the Father say. Can I say the same? Do I take the time to check in not just daily, but moment by moment? He is faithful to complete His work in us, may we be faithful to wait upon Him.

In December when we made our travel arrangements, we included a week in Chiang Mai to visit our friends there, and the Home of Joy Orphanage. But with Carol’s father’s tenuous health, we would like to come home a week earlier, and skip Chiang Mai. Please pray for favor with the airline, and two empty seats!

We met with the leadership here to better understand their vision, in order to share it with YWAM Salem. Networking is one of the characteristics of our mission. We also are considering returning next year, as well as the possibility of sending teams regularly. Please pray that we would be putty in His hands.

It is difficult to say good bye. So much better to say “see you next time.”

May His will be done.

Thank you for your prayers!
See you soon!

Fred and Carol