What we were doing on 2006 Chrisie...and what we're doing in 2007

Sigh, this time last year the girls had a big cook up at mums and the secret recipes and traditions were being handed down through the generations.

Although, as you can see, Seth is icing his 'Ginger Bread Man' at the JOMA bakery in down town Vientiane. We took the kids there on an excursion just last week. They had a ball....

This year we won't be so near family...we're off to China tomorrow. We'll keep you posted. The last time we had Christmas in China was 1995...We can remember it well...it was freezing cold and the food was nothing like MUMS!!!!!

With love to all of you over Christmas, where ever you are...God's riches love! Don't forget to 'delight yourself in the Lord'!!! Ps 34:7 He came so you can do just that....

I don't know why....

I don't know why...but i'm just feeling a bit sad. Not bad, just sad. Two days now...the sun is warm; the afternoon pleasant...a cool breeze but sad, i'm just a little sad. I've much to be greatful about...It's a our wedding anniversary today...14 years together. The best years of my life. Wonderful years. Not 'peaches and cream' but 'kaya and toast'....all up we've known each other for 18 years. I made the right choice, she's the best for me. Sometimes when I'm not sad nor am I bad, she knows i'm the best for her.

We're going for a lor-mantic meal on Friday...today we gotta teach. So pinch me, kick me, flick me, or pray for me...I'm not bad; just a little sad.

my enemy,
melancholy

in the shadow.s..

The other evening there was a Chinese opera on the Mekong...in the shadow a young man was getting ready to perform.

she loves to dance....he likes to write

Our dancing daughter...went off to a show the other day...we ra, ra! in the audience...she did a great job. She remember all her steps and was very delicate. It was a Lao dance. Sarah was nervous but deep down she loves to dance...















There was an exhibition at the at the dance event....Seth got his 'book on lao' in the exhibition representing his school...he learnt how to type doing this project

watch out for those chickie pox!!!

the kids were off for two weeks with the big rooster disease...they slept a lot for first few days and had small temperatures...they were really good and didn't pick their sores...good self control..they'll be heading back to school on Tue! So that's cool...they really miss school, friends and 'work'...

HOPE Centre Teen GAmes 07

The HOPE Centre had their first teen games this year...it went fabulously! 100 kids turned up and they played a wide variety of games and had lots of fun...it was clean, entertaining and they got to hear the gospel message through various sports messages!!! ...The guy below with the super leg... caught me eye during the games...he was a spectacular sportsman at the 'cain' ball game...He was a fun guy. I taught his mate 'KEY' a few guitar lessons several months ago...Unfortunately Mr Spectacular and Key are now in jail waiting a sentence. They got drunk and had a fight at a club and the police got em...the rest is well...lets keep them in prayer! We need the Teen Games and we need disciples alongside these guys..But most of all, Lord we need you mercy every day!

boon boon...!!! One of our Sing soldiers on holidays after spending much of this year protecting the nation. He's our mate...he made his way through Vietnam and found our little tribe. Boon's stay was short but true to this guy, he's always enjoyable to be around. Boon impresses us with his kind and sensitive acts through the day...his willingness to help out with everything. We kept him in the dog house for two days and he didn't complain so that was cool...Cc does whip up a good breakfast so 'backpackers' are welcome to the Dierden Tribe Dog HOUSE>>> Thanks for the visit Boon boon...love ya!

ways you can build up....

There are some really cool G-news books that you might want to help support financially. All these books are needed. In my opinion, this is a very worthy project. I know the people and I know the history of these projects.

There are three types of books.

1. The first is a story about two friends. It is a series of 4 books. It’s been a very good tool. They want to make it available in books and mp3. They want to print the 4 books in the series- 5000 copies each. They approximate the cost to be 7500 to 8000 U.S.

2. The second book is a Handbook to the G-news book. This book was printed once before and it’s been a top priority for a long time. They want to print 3000 copies. They approximate the cost to be $3000.

3. The third printing need is a commentary on an old book. There are 3 volumes. Volume one was printed and they’re now ready to print 2 and 3. They estimate the cost to be 4000 U.S. for volume 1 and 2.

The above prices are estimates.

If you’d like to give these projects, please email me and I’ll send you the details.

All in a day's lesson...beyond the words!

Meet our two good friends-Kipp and Anna. The little fella in the pouch is Levi. Kip is a Mhong American. That means his parents are from the Mhong tribe but he's lived most of his life in America. Anna is a MK. She was raised in Thailand and is back doing what her parents did...loving tribal people. They are currently teaching English at ARDA until the Lord opens up other things for them.

