HOME AGAIN...

Jennifer, Jason and I leave in a few hours to take a taxi to the airport and head back to Sioux Falls.  It will take over 30 hours with several LONG flights.  Also, we are going from 90+ degree heat to 12 degree cold...what a shock to the system!

It has been a full, demanding, inspiring and awesome experience for us as we have worked with Dton Naam and NightLight ministries in Bangkok.  Darrell left last Wednesday so he didn't get to see the finished project.  It is awesome Jason and Darrell...proud of you guys!  We will add some pictures soon that will tell more of the story of our great adventure in Thailand.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us...your support was an essential part of mission experience.

All three of us are anxious to arrive home and celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones. For the last time...BLESSINGS FROM BANGKOK

LOOKING GOOD!

Darrell and Jason are doing a terrific job on the counter and surround for the bakery cabinet.  I am IMPRESSED...the wood is just beautiful - teak.

Darrell leaves for home tonight.  Jason will be here another week working on other projects at the coffee house, returning to Seattle and his lovely Anika and daughters for Thanksgiving.

I am already missing my hubby...going out for a quiet dinner before he leaves for the airport.

Jennifer continues her work with the team as they get ready to open and welcome customers...pray for them. Our time in Bangkok is coming to end and still so much to accomplish.

Progress on the Coffee Shop and Bakery

Jason and Darrell are really doing a great job...check out these pictures...more to come. They make quite a construction crew and are enjoying getting to know each other in the process! The first woman in the picture carrying the tubes is Celeste, one of the founders of the ministry. The other women are part of a team from Georgia that spent several days helping out...what a blessing!

It won't be long now and they will be able to offer alternative employment to Kathoeys (lady-boys) in the coffee shop and bakery.  Check out their website...www.dtonnaam.org  Consider making a donation - your partnership will help make this dream a reality!

WEEK THREE in BANGKOK

Darrell and Jason arrived to begin their part of the project...construction of counters, cabinets etc. for the Dton Naam Coffee Shop.  They arrived after midnight, started work the next morning, came over for dinner with Jennifer and I, and walked back to their room at the Hospitality Center.  Quite a long day!!

Pray for them as they design and build the interior spaces of this very special project that will employ lady-boys who are seeking alternative employment.  Jennifer is hard at work assisting the Dton Naam team with developing the business side of the project.  Her experience in managing and working in coffee shope has been invaluable.

I continue to offer prayer ministry and support to the women of NightLight and fill in the gap while Annie and her team are in the US...big shoes to fill!

We all covet your prayers...for health, protection, and especially for the construction team - the right materials and cooperation with sub-contractors ands workmen.  Darrell is here to help Jason through next Tuesday and then he is on his own.  They would really like to finish what they start!

Cupcakes, Coffee and Ladyboy Bars

This week was jam-packed with business planning, coffee training, cupcake baking, ladyboy outreach, English-Thai lessons and LOTS of walking.
After almost two weeks of Bangkok my brain, body and heart connected:"I'm in Thailand?", "I'm in Thailand","I am in Thailand!!!"
It has been wonderful seeing the hearts of the Dton Naam team so determined to reach out to the ever marginalized ladyboys. We baked and decorated cupcakes and brought them to one bar which employs 200 ladyboys. They were all quite thrilled to see the fruit of Antique Cafe and Desert (Dton Naam's coffee business) finally bearing fruit. Some of them hope to find employment with Antique.
With another two weeks remaining, we have much to look forward to. Darrell and Jason arrive this week with the goal of constructing the coffee shop bar, counter top and general spacial planning. I will continue developing their business plan, writing the Barista manual and teaching coffee shop 101. We have our work cut out for us so please pray for our efforts!
Blessings from the BKK!

Jen

What a week!

It is Saturday morning and I am exhausted!  It is good to have some down time in the midst of all the intensity of ministry in Bangkok.

I hope you enjoy these pictures of Koy, Benji and me.  Benji is the little girl who was born just before Christmas three years ago and lived with me for several months.  That is why I call them my Thai family.  Benji doesn't remember those days of course, but I will always treasure that time in my heart.

One of the most important ministry roles I have at NightLight is being 'Mom" and loving the women and their children.  Such a pleasure and blessing!  Whenever I return to Bangkok, I am amazed at how many of the women have healed, matured, and are growing spiritually "leaps and bounds."

SUPPORT NIGHTLIGHT by going to their website...www.nightlightinternational.com and go to the jewelry store...when you purchase jewelry for yourself or someone special in your life, it is truly a gift that makes a difference!  THINK CHRISTMAS GIFTS....

BLESSINGS from BKK - Susan

"Lady Boy" Outreach

Jennifer and I had a wonderful time with Celeste last night as we visited some of the lady boy bars in the Nana Entertainment Complex.  In our previous posting we added a picture of the entry to this area.  Jennifer and the Dton Naam team made cupcakes to take with us which was great fun.   They were a real hit and a conversation starter.  It was wonderful to see the relationships that Celeste has already built  with many of them and be included in their laughter and warm conversation.  We went to talk with them before the bars opened which was so much easier than having to go into the bars when there are customers and the atmosphere is much more sexualized and frenetic.  We will be doing both so continue to pray for us...the atmosphere is quite dark and never comfortable!

BLESSINGS - Susan