The Rain, the Coup, COVID, and Life

SUMMER

Summer seems to be quickly passing us by… Here in Thailand, it almost feels like we missed summer completely. From May-October, we have our own season- “Rainy season.” I haven’t actually been in Thailand for a full rainy season since 2013! It’s not the same as the California summers I love, but the weather is cooler, with moody clouds, and everything is just so green. It’s a nice change from the regular hot, hotter, and humid weather we often get throughout the year here in Thailand.

Even still, I’ve been surprised that I feel a bit “home sick” for America. We usually spend several weeks in America, every summer, renewing our visas, giving updates, and visiting family. After being “stuck” in the USA for so many months last year though, due to COVID restrictions, we didn’t feel the need to come back too soon. However, there’s just something magical about a good ole American summer and I do feel nostalgic.

BURMA

Normally, summer season here at our headquarters is a bit of a slow time work-wise. Though, with the worsening situation in Burma, we’ve kept pretty busy. Not only is the country suffering as a result of the military coup and harsh treatment of civilian protestors, but the recent COVID situation, with the spread of the Delta variant, has become a complete nightmare. With doctors on strike (as a result of the coup) and the Military hoarding oxygen tanks, civilians suffering from COVID symptoms don’t have many options. We hear from too many friends and friends of friends, of people suffering and dying at home. It is really horrific to hear all the news and to feel a bit hopeless sometimes.

THAILAND

The situation in Thailand has really gone up and down. Until early this year, COVID in Thailand wasn’t a big problem. However, since January, many provinces, including Chiang Mai where we live, have been in and out of the red zone. Currently, we have some restrictions, but much fewer closures than in the past. Most Thais seem to still be waiting for their vaccines, and most expats expect to not be able to receive them here for many months.

(Another day at Immigration... the faces say it all...)

VISAS

One thing we’ve been putting a lot of energy into since arriving back in Thailand last November, is our visas. After many months of working on things, I was granted a 6 month visa and approval to “officially” work. Adam and the girls, however, were not allowed to switch to long term visas and remain on short-term tourist visas with a special COVID extension clause. This means that they are only allowed to apply for 60 days within the country at a time. Though the 60 day visa is granted with a conditional 15 days and then you must return for another 45 day stamp. As a result, our travels are limited to trips no longer than 45 days and they must be extremely strategic so we are in town for all the visa appointment dates. It feels so complicated and frustrating since the rules change all the time, without warning. At any point soon ,the government could discontinue this special COVID tourist visa extension. We do plan, Lord willing, to return to the USA in December for my grandfather’s memorial, and we will be allowed to apply for more long term visas for the rest of the family from the consulate in the USA.

AIMEE

Our jobs look different this year in a lot of ways, but we are grateful to be home and supporting the ministry we feel so passionately about, again. I have been busy with various office organization projects, sorting donations, helping volunteers, teaching English to our Thai staff, and prepping projects/materials for fall trainings. I’ve also starting studying Thai again which I’m really glad about. This year I relaunched my Mother’s of Preschooler’s group here in town and enjoy building community with other moms.

(first photo: MOPS play date)

ADAM

Adam has been busy BBQing for staff events, meetings, and holidays. He recently BBQ’ed for a coworkers wedding too, which was a great experience. He’s also learning new programs (video, reporting, media) so he can become more diverse at the office and in the field. He’s helping supervise volunteers, facilitating regular fitness training for staff, and planning curriculum for trainings. Over the last several months he’s helped facilitate 3 different trainings (6 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week), though the girls and I were only able to join him for the shortest one.

EDEN

Eden started a “pre-school” 2 days a week, but only ended up going a few times since COVID restrictions have kept it closed. She recently learned to ride a bike which basically looked like me putting her on a bike and her riding away from me by herself! She can mostly swim by now if only the pools would stay open long enough for us to practice (COVID closures)! She’s also currently obsessed with princesses and horses.

QUINN

Quinn celebrated her 1st birthday the end of July. She has been walking for a month and a half already and loves to babble all kinds of new words. Her favorites are “wow,” “no, no, no,” and “Jah-Ai,” which is the Thai form of Peek-A-Boo. She loves her sister, being outside, and sneaking up the stairs when I’m trying to cook.

PRAYER

Please pray for Burma and the horrors people are facing there every day. Please pray for our visa situation, and clear direction for all our plans and travels. Thank you for keeping up with us and for all the encouragement you give us near or far.