a dream is a wish your heart makes...

and sometimes they are from God... and He sends seemingly 'strange' reminders at 'strange' times to remind us that He has not forgotten. And, sometimes it's difficult to verbalize these things at the risk of being vulnerable or fear of the realities. I saw the movie 'The Blind Side' with my family on Christmas Day... great movie! I really didn't expect it to impact me like it did. I sat there the entire movie... bawling... a broken heart for the inner city teens in the movie. It was the same emotions I felt on two of my occasions of leaving Mexico on a plane... with a broken heart for the people... tears running down my face. I felt in my heart that someday God will take me back there... with my love for Spanish and the people. I don't know why I feel this way and God has placed these emotions in my heart.... but He has... I want the lost everywhere to know His saving power... and to see the course of lives changed. About 2 years ago, God placed the idea in my heart of going into inner cities and partnering with Christian organizations to take senior photos for graduating students... I have no idea what this would look like... maybe an incentive for good grades or attendance... or simply graduating... maybe partnering with a store or company that would provide a new professional outfit to the student for their pictures and interviews... all to create a platform to share Jesus and provide the student with a view of life and themselves beyond their present circumstances. I believe God will continue to orchestrate connections with the right people and give me creativity and ideas to carry out this dream of His. [It's amazing how God creates us a certain way as individuals so that we will have favor with the specific people we may need in our lives to carry out His purpose.] Back to the movie... I want to be that person who is sensitive to the needs and cries of others... who sees beyond the comforts of present life... and invests everything to better the lives of others, point them to Jesus, and ultimately change the course of their lives. I believe for that. I definitely want to give birth to children someday... but, I also want to claim lost and forgotten babies, children, or teens as my own... I believe that's what Jesus would do... I know that's what He has done for me... claimed me as His own. I don't know how all of these things will unfold... I just know He's stirring something deep in my heart... and I'm listening.

frosted windowpanes.

I absolutely love frosted windowpanes. I'm sitting here at my computer as Christmas Eve has just turned into Christmas Day.... selecting photos for {best of 2009}... tree lights are twinkling, and snowflakes are falling... and I can't help but have a thankful and hopeful heart. I say it all the time... but, God has been so good to me. I have no idea why God has chosen this life for me, but I intend to live it out with everything I am. God is behind me and before me... I just feel like this upcoming year is going to be great and that God is going to do something different. I hope for more perfect little moments like this right now... and wish the same for you. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

a merry little christmas.

This is my family, and we love each other dearly. We stick together through the good and the bad... when other people fail me, I know that I can count on them... US. At the beginning of the year, we made it through Dad's thyroid surgery. Then, we went on an incredible trip to Thailand and Tokyo... summer vacation in Florida... my photo biz has taken off... Hona graduated with her Master's degree (MBA)... God has done it all. We celebrate a wonderful year and look forward to the things God has in store for 2010. [thank you, becca, for taking these rockin' family photos] [looking forward to the day when we will have two more incredible men in them. ;) ]

sister.

Sister graduated from MSU on Friday with her Master's degree. (MBA) It has been quite a journey of the faithfulness of the Lord. She graduated from high school in May 2005, Evangel University in December 2007, and MSU with her Masters degree in December 2009. God has provided the finances every step of the way, allowing her to graduate debt-free... a miracle in itself. God has truly given her wisdom and knowledge beyond her years and the discipline to accomplish things she never could have dreamed of. All along, she has continued to invest her life into others... and God has given her the strength for the journey. I'm so excited for the great things God is preparing for her... job opportunities, husband, family, ministry, travels... all to be a testimony to His faithfulness. We will all look back and say, "Only with God" could that have been possible. The best is yet to come. Who knows what's next?! :)

[oh, and did I mention that I'm SOOOOOOO proud of her! I thought I was going to burst at her graduation! many more rockin' pics to come!]

miracle moments.

