December 2012

I want to share the gift of Love and Hope to all my friends and family across the continents.  
At school we had a Christmas assembly, program and party for the students on Friday, December 21. Later we had a fun, music filled evening holiday celebration, complete with costumes, for the English and Thai teachers. 
Then the next day I was invited to share a service at a small village Christian Mission Church that has been in Sattahip, a naval base for the Thai navy, for 30 years.

The four elders, about my age, were among the founding members. The rustic church set in a rural countryside reminded me of many small Wisconsin country churches from my childhood. Somehow the Christmas story is the same regardless of language, even in Thai, although they did their best to translate some of it in English (for me, the guest).  

 As the children read their part of the story, I found myself teary eyed, filled with past memories of Christmas. The experience of exchanging gifts, happily unwrapping, sharing, singing, and feasting "pot-luck" style remains a highlight of the season and it seemed to be well embraced as three churches gathered together to celebrate the Birthday of the Christ Child.  The expressive singing of traditional Christmas Carols, both in English and Thai reminds one that music is truly Gods gift. 

The Christmas season of joy and happiness fills the air everywhere yet sadness also accompanies the bliss. We often see this in life as we experience deep valleys of depression and the ecstasy of glorious mountain highs.

As a teacher and parent, when the news reached Thailand of the tragedy at the elementary school in the United Stares, I was horrified. I could not imagine the anguish that would accompany an event like that happening in our school.  My deepest sympathy and prayers go to the families of the children.  I want to share this email as it is a reminder of the reason for the season and the light of the world.

Sandy Hook Elementary School

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

When 20 beautiful children stormed through Heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"This is heaven" declared a small boy. 

"We're spending Christmas at God's house".

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,

But Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only Heaven can bring

Those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of Mom and Dad."

Then He looked down on Earth, at the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!

May this country be delivered from the hands of fools

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools! "

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.

 "Come now my children let me show you around. "

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Me and my walker with a few of the Kindergarten students that I teach

My broken hip bone has healed and I am able to walk with a cane. By the new year I will be almost back to normal.. I am so grateful for the magical healing powers of spirit, mind and body, so I share this prayer:

Ancient Mother of Healing and Life

Restore Balance and Harmony for Healing

Clear blocks and resume Life's powerful flow 

Open us to the gifts of Insight and Understanding

Help us Listen to the Truths Spoken by our Bodies

Heal our Hearts and Minds of Fear, that we may enter True Health. 

May you also enjoy good health and new beginnings in the year ahead. 

Joyous Holidays and Blessings from Thailand