February 10:
After a relaxed breakfast in this beautiful seating area at the hotel, we left Chiang Mai for our next adventure further North.
We were so thankful that our lost luggage was delivered to the hotel a day after we arrived. Now those 8 large suitcases and 4 carry-ons and personal bags all were tied into the back of the truck with room left for Gan to stretch out near the tailgate.
It was a three-hour drive to Fang following a road that runs parallel to the mountain range at the Myanmar border. The mountains were so different from any I’d seen in North America. They are tall and narrow like a camel’s hump and covered with tropical forest undergrowth. As we drove the curvy roads, we had a great conversation about spirit houses and the burden of having to appease, strive and earn favour. Grace has been such an important learning curve in my own growth that I was struck by our human need to try to control, please and earn.
After a quick lunch, we finally arrived at our Mighty Oaks Ministry Center – a place I had only seen in digital drawings during the design phase.
The staff came to greet us with beautiful flower wrist hangings, a sign and hugs!
Each room has a name: Goodness, Mercy, Peace and Joy were the rooms we claimed.
It feels luxurious to each have our own room with a bathroom.
The view from the upper deck is stunning and our staff proudly gave us the grand tour of the Isaiah 61 Home, the Ministry Centre and offices, the gardens, the fish pond and the grounds! It is beautiful or สวย (pronounced as sÇ”uai in Thai)! I picking up a few words and phrases of Thai’s tonal language.
This is the view from the upper deck to the back of the property where the Agape girls home, fish pond and gardens are.
We watched the sunset as we dined outside at a place Mom loves. I learned that the smog that shrouds the mountains is caused by smoke from fires even though there is a burn ban during this dry season. The sunset was still magnificent!
When the Isaiah 61 girls arrived home from school we had a rushed introduction and they held up signs they had carefully made to welcome us! Before bed, our team shared a bedtime prayer of thanksgiving for all that God has done to take a small step of faith from my parents and all our partners to build this life-changing program that has transformed so many lives. Amazing grace indeed!
February 11:
This morning we met with staff and the Agape girls for some worship and prayer after breakfast. The builder dropped by and we were able to thank him for his attention to detail and magnificent workmanship!
Today was a preparation day for our church service and Celebration of Life for my Dad tomorrow. The ministry centre is spruced up with flowers and a sheltered area with seating for guests. The pieces of the service were rehearsed.
Once the work was done, we pulled out some games to play with the Agape girls. We had a great afternoon laughing and I made up a visual for each of their names so I won’t forget.
I’m looking forward to our learning activity with the Sunday School before church, Steve’s message, and the wonderful worship led by MOGI’s staff and Agape girls.
One of today’s purchases should help our quality of sleep. We found the beds a bit hard, so David and Steve bought mattress toppers to make tonight a good night!
A cool family touch to each room is a photo taken by my brother enlarged and printed on canvas as a gift from the builder! Our time in Fang at the MOGI ministry centre feels like home away from home!
For the full details see:
The story behind MOGI:
February 9, 2023
Today was our first full day in Chiang Mai. We are still resting up from travel and so are enjoying seeing Mom reunite with dear friends that live in the area! This morning we had three special guests join us for breakfast. I was taking pictures of our beautiful surrounding when Pastor Somsock and his wife and Tippewan stepped into the courtyard with Gan! Mom was surprised and thrilled to see them. Mom shared photos and stories with these friends she has made over her seventeen trips to Thailand.
After breakfast and goodbyes, we headed to a favourite destination in the area: The Umbrella Factory. Historically, the umbrellas were made by villagers for ceremonies in the monasteries, but as they grew in popularity, they became a source of income post-harvest season. It is a pleasure to watch this 200-year-old craft still performed by hand. The shop is full of vibrant colours and provided Sylvia with lots of great gift ideas!
We had lunch back at our hotel before heading up to a temple that sits at the top of a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. The view is incredible, and the flowering trees and plants are matched in beauty by the ornate gilded craftsmanship of the temple and grounds. It is easy to get a feel for the Buddhist roots in Thailand and the striving for peace, serenity, and enlightenment.
We sat by a small lake surrounded by terraced flower gardens for dinner. We soaked in the fragrances and colours of spring after leaving the cool greys and browns of Canadian winter. It was a feast for the senses. It is easy to find gratitude for our days together here!
I am loving the exchanges around the table, in the truck and walking along the way that happens in community. Today David purchased some pads for sitting in the back of the truck. I found it a way more comfortable way to travel! I got some amused looks from local motorists as I faced the oncoming traffic! 
We are so grateful for these days of regaining strength for our time in Fang! We head up to our Mighty Oaks Ministry Centre in Fang tomorrow! We can’t wait to see the land and buildings that have developed from generous donations since the last time I was here in 2015.
