Family Vacation in Chiang Mai Thailand

Last week our family took a whirlwind 6-day vacation in Thailand. It was a national holiday—the water festival—in Cambodia and we felt we needed to get away. Thank you to Air Asia budget fares, we were able to make a “once in a lifetime” trip. Thank you also to budget fares, we were on two separate flights which meant getting our baggage, checking in and running through the Bangkok airport. Imagine a family of five losing all dignity. Thankfully we did make the flights both ways.

Once in Chiang Mai we were able to meet up with JJ and Junya Hwang missionaries. Both Gil and Joyce did short term mission trips to their hostel and discipling ministry, Jasper Kids, in Wiang Pa Pao. We were also reunited with Frank Kim our friend and member of San Jose New Hope CRC, who is serving there for 1 year.
We weren’t expecting it, but they truly hosted us. JJ arranged tours and accompanied us here and there, picking us up and dropping us off. Junya arranged and accompanied a medical consultation. Their recommendations, translations and company were amazing. Frank was fun and encouraging company the whole time.
What didwe do?: Elephant Camp adventure including show, elephant ride, oxcart ride through Lisu village, and bamboo raft trip down a small stream. Petting a baby tiger at tiger kingdom. Chiang Mai zoo—the highlight of which was the panda and animal show. We strolled the night bazaar and the Sunday night handicraft market.




We went visit the Jasper kids ministry and stayed over night. The highlights for the kids there were the cutting down of a mango tree, fishing and firecrackers. They made friends with Ethan and Abby, the Hwang kids. It was good for us to see a few familiar faces and see the progress of the ministry. Also, the trip to Wiang Pa Pao through the hills and forests seemed very refreshing
after being in Phnom Penh city for so long. Back in Chiang Mai, we went on the night Safari and the kids had their picture taken with a white tiger. On Sunday we worshiped and took communion in a Thai church pastored by Junya’s uncle. We strolled in the Queen’s garden and took in a festival the night before leaving. Check our Picasa album for more pics.


Given our itinerary, obviously, it was not a lay-around-and-relax kind of vacation. We succeeded in our purpose of getting away and having a real break. How does it feel back in Cambodia? It feels like home. Many times, we noticed and remarked how developed and advanced Thailand is in comparison to Cambodia. But that has not made us feel bad about being here. We see how a country in this part of the world might move forward—in its own way of course. And we long for the day when some of the harshest edges in Cambodian life will be smoothed out. Spiritually speaking we continue to be hopeful for God reaching out to this nation. And we are glad we are here to be part of that.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to have this kind of a break and especially thank JJ, Junya, Ethan, Abby and Frank for their hospitality and companionship. What a blessing to have friends with such giving hearts and hands.