Creatures...

Okay, so I try not to complain too much here (okay here it comes), BUT the creatures here are hard to handle.

First when we got here there were huge ants in the bathroom where we were staying

Then in our house there are the ants in my kitchen...

All of my food has to be either in an air tight container, and most of my food items are stored in the fridge.  One of the things I really don't like is being in my kitchen after dark, because that's when all the bugs are really there swarming around the lights.

Second, there are the gecko's...here is my friend who keeps me company while doing dishes (at night)

 

These little guys (and girls I'm sure) run all over the house, and I'm trying to get used them because they do eat the littler bugs...if that's some kind of consolation.  They move really fast, and that always gives me a little startle when they crawl across the walls.  (And lets not even mention the 2 that "live" in my bathroom window & watch me).

Lastly, the largest creature that I've seen is this "large" lizard who lives in our yard.  There are these very strange noises at night, and my friend said these noises are a lizard.  The same day she told me that, I SAW IT!

The middle tree, on the right side (where the branch splits into 2)...do you see it?

Then there are the mosquito's & dogs...everywhere...no leash law here people.  Mostly they leave you alone if you leave them alone.

Okay, so after all that complaining...here is the bright spot.  The butterfly's in Thailand are amazing!  Every one I see is a different color & they are so beautiful.

Thanks for listening, and if you have lived in a foreign country and dealt with these creatures please feel free to comment with advice on how to deal with them.
 

Where are you planted?

The other day I posted pictures of our new rental house, which has become our new home.  One of the things we have discovered about living here is why God planted us in this specific location.

#1.The first day we moved in, we were able to meet our next door neighbor.  His English name is Dick, he speaks English very well, and he's Muslim.

#2.Behind our house there is a field, and just beyond that field is a Buddhist temple.  We can hear the prayers and chanting on a daily basis.

During our first week or so, while in my kitchen doing the dishes I heard the chanting.  The Lord spoke to my heart & said I should be singing worship music whenever I hear them.  So immediately I started whatever song came into my mind (thankfully I was the only person in the room!).

Every word we speak or sing in the name of Jesus does work in the spiritual realm.  We may not physically see with our eyes what our presence in this location does, but I KNOW that there is work to be done in the spiritual realm.

Also, I challenge you to see what your presence means where you are currently planted.  Who is God trying to use you to reach?  I remember from a sermon some time back from our pastor at CGS.  He spoke about a  young man who had come to his door to do ask if he could do some work (take out the garbage maybe?).  His first reaction was to say no, because it was a task he was capable of doing.  But his wife, heard what was going on & stepped in to say that it was a great idea for this boy to help their family.  Later, our pastor was able to share with the boy about a camp experience & how the boy had experienced God's hand.  I think this story stayed with me because it is a great example of being a part of where you are planted for the glory of God.

Where are you planted? Why?
If you have a story to share about where you are planted, please leave a comment!

The view from our back wall.