The other funny looking boy with his shirt off...he's parents are also trying to love Lao people. In fact, this little boy's parents organised this picnic on the river to get to know his English students better. They had a great day and got closer to the students. It was fun but trying. His parents had a long week and they've not been well. But they decided to press on and keep their picnic date. They were pooped when the got home and slept part of Sunday. But they pray that their efforts will be fruitful and meaningful relationships will be built up with their students. There's a lot of things to do when you teach beyond the words...

The students like to play songs, drink beer (the boys), laugh, joke and eat lots of good tucker...so that's what we did. We cooked bamboo soup, ate sticky rice, bbq fish and lots of other veggie, good for ya stuff with lots of chili.

The wife of the tribal boy with his shirt off is grating up carrot for the 'papaya salad'...

The blue insect and the red boy are sunning themselves on a hot rock, all part of the river's edge setting....

'Bo sai Phadek'!!!

Cecilia and the three girls- On, Noy and Iew are making the bamboo soup and other goodies....there is the 'paste' called 'Phadek'. It is made of rotting fish (stinking) and some of the first words Ian managed to say in Lao were 'bo sai Phadek'- Dont' add Phadek! 15 years ago Ian also said Durian smelt like stinking fish...so there is hope that one day, in the not too immediate future, Ian will eat Phadek like he eats durian...with great delight!!!

journal entry Oct

Journal entry..this is a new thing for me. I won't be divulging all of me, but i thought i'd share some things I've been thinking about

I’ve been thinking a lot about starting up a refrigeration business here in Lao. I feel excited when I think about going ‘back on the tools’. The idea of ‘fixing’ fridges and air conditioners gets me excited. I must admit it scares me a little because I’ve not done worked with fridges and aircons for 20 years! The equipment has changed, although the basics are the same. Relearning, or upgrading doesn’t phase me, I’m feel ready to learn something.

Teaching English is a good job. It can and does open doors and hearts. I can build relationships through teaching English. I am doing just that. But my 'heart' isn't totally in the teaching side of it. I struggle with the motivation to teach English. I wonder if God's getting me ready to teach or doing something else. God has given me a lot of compassion that I'm not putting to 'good' use. I'm just thinking out aloud....but if I do a business with an apprentice or two, then they are with me the whole day, I could be discipling these guys all the time. That’s my passion, to win people to Christ and then disciple them to be fully devoted followers of Jesus. That’s why I’m here for. That’s what the good Lord’s called me to do.

I’ve a few questions:

Is fixing fridges and Airconditioners really what God wants me to do, or is it just exciting because it’ll get me out of teaching English?

1. Is this enthusiasm and renewed interest from the Lord, is the Lord directing me and Cecilia down this road?
2. How does this ‘affect’ my calling into ‘full-time’ ministry? Doing refrigeration/doing business in Lao- is this stepping away from what God’s called me to do- which is to teach and pastor people into faith?

Wed 10^th Sarah

Spent some good time with Sarah yesterday…we skipped together then played cricket. We just had a good time talking about who’s she’s sitting with in school- how yukkie boys are and some school yard goss. Her love language is talking. Sarah’s friend Mona is a very good influence on her. Mona loves to talk too but when she works she ‘gets really serious’.

I caught up with Sarah’s teacher the other day. Her name is 'Shelia'. She said glowing things about Sarah’s attitude, friendliness and her social skills. She did say that she’ll be moving Sarah from Joey’s table because she talks too much with him. Joe is a ‘different’ boy. He’s no threat to the ‘girls’. Sarah said he ‘can talk to all the girls’ and they know he’s not ‘hitting’ on them. It’s amazing how some guys can do that. So now my little princess is sitting with her 'arch-enemy’ Polo- whom she calls ‘Bratthead’. That's after the Bratt Dollars- who have big heads!

Seth
Tuesdays are also my day with Seth…we looked a fridge problem last week. That was fun and we’ll prob do that on Fri of this week- im’ so excited to do mechanics with my son. Today I helped him type his ‘Lao’ assignment on my laptop. He grumbled all the way…but he did finish. He is a good student. Teacher Shalini said he’s diligent and helps other students if he can. He’s me mate. I gotta keep close and spend the time. He’ll make a good ‘mechanic’ or ‘doctor’…

Shanae was very precious this morning…she kept coming back to see if I was alright. I’ve not been well. I really appreciated her effort and sincerity.

Across the Thai Fence and down the road to see the dr....

I drove Sarah into Udon today. She has a small growth under her eye lid. Aaron the Pattana nurse said he couldn’t do anything. It would take a ophthalmologist to diagnose her eye problem. The only one of those is across the fence in Ek Udon Hospital Thailand.

So I organised the ARDA truck and we took off a couple of days latter. We got up early and set off. I could have taken the jeep but it had just come out of the workshop. I didn’t want to risk a breakdown in Thailand.

Sarah was so good. She planned a small bag of goodies for us to eat on the trip. She brought some water and a book to read as we went. I was a little nervous about the trip and about her eye. Her eye looked a little nasty. I prayed that we find the right doctor.

