Gracyn's dinosaurs

Gracyn got a new drawing book and markers today at Emmy's birthday party. There were dinosaurs on the marker package which inspired her to draw. Here are some of the shots!

Mossie attack

Look at my poor baby! He looks like Dumbo. While we were out at the playground one evening, some mosquitoes nibbled his ear. As you can see, his ear got quite swollen. It was very itchy and bothersome, but he handled it well. Don't forget your OFF this summer!

Bejewelled Bangkok

Festivities celebrating the King's Diamond Jubilee are coming to a close. It has been interesting to see the Thai people so proud of their nation and their King over these last few weeks. People have been wearing yellow as much as possible and in every imaginable shade. TV sets have been showing montages of the King's life and are being shown all over the city on the many sets dotted around town. It is touching to see the people stop and watch the live footage of the King's celebrations with huge smiles and looks of admiration and appreciation. People have had tears in their eyes and made many declarations of living a better lifestyle in honor of the King. Dignataries have flown in from all over the world to pay homage to the King and there have been ceremonies and dinners given in his honor. The Bangkok Post has printed neat stories of the accomplishments he has made. The city has been decorated in lights and bejewelled arches in certain parts of town. A new 60 baht bill in a yellow shade has been issued in honor of the Diamond Jubilee and people have lined up at banks to get a hold of these commemorative notes. I haven't gotten any yet, but do have the commorative banknotes of his 50th year on the throne celebration. Have I been hear that long to witness 2 jubilees? I guess so. Wow! I wish I had pictures to share but check out the Bangkok Post link for pictures.

Welcome Back Veldhorsts

We'd like to extend a warm welcome back to our team leader and his family returning from Home Ministry Assignment. The Veldhorsts have been in the States for 1 year in the cool Wisconsin climate. They returned yesterday to a very warm Bangkok! Our team is very excited to have them back.

Wear Yellow for the King

I told you last month that Thailand is celebrating the King's 60th year on the throne. Last month was the annual Coronation Day observance. This month will be full of festivities to mark the King's reign on the throne. For the next two weeks the public will be encouraged to wear yellow for the King. Because of this, one would be hard pressed to find a yellow shirt left in stores and markets and there has also been a huge demand on yellow cloth. Homes are flying the Thai flag as well as a yellow King's flag. Downtown streets are dotted with yellow orchids planted in the medians. The Royal Barge is scheduled to make a royal procession down the Chao Praya River. This is quite a sight with tons of oarsmen rowing ornate barges down the river with the King in his special barge. The Royal Barge procession doesn't occur except for very special occassions. The last viewing of the Barge was in 2003 during the APEC conference in Thailand when world leaders gathered to discuss economics. Thais look forward to the procession and will gather along the banks of the Chao Praya hoping for a glimpse.

I haven't been blogging much these days because we have been so busy. We have entered into a super busy stretch of time with welcoming 2 new career families to Bangkok and with preparing for our team leader and family to return in a week and a half. We also have 7 people joining us as interns this summer starting next week. There is much to do. The girls are going to the Night Bazaar tomorrow and who knows what interesting sights we will see. Stay tuned.