We had a fun time at Elephant Nature Park (ENP) taking care of the elephants. They are very cute and you can pet them. My favorite elephants were Jokia and Maepurm. They are BFFs because Jokia is completely blind. She came from a logging industry and when she didn’t do her work, her mahout shot … Continue reading Loving the Eles
Elephants are the largest land animal in the world and they are fascinating, paradoxical creatures. While fiercely strong, they are emotionally fragile. Huge and heavy, but lighthearted and loving. And in Thailand, where they are the national symbol, the people have abused and tortured these animals that they claim to revere. We’ve learned so much … Continue reading Understanding the Elephants
Just a few days ago, I sent a note to my prayer group lamenting that although I’m thankful not to be overwhelmed with the commercialization of Christmas this year, I am a bit sad not to see experience ANYTHING related to the holidays since we are in Thailand. My wise friend Kate responded that this … Continue reading The baby in a manger and me
Chiang Mai has some great excursions. We’re posting about a few of our favorites, and this was definitely Luke’s! This monkey was nuts about zip lining through the jungle and climbing the ropes course. We had a blast! And yes, it was safe : ) There are several choices, and we would recommend the Eagle … Continue reading Zipping through the trees
I’ve been keeping up with my schoolwork from Athens Academy, but learning lots of other things as part of my second grade. Daddy and I created a logo for my learning around the world. Here are some of the things I’ve learned so far: There are 1,500 species of fish in the Great Barrier Reef. … Continue reading Rutledge Academy
Bangkok is loud and chaotic. These are two things I desperately try to avoid in my daily life. Everyone told us Asia would be different than anything we could have imagined. But you can’t really grasp it until you walk the streets and the city bombards all of your senses. We are beginning to adjust, … Continue reading Tuk Tuk Thailand
When we got to Sydney, we took the free walking tour like we did in Melbourne. I really liked learning from the tour guide about the city. She took us to a cool model of the city and I was able to find our hotel on the Darling Harbour. We also went to Martins Square … Continue reading What I Saw in Sydney
When December comes, I eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth and all the joy it brings, but I also look forward to walking to our mailbox every afternoon to see whose Christmas cards we’ve received. Family and friends, new and old, from all over the country. I absolutely LOVE seeing how children have grown, new … Continue reading Our Virtual Christmas Card
Today, we (we being Chloe, me, Mia, Sienna, Matt, Charne, mom and dad) got up and went to school. We walked through the park with their dog, Kaylee. I went to Chloe’s second grade class. Ms. Cotter is her teacher and I liked her. The classroom had tables instead of desks. They had computers. We … Continue reading Trying out school in Melbourne
When you are offered the opportunity to go to Antarctica, you know this could be your chance to see all seven continents. At least, that’s what I thought when I was asked to go with Coca-Cola in 2003. Now, 12 years later as we entered Australia, I’ve seen all seven. Even in the current state of … Continue reading Seeing all Seven
Out of our Comfort Zone to Explore the World 