It's the most incredible thing to make it to the other side of a trial to look back and see all of the miracle moments that happened each step of the way. This was the case for me about a week ago. It was one of the most trying times I have had for a long time... but, I was convinced that God would see me through... after countless prayers... and trips to the computer repairmen... read on... :)

It started on Saturday... I was taking photos at an engagement session... getting out of the car with my camera and accidentally hit it on the side of my car... I didn't think anything was wrong with it until I tried to take a picture and a piece fell out of it... nice lens too that I needed for sessions this week! Praise the Lord that I had another lens with me to finish the session... took the lens to Lawrence, and they sent it in to Canon for 3-4 weeks to see if they can repair it... in the meantime, I purchased another lens that was a step below the one I had to hold me over til the other one is repaired.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, my external hard-drive all of a sudden wouldn't connect to my laptop or any computer for that matter... I was hoping for the best that it was just the connection... but, trying not to panic because of the thousands of photos that were on it... like my whole business... I wasn't able to take it in to the computer store until Monday morning... first store told me they couldn't do anything to help me and that it looked like nothing was there... I didn't even know what to do... [some of the photos were backed up... but not some of my most recent work... hence all of the thoughts going through my mind] The computer store said that my only option would probably be to send it off to a drive-saver place that starts out at $5,000. I left and took it to COMPUTER RENAISSANCE [where I would recommend taking any computer problems or purchasing equipment]. I left the computer with them... [Monday was my sister's birthday, and my mom, sis, and I were supposed to spend the day together... so I felt terrible that I had all this other stuff going on.] I was able to do some shopping and a movie with Hona and mom. During the movie, I got a phone call that it looked like my hard drive had crashed and that it was blank....but they needed me to bring in my laptop to check for sure. I went back into the movie sobbing... my mom and I prayed... my dad had been home sick and prayed all day too... we left the movie and my dad was waiting for me... to go with me to the computer place. When we got there, the tech said that since he had talked to me.... things had gotten... long pause... "better!!" I think he was as surprised as we were... we said we had been praying... I believe it was truly a miracle. Last week was a long and uncertain waiting process as they have retrieved one file at a time from the hard drive. But, PRAISE THE LORD... I now have the hard drives with all of the files... MIRACLE. This was a very costly venture... but, the next Tuesday, I made a deposit into my biz account from photo work for the EXCACT amount I had paid for the hard drive recovery... MIRACLE.

Then, on Wednesday, I was driving home from a photo session and the steering wheel just dropped to one side with a thud... I was driving into my neighborhood thankfully!! [I laughed a little to myself... I just couldn't believe it.] So, I just slowed down and made it to my house... we got it to the repairman... they had never seen anything like that happen before... we PRAYED. Two days later, the car was repaired with a salvaged part that cost 1/2 of the price of a new one... MIRACLE.

WOW. I have learned a lot. I know that God has set me up to have this photography business, and I know that He has taken care of me... I've been reminded that He is my source... even if I lose everything... and that I can only depend on Him... not myself and what I am capable of doing... without Him I am helpless. I have learned valuable lessons about data backup-- I now have 4 external hard drives and online backup. :) [word to the wise!] I never want to have a day like that again. I will praise Him in the good and the bad though. I am thankful that it was technical things that can be replaced, etc.... rather than sicknesses, etc.

OTHER COOL THINGS THAT GOD DID THAT WEEK:

I met and sat across from the editor of Metropolitan Bride magazine at the Realife leader banquet on Friday night... she invited to me to a wedding vendor lunch group. I went to this on Tuesday where I met some really great people and met one of the area's premier wedding photographers... had a good conversation with her in which she gave me some good advice for my photography biz. :)

I had a lot of quality bonding time with my Dad especially... I have been reminded of how much wisdom he has to offer... and how wonderful my family is... when something happens... we are all in it together. :) So thankful.

One of my dearest friends, Sarah, was in town for the week from Minnesota to sing in A James River Christmas... we had a wonderful coffee date. :)

I have received a lot of calls this week to schedule future photo sessions... even for April!! :)

I sold over $100 more of my jewelry I make... going toward my Speed the Light goal! :)

And, now I REACHED my Speed the Light goal (money for missionaries)... and the students at Realife raised over $220,000 this year for missions as of Wednesday night. INCREDIBLE.

