Things to Come

Warning Martha W!! This post contains snake pictures! :)

This past week we were up at our co-workers house for a birthday party, meeting members of their church visiting from the States, and a trip to the new village to move forward in getting the rental houses figured out.

One morning, an unexpected visitor was found in the yard.


You can see it moving off the edge of the patio, and the spot of blood where it used to lie. eek.

A neighbor smashed it in the head, but then generously left it right there on the patio. By the time Greg and I arrived from an errand, the kids had largely wandered away, the excitement gone.
Then, as I watched it, it began moving. Escaping. It was supposed to be dead.

You will never guess who came to the rescue.

Guess again.

Give up?

Who would believe that Ema would be the one to mercilessly crush the head of this serpent, bravely, without being asked or forced?

Ema of the Great Spider Incident of Jungle Camp, involving bloodcurdling screams, neighbors running to her rescue with knives and guns, and one tiny spider. Or Ema who after watching half of Ben Hur could not sleep at night for fear of leprosy? Who sat on a bucket all day when we went to the beach so that the tiny little sand crabs would not touch her.

We prayed that Ema would overcome this fear of crawly things, knowing we would surely encounter a wider variety here in Thailand, and God is faithful!!! She is our best tick picker, cockroach killer and now snake destroyer. You go Ema!

Since our new village is nearly surrounded by rice fields, it is not a stretch to think we will find more of these in our yard and yikes! maybe house. Glad you live with me Ema. :)

Ema is not the only one who has done some growing and changing these past years.

Where is the little boy I brought to Thailand with me? Ready to go fishing Thai style!

Yes, that is a gun for fishing. A long nail is attached to fishing line and triggered by a slingshot action. Water, mud, fish and gun. What could be more fun than that?

And Leah, whose years left at home with us I can count on one hand, (we will not think of that now) is growing daily into a young lady.

She measures often to see if she has passed me up. Last night Greg declared she is as tall as I am and maaaaybe, a hair taller. I must have been slouching.

Thank you God for these three kids! I can’t wait to see what Your plans for them hold, and how You will continue to use Greg and I in their lives.
We know You have good things to come for those who love You and follow You! Life with the Lord is never boring. :)

6 Responses to “Things to Come”

  1. Shelley Says:

    Wow, they are all growing up so much! What a great update to see - especially Ema with the snake.

  2. Casey Says:

    R O F L

  3. Kim Says:

    Good job Ema!
    Our year in Africa did wonders for our daughter as well. She learned to live in primitive conditions (comparatively speaking), eat strange foods, ride a motorcycle side saddle :-) and so many other skills that I’m sure will stand her in good stead her whole life. LOL
    Seriously, how can it not be good for our American kids to be exposed to some adventure?! We’ve always felt MKs have the best of both worlds and feel a little sorry for those who don’t get to experience life in other cultures.

  4. Kim Says:

    Just wondered if you know any missionaries with Pioneers? Our cousin is in the home office and we get their online newsletters. The one today had a short article by Alan Lawton who is in Chiang Mai; it was about a new ministry headed up by a Thai lawyer to reach out to the business community there.

  5. The Prudent Homemaker Says:

    Good for Ema!

    I shared your story about the ants in the rice and ant cabinets when I was speaking to a group of women about food storage on Thursday evening.

  6. Rachel Says:

    Wow, good job Ema! Everyone looks so grown up, I feel left behind! I love your earrings Leah. Zach, did you catch any fish? I can’t wait to see ya’ll again. We miss and love you here in WA.
    Love,
    Rachel