"Phil-ling" In

Phil hurt his back and has been on the couch all week. I have been filling in for his 7th and 8th grade World Civilizations and World Geography classes. The kids have been fantastic! Phil has done a great job and the kisd are well behaved and respectful. It has been a tough time for Phil to be out as the kids are preparing for exams next week, but he has done a great job of facilitating from home and answering questions when necessary. I'm thankful I can step in while he is out. 

Advent

We have been doing the same Advent since Anna was a baby. It was a calendar/story that Noel Piper created. The kids are bigger, but love the tradition and playing with the animals. We also read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and laugh throughout the whole book. We don't have a lot of traditions, but this is something that has traveled with us all over the world. 

John's Christmas Program

The elementary put on a Christmas Program entitled "We're On the Air." The kids all did such a wonderful job and it was such a sweet program. The music teacher came to the school last semester and has been a wonderful addition to the school. 

Kate's Play

Kate was in a play put on by members of the community here in Chiang Mai. The actors were from all over the world from America to New Zealand and everywhere in between. They rehearsed three times a week and put on five performaces over four days. I, Rachel, attended four of the five performances. Our whole family went on Thursday and Phil and I were supposed to switch on and off for the next three. Because he hurt his back, I was the one to attend all of the performances. While it was a fun event, we were all glad for it to be over. Great job, Kate! 

Christmas Market

Kate and I participated in the Christmas Market that was held at our school. Kate sold all of her crochet creations within the first hour. She is now motivated to make a lot more for next year. Rachel did a good job as well selling her cookie mixes and homemade cookies. It was a busy, fun-filled day. 

Pokemon at the Mall

 Phil took John and his friend to the mall to see all of the Pokemon decorations. The boys had a good time looking for all of the creatures in the mall. 

New Visas

 We were able to get new visas for another year. We are so thankful for the Lord allowing this as there are many families right now that are having problems obtaining visas for their whole family. 

Anna's High School Dance

 Anna was able to attend the high school dance. She went to a friend's house to get ready, have dinner, and then they all went together. Anna said it was a fun night with her friends. 

Kate's Choir Mini-Concert

 The middle school choir that Kate is a part of had a mini-concert where they sang four songs and invited parents and some other middle school students to come watch. I (Rachel) played for the choir. Kate was able to play the drum for one of the songs. The four songs were Yonder Come Day, Whisper, How Doth the Little Crocodile, and Go Down, Moses. 

Decorating for Christmas 2023

 Our Christmas last year was pretty sad (because we were packing to leave and were alone on Christmas day), so we decided to decorate early this year. 

Anna's Haircut

 After almost six years of growing out her hair, Anna decided she was ready for a change. She didn't want it too short, so we only took off 10 inches. She said it only took half of a song to wash it instead of three. :)