GOD IS GOOD.

I am more convinced then ever that He cares about every detail of our lives and is capable of more than we could know.
Just had to share. :)

who's dream are you dreaming?

I recently read a book, Completely His by Shannon Ethridge, that really challenged my perspective. We live in a culture that constantly challenges us to "dream big", "reach for the stars", "follow your dreams"... while all of this can be good, it can also cause us to lose sight of something really important. As Christians in this world, our life mission is actually to fulfill God's dream. What is His dream? That people would believe in Him and be saved. This is where our individual dreams come into play... the way that we actually fulfill God's dream will look different for each of us. These are the dreams that He places in our hearts. Over the past couple of weeks, I have really been challenging myself to think each day... "how can I make God's dream come true today?" Now that's a new thought.

God has put some really incredible opportunities right in front of me, and I'm just beginning to see the weight and influence of them. On a weekly basis, I interact with non-Christians through my photography business... I have a couple hours with them to just walk around and talk about life. God has recently challenged me to be very intentional with these conversations. Also, God has given me a window of opportunity to really focus on investing in the lives of high school students. I have made the decision to be full on in this, and it has affected every aspect of my life. I want to give more and keep on giving, whether it's my time, energy, finances... My high school life group had a pancake breakfast yesterday at Applebee's... praise the Lord that we were able to raise $1,000 for Speed The Light for missionaries. When you take people on such a journey with you, it definitely causes you to raise the bar in your own life. I'm not looking back. I'm running ahead. This is worth living for.

p.s. Dad's most recent insight to me... "as you enter your mid-20's, you may actually find yourself marrying a man rather than a boy." I would be okay with that. :)

me and Jesus.

There is nothing in the world like a long walk on the beach... sand between your toes and the vast ocean before you as the landscape.  It is such an incredible reminder of how big God is and how near He is to us.  (even saw stingrays and dolphins)  It's continually amazing to me how we can ask God for help but seem so surprised when He answers us.  This summer I have really prayed about what to do in relation to a high school life group.  Let's say that the answers to my prayers have been different than I thought or could have come up with on my own.  I was asked to lead a life group with my sister.  At first, neither of us knew what to think and our immediate response was to resist.  But, the more we prayed and talked about it, the more right it seemed.  We realized how much of the same page we are on, how well we work together, and how much we enjoy being together.  This is going to be quite and "overboard" experience for me.  I don't feel qualified or capable of doing this, and I could so easily ask "why".  But, I know that's right where God wants me and where He can be glorified.  My life has in no way turned out the way I thought it would up to this point... so I suppose that's the way it will continue to be.  Life can seem downright overwhelming and stressful at times.  But, I must be quick to remind myself that I am not the one who got myself here, and I am not the one who can sustain me or equip me.  wow.  This life God is asking me to live is so much bigger than me.  It will have to be taken one day at a time.  So, I'm going to take today and embrace this moment.  After all, God is just wanting us to stay close to Him.  I envision myself holding on to Jesus' hand like a little child... standing on the edge of a big chasm (me being scared to death, but Jesus realizing it's not as big as I think)... counting one, two, three... then we jump together, just me and Jesus... accomplishing something I could have never dreamed up on my own.

take me deeper.

God is so incredibly good... I cannot begin to wrap my mind around it.  He has really been doing some deep things in my heart and life over the past couple of months.  I know that He is preparing me for what He has already prepared.  I absolutely love being a youth leader... the opportunity to interact and influence students... showing them what it means to love the Lord and serve Him every day of their life.  In the past, I have been presented with the opportunity to be a life group leader... and I'm feeling that I am just now coming to grips with the reality that maybe that is what I should be doing.  I'm continuing to pray about where God is taking me in all of this and trying to stay available for where He would desire to use me.  I feel like I have always had it in my mind that I would like for a guy to be the leader... but, I must remember that I am not a substitute for a guy... and that God has called me and wants to use me.  Christine Caine came to my church this weekend and shared messages that really challenged me.  Resources can be found HERE.  Also, God is really taking me deeper in my worship.  I have a deeper desire than ever to lead God's people into His presence.  He is really teaching me to get over myself and my fears and my lack of confidence... and giving me the courage to step up into the life He has called me to.  I absolutely love living for the Lord... a faith adventure it is... but, I wouldn't want it any other way.

beyond blessed.

