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Dear friends and blog followers,

The internet is at it again... or shall we say NOT at it.  For now, my blog entries will most likely be few and far between.  Look for new stories when or if things are up and running again!

In the mean time, we appreciate your continued prayers for the work and ministry of Kudjip Hospital.

From the far corner of the world,

~ steph

Adventures in Chiang Mai

To make the most of our free time, Scott Dooley made arrangements with Chiang Mai Adventures for a day of fun and of course... adventure!  We were picked up by a company guide and headed about an hour out of the city.  We passed rice fields in various stages of planting or growth.  Trade stores and "kai bars" dotted the way, just like PNG with an Asian twist.  The forested hills and patches of banana trees also reminded me of home.  An occasional elephant walking down the road reminded me that I was in another world.  

Olivia Dooley was the youngest member of our group and too small for the first of our adventures, so she and her mom were dropped off for a ride at the elephant farm.

The rest of us unloaded at Zipline Chiangmai.  We were helmeted and harnessed with all sorts safety contraptions.  We were briefed on the appropriate techniques for flying through the air, both right side up and upside down, and then spent a few moments practicing what we had learned.  A short hike took us to the start of the 12 line route.  One by one we zoomed through the air, flying between trees and over a beautiful river.  The longest of the lines was 400 meters.  Now, I am generally afraid of heights.  I admit I was a bit of a tree hugger at the beginning, but soon relaxed and had a incredible time!  I even zipped upside down and have pictures to prove it.  Aaron would be sooo proud!

After collecting Gail and Olivia, we paused for a brief lunch.  We then piled into the back of a pick-up and rode about 30 minutes to the launch point of our next adventure... white water rafting.  There was another session on rafting techniques and safety.  We were handed helmets, life jackets, and paddles.  Becky and the Bennetts and I geared up and climbed into the first raft.  "Paul" was our guide and comedian for the afternoon.  The first part of the trip was rather mild, like a lazy canoe trip down the Kokosing river.  But we were not to disappointed and soon plummeted over some class 3-4 rapids.  We didn't lose one passenger along the way.  Though Paul did play a trick and flipped us all into the water of one of the calmer sections of the river.  What a blast!

Back in Chaing Mai, part of our group gathered for dinner at Pizza Hut.  What a treat to order pizza, rather than make it from scratch!  After dinner, Jessica and Ethan Myers and I all had our very first Thai massages (one hour for about $5).  It was fun to experience, but one was probably enough to last me until I come back in 4 years.  Ooch!

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

~ Isaiah 40:31

Amazing (g)Race

I have only seen an occasional episode of TV show The Amazing Race.  I imagine it is a bit like what our Kudjip crew experienced over the last couple of weeks--minus the drama and add in loads of fun.  We began our marathon two weeks ago.  (I think.  I haven't given much thought to what day it is for a while.  Ahhh... this is the life!)  The Dooleys, Bennetts, Myers, Becky and I flew from Mount Hagen, over the mountains, down to Port Moresby, and across the sea to Singapore.  We had our first taste of modern civilization thanks to Burger King and Star Bucks in the Singapore airport.  

The last flight for the first day transported us to Kuala Lumpur, Malasia.  A new stamp for my passport!  We weary travelers boarded a bus and traveled one more hour to low cost terminal on the other side of the city.  It was almost midnight by the time we checked in to our transit hotel.  The Tunes Hotel was an interesting place and worthy of its very own story.  Let's just say it gives a whole new meaning to "economy lodging."  The Bennetts had a problem with their reservation.  Apparently there wasn't one free room in the entire tower, so Judy shared room with Beck and I while Andy slept on the floor in one of the Myers'.  There was barely enough space to move around inside, and that was before you added three people and their suitcases.  You have to order your towels and air con and soap all in advance, and if you forget to do so you are out of luck.  We were mostly out of luck on towels.  Good thing we ordered the air con!  Though it was one of the more interesting lodging experiences we have ever had (and this coming from a group of missionaries who serve in PNG), we were all thankful for a place to lay our head for a few hours.

Too early the next morning, we headed to the airport for the final leg of our journey.  We were so happy to make it to our destination--all 13 of us and every piece of luggage successfully traveled on 3 airlines and through 6 airports in 4 countries without anything getting lost.  Now that is amazing grace.  In Chiang Mai, we were greeted by fellow missionaries who are serving in Thailand.  They helped us to load all of our stuff into a songthaew, sort of a covered pick-up truck.  Songthaew translates to "two rows" referring to two rows of benches for seating.  These vehicles are the public bus/taxi service around the city.  

We drove to downtown to the Royal Lanna Hotel where we would be staying for a few days before the conference began.  It is an inexpensive hotel in the heart of the famous Night Market.  It was a lovely place with clean and spacious rooms, especially compared to our previous residence.  Royal Lanna is one of those older hotels with lots of character.  And it was especially convenient to the attractions of Chiang Mai.

Despite our exhaustion, we were unwilling to waste even a moment of our time in Chiang Mai.  I joined up with the Myers and we headed out to the Lotus department store, Thailand's version of a Super Walmart.  It is a potentially dangerous place for FOBs (fresh out of the bush) who haven't been shopping in months.  We found a few rather interesting items.  Sea weed flavored Pringles, anyone?  Yes, they are even green.  I think I'll pass.  Dairy Queen was more difficult to resist, however, so we finished our shopping spree with dessert.

After a bit of a nap back at the hotel, we all reconvened at Duke's restaurant.  It came highly recommended by our fellow missionaries.  The menu was a site for FOB eyes--everything from pizza to smoothies to Greek salad to burgers with the works.  We ended the day by walking around the Night Market.  Starting about 5:00 ever evening, the streets are lined with carts and vendors selling their wares.  You shop for local handicrafts, t-shirts, gifts, souvenirs, knock-off Nike shoes and Gucci purses, or your very own Buddah.  Aim, you would love this place!  It was a fun way to end our first day in Chiang Mai.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

~ Titus 2:11

* I am hoping to post some more pictures in the next few days.  Check back soon!