The Father's Love

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." 1 John 3:1

There is something about a father's love for his children. In the month that we have been in Thailand, I have seen beautiful glimpses of fathers' love for their children.

One Sunday, we were enjoying the singing of two young students during the church service. The girl was the daughter of one of the hospital's staff, the chaplain and when necessary, a translator. After Lea pointed out that she was his daughter, we looked over to see this father looking very proudly upon his daughter up there singing. You could even see his lips move to the songs of the word as he was encouraging her along.

When patients come to the hospital, especially from the refugee camps, a family member, or sometimes the entire family, accompanies them. It is their responsibility to prepare the patient's meals and often they care for their loved one by assisting them to and from the bathroom and bathing. (This in itself has been incredible to witness, family members do not take this responsibility lightly.) A few weeks ago we admitted this young boy, pictured. We quickly fell in-love with him and from this picture and his sheepish smile it is easy to why. :) He arrived with his father and although his mother and younger brother arrived the next day, it was a rare entity to catch him out of the loving arms of his father.

In addition to this verse, the hymn How Deep the Father's Love has been rummaging through my mind lately.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

a glimpse

Two weeks ago, Dr. Tom talked me into a 5-mile run to the nearby check-point. You get quite a few looks here for running towards the border checkpoint.

Shots taken on our run.


During a Sunday afternoon stroll on the bridge in Sangklaburi, Jess made a quick friend.

Enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon on the river. A family from Canada recently arrived at the hospital. The father is an anestiologist who has been working with Dr. Scott (the current hospital director and a Scotland-trained surgeon) on a number of surgical cases. Of course we couldn't play for too long before Lea had purchased us ice cream and a few Thai dishes. (She has found my weakness.)

And last but not least... the coolest patient in our waiting room on one particular day. Although he put his pipe away when he entered the hospital, he did wear his sunglasses inside. :)

dinner invites

Our internet has been down at our apartment, leaving us quite behind on the blog front. Over the past few weeks we have had multiple dinner invites. Although we would like to think it has to do with our charm, truth be told, it has more to do with the local hospitality and Dr. Phil's celebrity status. Day-after-day he leaves the hospital with arm loads of gifts brought by patients, mostly fresh fruit and prepared meals (that could feed armies!) but was even given two brand new pairs of shoes! He is widely known in these parts and greatly loved. We have been blessed to experience so many great meals while being here and by so many different cooks - Thai, Karen, Burmese, and Mon! Here are a few pictures representing these delicious meals.

One night we had dinner at Mo'ou (unsure on the spelling, I struggle to even pronounce it correctly) and his wife's house. Mo'ou was a patient at the hospital in his 20s with a severe case of malaria. He has done various jobs at the hospital, but now is the key radiologist technician. Someone we use numerous times a day! Tom, the fellow on the right is a doctor from the Air Force that is here for a few weeks. He replaced David two weeks ago, but leaves this Friday, the same time Dr. Phil (also pictured) leaves. We have to credit him for many of our pictures, he always seems to have his camera ready.

After church a week ago, we were invited for lunch at Paulolou's (woman in purple next to Amanda). She runs an orphange, an elderly home, and works with the Safe House (a facility for individuals, many of them HIV+ or disabled that do not have documentation or whose families have abandoned them). It is incredibly humbling to meet such caring and obedient individuals. After the meal, we were serenaded by the children and they recited Bible verses in three different languages!! (Burmese, Karen & English)

We could not post about all of the wonderful dinners without a picture of Lea. She moved to Thailand over 20 years ago from the Philippines as a missionary and nurse. She spoils us with delicious things like sticky rice & mango, ice cream, fresh fruit, and various baked breads. She takes very good care of us. And we are sure she is determined to fatten us up while we are here. :)