Sunday, September 16, 2007

Opposite Day!

Sunday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m. - Bangkok
Well, today was opposite day-as great as yesterday was, today was the exact opposite! We awoke to an impending thunderstorm and, sure enough, by the time we returned to our room after breakfast the thunder and lightning was in full force. We felt trapped inside by the pouring rain, and had to deal with a storm inside as well! Temper-tantrums extraordinaire! Once the tears subsided a bath refreshed the kids. They are used to taking baths three times a day and boy do they love the (nam) water! You'd take several baths a day too, if you lived in this sauna!

We decided to try another outing on the Skytrain. I must say I'm very impressed with how nice and modern this train is, it's one of the best mass transits I've ridden on. Anyway, this time we tried out the "Siam Center Shopping Mall" - just 3 stops away, and very nice too. The kids enjoy the train ride and especially putting the ticket in the turnstile machine. We had Japanese food for lunch and Beth actually did pretty well slurping up her ramen! We found out where the aquarium was and headed that way with a quick stop at the ice cream shop. They both like chocolate, but Beth does not like whipped cream or cherries. So many things to discover!

The aquarium was a little spendy and the kids we not minding very well either, so we decided to head back to the hotel and swim off some energy instead. The rest of the afternoon left us feeling like we had no more buttons left to push. But we are trusting the Lord to give us patience and understanding beyond the language barrier. Part of the frustration they are experiencing is when they try to tell us something, and we can't understand them. I wonder sometimes if we are learning Thai faster than they are learning English though?! But we know God's grace is more than enough and that bolsters our lagging spirits. We also know that this is God's plan for Beth and Jack and we want to do our best to show them His perfect love as imperfect as we may be.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Isnt being a parent a challenge?
You can't explain it or understand it until you have done it yourself! And with the language barrier you two will be broken in in no time! May The Lord continue to Bless and Keep you healthy and full of energy to make the trek home in one piece.
We are so looking forward to meeting the " wofford kids" !!
God Bless and Keep you sane, energized and patient!

Shawn and Jocelyn

Cheryl MacG said...

"This, too, shall pass..." At times you all must be feeling the same things - tired, frustrated and angry. At one point when one of my little ones threw his umpteenth temper tantrum of the day I joined him on the floor, kicking, screaming, and crying!! He was shocked and amazed (enough to stop his tantrum and watch mine!). Not the best way to handle it, perhaps, but it worked that one time! At other times, all my parenting skills were at their best. Yours will fluctuate, too. I'm hoping you neither one expect yourselves to have every answer or know how to handle every situation. You both have marvelous skills with kids, and with the Lord's help things WILL smooth out soon. Jack and Beth are so very blessed to have you as their parents. It will be so much easier when you get to be in your own home and get a routine going. Until then, rely on the Lord and each other to get through. We, too, are praying for sanity, energy, patience, and safety for your beautiful family.

Pat and Cheryl

TimMarOKC said...

It sounds like you are making wise decisions and not pressing them too hard. I'm sure you are all feeling tired and no one is in their normal environment right now. I wish I had such a great excuse for my "opposite days". You are in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. I have my Bible Study group praying for you.

Love, Mar

Unknown said...

I am busting at the seams !
I am praying for a safe and dull uneventful return flight home!
Are you coming into Portland?

kreg said...

Wow guys!!

Jesus has touched your hearts, as well as your lives.

This is huge!!!!

From looking at the pictures, it appears that you have been a family for years!

Life will send you down many roads, some ruff, some smooth. If you have the good lord in your hearts, you will do well. It show's that you have him in you.

The kids are beautiful, and you have so many wonderful times ahead of you. Guys, i'm so impressed. This is such a great thing.

Remember, if you blink to long they will be grown. Seam's like my littlest was just born yesterday, and he turned nine this summer.

Well i have to go, take care and can't wait to meet those two.

God bless,

Kreg

Spaulding Family said...

Parenting is challenging enough WITHOUT a language barrier...ugh! I was going to really start praying for patience for all of you, but you know what happens when you do that. So, I will pray that God will give you ALL everything you need to get adjusted and get settled in to this new family situation. You can't tell from the pics that you're a new family. That's a good sign! WHEN DO YOU GET TO COME HOME?? I know we won't be able to visit right away. We just miss you & can't wait for your return!