Getting through customs and finding the place was a little frightening for me too. It was the first time I’d driven to Thailand; I didn't know were the hospital was. I did have a map. It was also the first time I run the passport papers at customs…I had to do everything myself. I was glad that the Lord Himself was there with me helping us as we go.

It did take time and the customs was a bit confusing…but we made it through, there and back, through Lao customs and through Thai customs. In all I went to 8 different customs windows going in and 4 going back!

It was a hot day and Sarah stayed in the truck for most part. I got the stuff stamped. She did really well. She didn’t complain much.

We found the hospital alright. They had police directing people right up to the top car park. You could smell the money trail foreigners were bring into this hospital. It was relief to have the friendly helpful people in the hospital. We quickly got our forms into the eye doc dept and we didn't wait very long. While we were waiting, Sarah was feeling a bit scared of the unknown. We prayed and asked the Lord to give us both peace.

A man got up from his seat and Sarah noticed money on the seat after he left. I took the money and found him. He was delighted. It’s nice to surprise people with good deeds.

We got in there and the ‘lady’ eye doc was gentle and helpful. We spoke in English. The growth is from the dust irritating her allergies. She said that Sarah had allergies, she could see many very small allergic reactions in her left eye. She said Sarah would have to wear glasses inside and outside to protect her eyes. We did a eye test and her sight was 20/20. We also did a pressure test for Glaucoma. The pressure was 12/14...this is fine. She’d been using some mild steroids in her eye and so the doc needed to check if it had cause glaucoma. I

Sarah wasn’t looking very happy with what the doc said but she was understanding. The alternative was worse eyes and more problems. Sarah knew this wasn’t a good thing. She complained later why did she have to get this problem!! Who gave it to her? Which gene- mine or mum's?

I talked to her about many people who have to adjust things in their bodies because their not quite perfect. She said, 'I'm looking forward to heaven where we'll get perfect bodies'. I said, 'me too'!

We paid and left to find a glasses shop. I stumbled upon one and we brought powerless glass and a pair of sunnies. She was quite good. We went through about 20 or 30 pair. I told her to take her time. She was good. She chose what she liked. She had an idea what she’d like. We found them- grayish sunnies and purple indoor glasses. All up we spent about 100 US. Sarah apologised for me spending so much money. She was conscience of the money and I really appreciated that.

She was happy and kept the glasses on all the way, taking off, putting on…We finally got some lunch. She had missed out on her lasagna making class in school. She was disappointed about that. We came across a Pizza Shop that sold ‘lasagna'. She was over the moon!! She said, ‘its true, good things come to those who are patient’!!! Whooooooooooooooooo…so cool!!!

She had a plan for the way we could it eat- on the side of the road, in the car and near a large field. We found just that on the way out of town. We pulled under a shady tree and got the goodies out. It was really nice. I told her about the times little Ian would eat lunch with his dad in the van. And how they'd eat pies, cream donuts and choc milks..she said, ‘oh no way...so cool’.

It was the second time she’d eaten a ‘car meal’. The first was with Jude and Uncle Wayne. One day they pulled over and munched up all the Mac Donald's in the car. The meal was very special for Sarah and I. We felt a strong connections eating together, hanging out, doing something a little different.

IN the end the trip was a precious experience. I felt that I had communicated my love to Sarah in several different ways

We got back to Vientiane by 4.50pm. I was very tired but asked the Lord to give me strength and teach the 5 pm class. He did give me strength and I taught well. Thank you Lord for this day, these experiences and your love.

Turning 43

My Birthday…I’m 43 today.

43 could feel like a ‘nothing’ age. If I didn’t know how much I’m worth in God’s eyes, and how much I’m loved by family and friends, 43 could be the depressing age. I’ve been thinking…43 means your well over forty and yet not ‘half’ way to 50- which seems to me to be the important mile stone in any person’s life. 43 dosen't have a nice ring to it, ‘I’m 50’ is quite groovy! I can’t wait to say that, God wiling. But 43…well, it’s just ok. If I scored 43 in a cricket match I’d be kicking myself all the way around the field- just 7 runs off a half century! If I got 43 in my exam, my mum would kick my butt all the way around the house! If I made 43 US dollars a week, my family would starve to death. If I drove 43 kms an hour down any main road I’d get honked off the road! See, 43 isn’t really a very good age. So I’m just glad that my God, my family and my friends still love me at 43!

So on my big day, the kids and wife woke me up and sang happy birthday. They made wonderful cards and I got three new guitar picks and a guitar tuner- I dropped my last one. Cc made me a ‘lime’ cake…and we had bacon, eggs and coffee- 2 cups for me day!

