We will be heading to Thailand again this year, just for a little longer than last time. Every year we get to be apart of a company conference. It serves all of us very well, because there is great medical care, western food, nice Thai people, sun, and lots of fellowship! All of it helps us get set for another year in Asia.
This January marks 10 years that Morgan and I have worked in our company! Wow, we have covered a lot of ground, and now it’s time to rest. Well at least while taking a school for three months and learning more how to effectively reach our goals. But nonetheless, it will be restful.
We will start our travel to Thailand and stay for a school that will focus on our work in Asia. It is a 3-month school located in the central part of Thailand. Morgan and I will both be students and the children will be apart of the childcare program. We have 2 weeks of conferences before the school starts Jan 24th. We also will plan a few days together as a family before the school begins. The school is so exciting in so many ways. I can’t wait to hear songs and teaching in the current language we are studying and in English. We also look forward to meeting the 80 students and families who also work in similar areas and have the same heart. I know we will learn so much from amazing leaders and walk away ready for another 10 years!
It feels crazy getting ready to leave for over 3 months. January came too fast. At least our University students will be out of town for the semester while we are gone. So we do not have to find someone to teach. They will be doing student teaching for their degree. Alleyah will be taking some basic schoolwork with her to stay on the same page as her class. We hope the translated teaching will give us good practice in our language study and help it sink into our brains. Friends who are moving to town will use our home. It is such a blessing to see how our home can be used for a family just getting here. Other than that, I guess it just feels like the Holiday season is always busy and full of organizing.
One interesting fact: Living in high elevation can cause low weight and growth in children. I think the kids are not getting too far behind, yet it was hard not to compare during our short visit to the States. Alleyah and Noah were shorter than most, but that doesn’t say much when they have tall Dutch cousins and friends. Yet sea level will be a chance to warm their bones and give them a chance to catch up for the year. I will be sure to measure them before we go and see just how true it is.
Merry Christmas! From the Joneses!