I am so incredibly blessed.  It seems like yesterday and today I have been reminded of it more than usual.  Yesterday I was eating dinner before church... all the fresh farmer's market veggies I could have asked for.  There are starving and malnourished people all around the world... and I am eating food that tastes good and is good for me.  I savored each bite.  Last night after church, I was standing in the kitchen thinking... thinking how incredibly blessed I am to have been born into a Christian family that loves God and has taught me how to love Him.  I basically had the gospel handed to me on a platter... I didn't have to search my whole life to find Him.  So blessed.  I went to our neighborhood pool for a while this morning and noticed how beautiful and clean it was... and how nice my beach towel is... I have been so blessed.  As I was telling all of this to my dear sister, she was quick to remind me... yes, you are blessed... and to whom much is given, much is required.  That is a big responsibility God has entrusted to me.  I have had more of a burden than before to really jump on board with the Overflow Experience we are doing with the youth at my church... to raise money for missionaries through Speed the Light.  I don't need a single thing or to accumulate possessions for myself... this life is not my own... I'm living for eternity.  Take a look at the life you are living... there may be some blessings you have overlooked.  Thank you Jesus for being so incredibly good.

saturday morning.

I am sitting at Starbucks. processing photos as always. drinking my tall skinny caramel macchiato. (fave)  The rest of my family is busy this morning... and there is nothing like Starbucks on a saturday morning.  Who knows what I will do today... that's the beauty of it.  Life is good.  One of my favorite couples just came in for coffee.  They take photos together and are so obviously the best of friends... kind of an inspiration in my life.

SUMMER.

Summer is such an interesting season... such a growing and transitioning time.  It's a time when some people come and some people go... time to take a deep breath and do some evaluating.  I don't think I've ever really noticed it like this before.  It's sure a good thing that God does not change.  I love this place in life... knowing I'm right where God wants me but also sensing the possibilities ahead.  I'm being reminded of passions and dreams God placed in my heart long ago... I'm desiring to spend time with Him and know Him more deeply.  I'm being reminded that regardless of any accomplishments we may obtain, life is about loving God and people.  I love my sister and family so much... a lot of the time, I feel quite content to just spend time with them... whether that's good or bad.  I am blessed.  Change is inevitable.  It will be coming.  I don't want to walk anywhere God has not first been... so, I'm holding on to Him.  I'm going to enjoy the remaining days of warm sun, hammocks, iced green tea, sundresses, fireflies, friends, and family.  I know this moment won't last forever, so I will treasure it.  God is so incredibly good.

I LOVE AMERICA.

I Love America was awesome once again this year... 121 decisions for Christ... approx. 120,000 people in attendance.  God really helped us with every aspect, including the weather.  The testimonies are incredible.  Check out the stories and photos here.  The concerts after the fireworks were awesome as well!  Leeland then Israel Houghton.  It was so fun to hang out with friends... and so exciting that lives were changed for eternity!

WEDDING.

Hona and I made the flight to Houston, Texas for our friend Heather's wedding.  I was taking photos the whole time... it was lovely.  Only setback: outdoor wedding, 110 degrees, fire ants.

It was a time to remember. :)  Praying for Kevin and Heather and their new life together.

check out a few of their photos here.

CAMP.

