Aiden is napping, the guys are working in the clinic, and I am studying a little bit of Matthew and a little bit of James. James 1:26-27 talks about what righteousness and religion truly is. It says that our religion is worthless if we don't carefully watch what we say! God's idea of a religious person (one who He accepts as "pure and faultless") is one who looks after widows and orphans. I might rephrase this as one who loves and has compassion on those who God loves and has compassion on since there is so much in the Bible about how God watches over the widows and orphans. The second part of verse 27 is the one that I am trying to get my mind around this morning. What does it mean to keep from being polluted by the world? How does this work practically? I know it can't mean that I should not interact with the world, but it seems that I should interact on a cautious and discerning level since there seems to be some sort of purity that God requires. I would be interested in knowing how other people work this verse out if anyone has any thoughts.

Thai people LOVE children. Which translates into Adien being loved on and carried around by all the workers here. :)

Meanwhile I am trying to learn some of the language. I know I sound like a child but I just don't want to sound like a fool.

Aiden and I went swimming this morning and Aiden learned to splash with his hands.

We made it to Bangkok!

We are here one more night and then we take a one hour flight to the Nan province where we will meet up with Dr. Ashburn who will then take us to the clinic. The flight was good and I am very glad it is over. Fifteen hours in an airplane is a long time! We asked for some seats in front of the bassinet tray which meant that after we had taken off, the flight attendant brought a baby bassinet out and strapped it to the tray. What a help! Aiden played in the bassinet and even slept in it which gave our tired arms a rest. Proof of Thailand's heat and humidity was literally "in front of our faces" when the moment we stepped out of the airport and our glasses promptly fogged up.

We are adjusting to the time change (12 hours ahead of Dallas time) so Aiden woke up at 1 am ready to play. Today we are going to try and see some of Bangkok. One of our companions on the flight recommended we eat everything we find as the food here is very good! We will let you know how it goes. Until then, take care. Thank you for your prayers covering our journey.

PS Having a baby while you travel is a great advantage when there is a line to stand in. An official comes up and quickly takes you to a line that has no one in it. At customs here in Thailand the official put us in the Thai passport-holder line and made us cut in front of the Thai businessmen. We were embarrassed, but it did make the process shorter.

We fly away in about 3 hours or so. Wow... what a month! We should begin blogging more consistantly when we get to Thailand and can work a little routine into our lives. To everyone we didn't get to see: We look forward to seeing you this fall. Please pray for us in this new venture.
love,
Janiece