Beautiful, Beautiful Baptism!!

What a ceremony Baptism is! I love everything about it. Friends, water, music, and the inevitable overwhelming joy and Smile of the one baptised as they practically spring from the water. Ive been to many dunkings around the world. Ive sat through normal church settings with the tub filled part way and its usually situated atop a platform of sorts.. Ive been to the family cabin and seen our two eldest sons brave the frigid cold crick with their dad in front of just a few friends and family in order to engage in Obedience. Ive seen dunkings in the Ucayali River off the Amazon, thick with wama, and watched MK's take the plunge. There have been many other places, but I was remembering that no matter where I have been, I cannot think of a time when the one going under doesnt come up expressing utter joy in some physical appearance! Not only is the physical change different than when they started (soaking wet from all dry!) but there is definately a 'sense' of 'Ive just done something grand'.

Isaak was baptized this past Sunday. This one took place in a pool. Isaak is 11 and we have been talking about this for months knowing the opportunity was going to come. While nervous for the longest time, he finally acknowledged that when it came down to it 'God said to do it, and I cannot wait.' When he came up from the water, he started giggling and I was able to capture some of it. I asked him about it later and his comment was 'I know mom, I just had to laugh, I FELT different and am SO glad I didnt wait.' ' I feel different somehow'. It was precious and a sweet moment for our family. Just wanted to share with you. :)

Krusin' with the Dierdens!

Mot Mee Guest House, Nong Khai, Thailand

Having duck soup for lunch with Ian and Cecilia

My gorgeous man!

The Mekong River from the boat. This is the friendship bridge that we cross every time we want to cross into Thailand from Laos. Laos is on the right, Thailand on the left.
The homeschool co-op kids are memorizing Ps. 19 right now and this verse makes it come alive to me.. 'The heavens declare the Glory of God! The skies proclaim the work of His hands! Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge.'! How amazing is our Heavenly Father and even the skies know it! :)

Mot Mee courtyard

We took a ride and had dinner on the blue boat.

Looking at Laos from our guest house in Thailand. This so reminds me of the Ucayali river of the Amazon that I lived on as a girl in Peru.

Our bathroom!

The shower part.

David and I just spent a delightful 30 hours in an obscure, neat little hide-away in Nong Khai with some very dear friends of ours. The 4 of us just needed a mini get away- out of Vientiane just for a bit where we could kick our feet up for a few hours and also take some time to chat about the direction of our homeschool co-op. Im posting several pics for you to see of the location, but of course pics only communicate so much. The sights, sounds, smells and such were relaxing and spirit filled. There was time. Time to close my eyes and think. Time to take in those passing by and wonder what their world holds..what their days are like and what their future will be. Time to breathe in the air and rest. Time to thank God for my health and family. Time to giggle and laugh with friends and build a stronger friendship. Then, I wondered as I often have before- Why, why was I chosen to live this life in such a full and beautiful way.. I feel so amazingly blessed. Man God is good!!!