Having traveled my fair share now, I was unprepared for the culture shock that hit me like a tsunami once we arrived in Chiang Mai. After a really great traveling experience all the way the Bangkok, we were kicked off our flight to Chiang Mai because I was too pregnant and needed a doctor's note in order to fly. Poor Maggie was exhausted (and so was her mama!), but we has to rush through the airport to go to a clinic, get a check up, then make the next flight.

Our first year in ministry has been a difficult, but we have grown so
much and learned many thing we need to learn but did not expect to
learn. We now feel God leading us in a different direction toward our
goal of ministering in Cambodia. We plan on moving to Thailand, Lord
willing, in March of next year and completing an apprenticeship with
the Chiang Mai. We feel this is the best training we can receive for
Cambodia. Please be in prayer for us as this changes our relationship
with our current sponsoring church and affects our plans for having
baby number 2.

During our preparation we heard so many discouraging comments like, “We love you, but if you decide not to work with us, it won’t be a big deal” and were asked questions like “Where are you going again?” and “Now, I know I’ve met you, but who are you?” We had big dreams of what a sponsoring congregation would be like. We thought our ministry to Cambodia would be promoted, that we’d be a huge part of the church during our initial stay and that people would never forget us (especially while we were working with the church)! We soon learned that our expectations had been terribly wrong. People have their own lives. Do not expect them to get very wrapped up in yours. Churches have so many things going. Do not expect to be what’s going on. You will be forgotten. You will be overlooked. You will NOT be the center of attention. Work hard at building good relationships, go about your ministry and preparation, and seek to receive affirmation solely from God. With those godly expectations, you will not be disappointed.