I have been so very busy this summer... it all started out with the 10.12 youth camp.  It was an awesome time for students to grow in God.  It's surprising to most... but I LOVE CAMP. :)  late nights. messy games. hosed down with water. face paint. screaming team cheers. services. getting to know students and leaders. hearing from God. I don't like that it has to end. :)  It's physically exhausting but spiritually refreshing.  The leader's retreat will be fun this fall.

this day.

morning walk in the beautiful sunshine.... check.

coffee and work at Panera with sis.... check.

leave sis sitting next to nuns at Panera... check.

lunch at a different Panera with Becca... check.

18 year old cashier at hobby lobby's name: Benedict... check.

toilet overflows at coffee shop... check.

man from fairplay calls about wedding photos: he has no computer, e-mail, or internet... check.

slightly late to worship team practice: sit on floor... check.

worship leader is not there:  I lead... check.

Oh what a day it has been.  I am laughing... and loving how God can orchestrate a day.

I started out with Him... walked it out with Him... and shall finish it with Him.

What a glorious way to live. :)

consider the flowers.

Today was one of those days where I have wondered if life will ever make sense on this side of Heaven... most likely it won't... but I would like to hope so.  God is so obviously working in my life.  He has given me so much favor with my photography business... even new developments today.  He is continually placing passions and dreams in my heart.  I know without a doubt that I am right where God wants me... but that doesn't mean I will be staying in this same state of living for long.  God is always requiring us to grow, improve, change... and that little bit of fear starts to creep in when I forget how small I am and how big God is.  I love the feeling of living life on the edge of my seat... where things are unpredictable and God is the only way.  I've been a little emotional this evening... I think I have lost sight of this... and the fact that the only way life makes any sense at all is in Jesus... oh, how I need Him and desire Him.  I love these poppies... standing so tall, bright, and vibrant... a moment of inspiration.

la la la la...

Oh what a week it has been.  Last weekend, I went to urgent care because of severe pain in my tailbone... to find out that I had a cyst on my tailbone.  They proceeded to drain it right then and there... most painful experience of my life.  This week has been a process of recovery.  Thank you, Jesus, for helping and healing me.  I feel like I can handle anything now. :)  (and to my dear mommy for helping me).  It has been a wonderful time to get rested up, though... didn't realize how tired I was.

The great weekend started today. :)

neighborhood garage sale.

designed for life photo shoot.

sunshine and iced green tea.

dinner with friends.

more garage sale.

newborn photo session.

worship at jra.

mommy's day. :)

jrmc graduation.

kc with mom on monday.

glorious. :)

tokyo.

We got home from our big trip last night... been experiencing the jet lag today. :)  Mom figured up that we spent 44 hours on airplanes in two weeks.  wow.  So, we spent the day in Tokyo on our trip home.  We met up with our friend Daniel, and he showed us around the city... via lots of walking, subways, and trains.  It is a beautiful city with beautiful people.  I've never seen so many men in suits and ties in my life!  We went to the 45th floor of a building for a view of the city.  Then, we did some shopping and ate sushi for lunch... the real deal.  After that, we went to see the Imperial Palace, which made for some pretty photos, even though it was cloudy and rainy... nothing stops me.  lol.  The japanese cherry blossom trees were blooming around the city... saw the Tokyo Tower.  We grabbed some very expensive Starbucks and walked around the market/fish market... and ended the day with a bongo drum game in an arcade. :)  Busy day but glad we got to see the city!!

elephant day.

Yesterday we went to the elephant camp.  I loved it! :)  There were so many elephants.  The strange part to me is that you basically just walked around with them out in the open.  We decided not to do the elephant rides in the jungle.  But, it was sure fun sitting on their legs, petting them, and taking photos with them! :)  We watched the elephant show, where they played soccer and drew pictures... it was awesome!  Last night, we went to the night market.  Fun.  Did I mention that I LOVE watermelon juice shakes? :)  (and lemon filled cookies and lemongrass tea)  I'm going to miss Thailand.  We have had a wonderful trip... we are flying out this afternoon.  I'm really going to miss Kelly. :)  But, she will be coming home soon.  Well, I'm off to make the most of the time we have left here. :)

chiang mai.