I spent some time worshipping the Lord and giving thanks. Ps 92 ‘it is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High God, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the 10 string git….

I then felt led to work on a sermon I’ gotta preach on the 9th of Sept in the evening church. It’s titled ‘The Left Hand of God’ comes from Prov 21:1 ‘The King’s heart is in the Lord’s hand; he directs it like a stream wherever he pleases’. The idea is about how God moves the heart of non-believing political leaders. God’s in control, not the King. We need to keep that very clear before us as we live here. We often think and pray for God’s right hand to move and protect those who believe, but we probably need to pray more for God’s left hand to move and open doors and move hearts of those who don’t yet believe.

I’m not teaching today. I teach Mon, Wed and Thursday. I’ve Friday’s off to catch up on language learning and preparation. My Lao teacher comes at 2pm.

Birthday thanksgiving:

Even though I’m only 43, I could have been taken off the face of the earth several times. So I give thanks that I’ve made it this far. I also give thanks for those years that I walked with out God in my life. During those lonely years, I believe my mum’s prayers had a great impact on keeping me ‘relatively’ safe and out of jail. So now I’m walking with the Lord, I especially give thanks for these years- the last 18. They’ve been the best years. And during these years, I found the best wife. Cecilia is my ‘noble wife’ out of proverbs.

‘A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good not harm, all the days of his life (31:10-12).

And during these years, in my opinion, we conceived the best kids on planet earth!

Sons’ are a heritage from the Lord; children are a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man who’s quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate (Ps 127).

Birthday prayers:

During my 43rd year on planet earth…

I will enjoy God’s perfect love and goodness at all times
I will spread the love of God with zeal
I will love Cecilia like Jesus loves His Church
I will father my children like my Heavenly Father Father’s me
I will serve the Lord wholeheartedly and ‘speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (prov 31:8-9).
I will grow in an increasing measure in: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Pete 1:5-8).

Happy birthday to us...thank you Lord and friends

Happy birthday to us...happy birthday to us...mum and dad dancing their way into their 39th and 43rd year...Seth dancing into his 8th year...Sarah and Shanae dancing into their 10th and 4th year respectively...happy birthday to us!!!Thanks Lord for all your love to our family...and thanks to all the people who remember us; pray with us and support the work of our hands.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night...Ps 92

And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace! Miacah 5:4

Our little Beauties

mentimagnolia...well, it sounds real Latin! Ha...ha...but not as beautiful as my wife and kids. We're all turning a year older this month and the next. And like these captivating flowers, we too manage to keep our colour!! Shucks....Cc turns 39 this Monday (27th Aug) so send lots of love and kisses...we're planning to invite you all to her 40th b-day bash so stay tuned ok?

Some faces....

Always make the last bite the best one!













gals chilling with coffee and milo ....



where's the trouble....?

i'm in a mood!!!

Mercy from the FUZZ continued...

....continued, It wasn’t a dangerous turn, there was no traffic. To me it made no sense why I couldn’t turn. I quickly called Cc and told her what happened. She also told me that I was at the wrong market!!! Oh no…I asked her to take the Tuk Tuk home. I also asked her to pray for mercy as I speak to these fine young men!

I jumped back into the jeep and drove reluctantly over to the police post on the corner of the intersection. I’d always wondered what happened to people who ‘broke the law’ and walked into one of these little ‘Fuzz huts’. I was about to find out and I was praying, ‘Lord have mercy, show me your mercy’.

There were 9 young policemen standing around the one little hut. ‘My guy’ was right in the middle of the hut. He told me to come in. I pretended not to understand. I stood outside with the boys. Some were laughing and giggling. They listened into my bad Lao and 'my guy's' bad English. He kept showing me the ‘fine book’. He told me he was going to write a fine and send me down to the Police station to pay it. I said, ok. He said ‘ok’? I said, ‘up to you, you’re the police man. I’ve done the wrong thing. I don’t want to but you tell me what to do’. I apologised once again and raised my clasped hands to my big nose.

He looked at his mates and then he gave me back my licence. Another guy said in English, don’t break the policy again. My hands went straight back to my nose. My heart lept with joy to God. The FUZZ showed me ‘grace’!! The policeman showed me mercy!!!

I was so thrilled that God had softened his heart!! God did that. He answered our prayer. He showed me that the ‘can’ and ‘does’ do that!!! He was teaching me a valuable lesson.
I got home really pumped and told Cc everything. She said, ‘great, but the Tuk Tuk man just ripped me off, you should have prayed for mercy all round

What's your idea of a great picnic?

'tat moon'....we felt it'd be a nice place to have some fun with the ARDA Team...so we went out the week before and took a look...it was great! It had water...

and the Lao people were having fun cooking and sitting and chatting....

but for us there was some picinic things missing....What's your idea of a great picnic?