The Mays’ Weblog

Hello again from us.
I know that it is a long time since we blogged. We are alive and well and enjoyed seeing you so much over the summer. We are now having our first relaxing day after returning.

It is good to be back at school. God has provided a biology teacher and all bases are covered, just. With the school growing each year it is getting harder to find staff to fill the spaces. I have a busier teaching load this year so need to be more organsied than ever. Esther is back teaching art to middle school and has been back to the orphanage this week to teach art there.

The wet season is upon us and the school was closed Thursday due to flooding, which you can see here.

Yesterday was a wild frenzy of activity. We were awoken at 6.00am to usher in Luke’s birthday as soon as possible. I took him to the army base in Mae Rim where the ‘Pack Squadron’ have several hundred horses. For a mere 100 baht he sat horse and circumnavigated the arena on an army horse, seen here.

There was also a pack of about 50 mules not far off. What they use them for is hard to imagine. I have never seen so many asses in one place! (Sorry for any disturbing images caused to my American friends).

After lunch we all went to do paintballing on the north side of town. This was the first time for any of the children and although some were a little nervous they had a great time. We were there with all the Olivers, Callum and Dylan Coe, Andrew and Matthew Bird, and ‘Joshy Bear’ Crannage. They are hard to recognise on the photos due to the headgear. For bigger ones (in a new window) click here.

I never lasted long, being shot by Thomas in one game and Jacob in another. In one game all the rest of Mollie’s team were killed and, with Thomas and Jacob approaching rapidly she came out with her gun raised above her head. Surrender was the best option we all agreed….
On the way back we ran out of Diesel, but fortunately were had enough momentum to roll across the forecourt of the petrol station and stop next to a pump. Lovely jubbley!

It is strange being back without the Hyttedalen family down the road. One of our prayers over the summer was that God would provide a Friend for Mollie when Veronica was gone and he has done exactly that. There is a girl her age, called Leila, living just across the road. Thank you God.

It is very good to have Olivers living a few doors away. After all the frantic activity of the last few months they are relaxing into things here a bit before getting stuck into the orphanage project up north. They are looking for a car at the moment. Just to reassure you, we have tried to keep Adrian busy but he has still managed to get out and speak to a few Americans. So far he has not disgraced us all yet with an imprudent gaffe but there is still time. I will keep you posted. We will try not to be sent home early…..

I will let you go now as I have duties to attend to, as always….hmm.

With love,
Andrew, Esther, Jacob, Luke, Mollie and Isaac XXXXXX