It has been quite a full day... backing up to yesterday...  We went to the celadon, gem, and silk factories... ate lunch at an awesome thai restaurant... the decor was fabulous... very eccentric.  Then, we made a stop for coffee at Wawee coffee.  Yum!  The rest of the afternoon was pretty chill.  Then, we met up with Kelly's friend, Jared, at an Italian restaurant... then went to ice cream at Iberry.  I had coconut almond ice cream.  We went to bed early because of our early morning today. :)  This morning, we were up at 5:15 am before the sun... and drove to the base of the mountain to take pics of the monks.  The religion here is so heart-wrenching... the people are so desperate for God... but they are looking in all the wrong places.  It breaks my heart to see the people on their faces, distraught, and bowing down to Buddha... hoping he can save them.  It's such an utterly hopeless way to live.  Oh, they desperately need Jesus.  After that, we came back to the hotel for breakfast.  Dad and I went across the street to a temple for me to take pictures.  Someone there told me that I looked part Thai with a different color of hair.  lol.  I still can't see it. :)  (maybe cuz I didn't have eye makeup on)  Then, we went to church with Kelly then to Japanese lunch and Black Canyon coffee. :)  We sent Dad back to the room on a "tuk tuk"... sure that was an adventure. :)  And, the girls went for pedicures!  We got to see Kelly's apartment today... she has a lovely view from her place of the city and mountain.  And, tonight was the Sunday night walking street.  I thought it was fabulous... convinced that I could have shopped all night! :)  So fun... and bargains galore. :)  In the morning, we are going to see the elephants... I can't believe our time here is almost over.  We have had such a great time.  I guess I will just have to plan more trips and see the world. :)

in between here and there.

Well, we made it to Chiang Mai last night.  Because of a delay in Phuket, we missed our flight in Bangkok and had to hang out in the airport for a few hours.  We are staying at a quaint bed & breakfast in Chiang Mai.  This morning, Hona, Mom, and I took a "tuk tuk" to the flower/food market.  We bought some pretty red roses for fun.  :)  Kelly met up with us for lunch.  I had oatmeal with bananas and raisins... and a watermelon 'shake'... slightly random, but it sounded yummy. :)  Then, we went to some jewelry stores and starbucks. :)  We are just chilling in our room right now... watching rugby on t.v.... I really don't understand the game... it seems dangerous. :)  And, I'm going to upload some pics.  Tonight, we are going to the Thai Cultural Center for dinner and show.  Fun! :)  Side note:  I think it's odd that everyone in Asian culture likes to see photos of the food they are going to order... even starbucks.

phi phi island.

long-tail boats.

just doing a little kayaking.

 

jumping into the crystal water.

 

beautiful.

  

they wanted a photo with us.

Today we took a day trip over to Phi Phi Island.  I'm SO glad we did!  I was able to capture some awesome photos... not to mention that the water and cliffs were breath-taking.  On the ferry ride to the island, we were asked to take countless photos with the Thai ladies... they living in a village 1 hour outside of Chiang Mai and have probably never seen Americans.  They kept telling us how beautiful we are.  They are all very careful about protecting their skin from the sun, because they want it to be white like ours.  We went over to the island on a small ferry then transferred to a somewhat smaller boat for snorkeling.  We didn't actually snorkel, but we did some swimming.  At another stop (Monkey Beach... yes, there are really monkeys!), Hona, Kelly, and I took a kayak to the beach from the boat.  Kayaking in the ocean is one of my favorite things ever!  The water was amazing.  We didn't get close to the monkeys... just saw them eating bananas from a distance.  While we were there, a little girl (maybe 5 years old) from our group was bitten 2 times by one of the monkeys.  After talking to them, we found out they are actually missionaries to Singapore from the U.S.  Kelly was able to help translate to coordinate insurance and hospital info. for the family.  It was definitely a God moment.  Sweet family!  We had a late lunch on the beach before we headed back.  The meal was served family style, so we sat with a couple from Sweden and a guy from France (spoke no English at all.)  Dad pretty much spilled his soup bowl all over the guy from France... he just laughed.  (we rode the taxi from our hotel to the pier with two young girls from England.)  There are so many people who visit Thailand from Europe.  Then, on the ferry ride back, we sat with and talked to two men from Norway.  I love talking to people from all around the world! (two of Kelly's guy friends with her organization are getting ready to move to Spain this year... definitely going to have to make that trip happen!)  So, the ferry ride back was eventful.  We were sitting on the top deck and went through a storm... lightning and all.  The crazy part was that there was a big funnel cloud (typhoon) in the sky behind us that touched down in the water.  (no wonder Phi Phi Island was devastated by the tsunami!)  When it started dow-pouring, I went downstairs to get out of it (thought it would be smart with my camera and all)... Hona and Kelly stuck it out.  We got back to our hotel around 5:30pm... still raining... absolutely exhausted... got some lattes and room service.  It's about 8:45pm as I write this.  Kelly, Hona, and my parents crashed a long while ago. :)

