First Steps, Easter in Bangkok and a Snake!

It’s been way too long since you have heard from us. Our last blog entry dates back to the “great flood” and some of our readers might wonder if we succumbed to the mighty waters of the Mekong.

We’re always waiting for something spectacular, for a break-through, something worth announcing but weeks and months go by without any such news on the radar.

So here are just a few snapshots from the last couple of months. On March 10th, 2009 Emma took her first step. It was “one small step for man but a giant leap for Emma”! She was so happy and proud that she would applaud herself every few steps… and almost loose her balance.

Lao people love music. What they like even more is loud, extremely loud music! At New Year our neighbors were so loud that our furniture was vibrating and the kids were screaming for fear until 3 o’clock in the morning. As a result we had decided to escape to Thailand for a few days during the Lao New Year celebrations (April 14th to April 16th). Little did we realize that we almost jumped out of the frying pan into the fire! You might have heard of the unrest in Bangkok and although we did not stay in the part of the city were the “red shirts” were protesting we stayed in the same street as the Prime Minister! Needless to say that security was pretty tight much to Jean’s delight who loves fire trucks, police cars and military trucks! This being said we had a great family time.

Tonight I was watering the garden with Jean when a snake came out of the grass just in front of me and headed straight for Jean. I grabbed my trusted “Birkenstock” and gave her the sole treatment – in hindsight probably not my smartest move ever. But fortunately it wasn’t a boa constrictor and the sandal did the trick.

Our mid-term break is coming up rapidly (we’ll be in France from June 6th to July 20th) and as we reflect upon our first 2 years on the “field” we can only praise God for his protection and his provision. We are also thankful to our “team”, to all of you who have been by our side in so many different ways. Thank you!

Under His Wing,

Sam, Cécile, Jean & Emma