Christmas in Isaan... is an oxymoron.

Christmas tree competition: A candy cane tree, a Mall tree and a Village Church Christmas tree.  

Christmas really doesn't exist in Thailand. I mean they have snowmen and Christmas trees in some shop windows, but the actual day is a normal working day, like any other. There are no Christmas cards to be found in the shops. They have got the most meaningless parts of Christmas, and although we see the Consumerism that seems to have gobbled up Christmas in the West; in this culture, Christmas never really existed at all. I find that tragic. The Saviour of the world has come, and they just don't know. After 2000 years, how could it be that they have got so much from the West, but still don't know that Love came in human form, to save them? 

But you, O Bethlehem, 
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel...

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace.

(Micah 5:2-5)

If you are reading this and don't know Jesus, I want to tell you He is the only one worth living for, He makes life abundant, meaningful, joyful. He is Peace. And he longs for you to share it with Him. He pursues you with his love. Just ask Him and He will come in. And if you do know Him, just take a moment to enjoy His presence. Thank Him for coming, celebrate Him. As we do the same here, Christmas comes to Thailand.

SNAPSHOTS OF ISAAN: 

I was just walking down the street the other day, when I heard loud Isaan music coming from one of the houses - not an uncommon occurence here. But instead of being a party, it was a grannies dance exercise class! I stood and smiled at them, and a few of them smiled back. After watching them dance for a little while and making this video (below), I went and joined them. Yes, I am a crazy extrovert, but I just thought, really, what do I have to lose?! Of course they thought it was hilarious and after they'd finished dancing we had a good natter, as much as my Thai would allow.

These little monks filed right past my gate one morning, collecting alms. 

It is normal for Thai boys to serve as monks for a time in order to make merit for the parents, for their next life. If only they knew there is One who has made more merit than we can ever contain, on our behalf. 

My little herb garden which my lovely grandma next door loves to check on and help me with.

The Isaan people are unbeatable when it comes to piling large objects on 2 wheelers. 

Living here, you see circus acts every day. 

A timely reminder in a coffee shop  ;o) 

... Amen. 

Team retreat - A weekend together outside the city, getting to know the team, having fun together, praying through and making plans for the coming year. 

Erin (American teammate) and I will be housemates soon  :) 

 Team Isaan :) Praise God for bringing harvesters to these fields.