more phuket.

     
We have had such a nice time here.  Hona, Kelly, and I went on a little walk around the town when we got here... got some ice cream at a 7/11 and found ourselves headed in the wrong direction and walking right through a Thai neighborhood.  The living conditions  here remind me a lot of what I have seen in Mexico.  The people are what makes it different.  We aren't tired of the Thai food yet. :)  I have been having a new favorite... watermelon shakes.  (just watermelon and ice... yum!)  The other night, we had dinner on the beach at sunset... nothing like it in the world.  We are staying at a beautiful hotel.  We look forward to breakfast every morning, because it is sooo good!  The pool is beautiful, and I love it when the tropical flowers fall off the trees and float in the pool.  The driving here is crazy!  And, it's still kind of odd to have dogs hanging around the restaurants.  We are having a great time! :)

phuket.

We are at the beach in Phuket.  I will write more on here later... I have limited internet time at the moment.  It is beautiful and warm and sunny.  The hotel is lovely!  LOVE the food!  I especially love this photo of a little boy that I took yesterday.  He was waving at me as we walked by his house along the side of the road.  Melt my heart. :)  More posts and info. to come! :)  Don't worry... I'm taking lots of photos!!! :)  (of course.)

bangkok day.

Mom and Dad only got 2 hours of sleep last night... Dad's clock was still set for 4:30am.  I don't know how they made it through the day. :)  We started the day out with breakfast at our hotel... mine consisted of: fried egg, potatoes, rice, cucumbers, watermelon, and toast...with very strong coffee!  We walked to the river, thinking we were going to ride a boat to the Grand Palace (home of the reigning king of Thailand)... but, we decided that we didn't want to get all wet with sewage water in a rickety speed boat with blue tarps all over it. :)  So, we took a taxi to the Grand Palace and Temple.  It was a wild experience.  We were told that the Palace didn't open until 1pm, so we went on "tuk tuk" (sp?) taxis to see a giant Buddha monument.  It was an Extremely hot and muggy day!  We were relieved to find a Au Bon Pain restaurant across from the Palace for lunch... then, we went over to take a tour of the Palace... we had to rent/wear skirts and shirts so that we would be fully covered... wait until you see the photos! :)  (silly of us, awesome of the architecture)  It was all very interesting... but very sad at the same time... to see the people praying/bowing down to Buddha... It all seems so ridiculous to me... but, they are so deceived and committed to their religion.  So, it was all kind of dark... good to be aware of, though.  After that experience, we were all dripping sweat, overheating, and exhausted.  We went back to Au Bon Pain for cold coffee drinks.  Yum!  Then, Kelly took us to a really big, fancy mall where we looked around for a while... ate dinner there... I had pineapple fried rice.  So Good!  After that, it was a LOOONNNGG 1 1/2 hour taxi ride back to our hotel because of all the "Friday night" traffic.  Getting ready to get some sleep now.  We are flying to Phuket in the morning!! :)