Lisu Diary

Our first full day in Thailand was a brief introduction to the teeming and young population of Bangkok. The elevated train gave us look-see of a very commercial big city with all the stuff of any major mall. We enjoyed a lunch at an international food hall before heading back to the Guest House and preparation for our 14 hour train ride (6PM--8AM) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The only reason I tell you about traversing to another mall is the contrast that Pat Carlson observed. The stuff meant nothing. The conversation in tight quarters between the 5 of us in two connected sleeping compartments on the train was where the real meaning happened. We shared family stories, found each other in our histories, listened to what had shaped us--all contributing what melds us together as a team.

After a bit of a restless night of the clackety-clack of the train tracks with only a little more of jet lag worn off, we arrived to the familiar face of Bobby Morse. You might recall that Bobby and Don Leonard are partnering in putting the Visual Bible of Acts and Matthew into the Lisu language. Bobby's grandparents and Greg's served Christ together as missionaries in Batang, Tibet in the 1920's. We will stay in Chiang Mai for two days before our real adventure begins to be among the Lisu people in Yannan Province. Pray that we can shake off the sleep deprivation so we can be alert to our father's voice.

The Carlsons and the Ogdens survived the cumulative 20 hours in flight via Tokyo to Bangkok. Being 12 hours ahead of Chicago we got here after midnight on Sunday or early Monday. All the connections and entry were uneventful. It was a joy to come out of customs with crowds of people and then see Don Leonard looming above all others with video camera in hand catching the first glimpses of the weary travellers. We are staying just one night in Bangkok at the Bangkok Christian Guest House. Air conditioned. We arrived at midnight to 80 degree temperatures. I am told this is the dry season, but hot, though I am not sure I would want not see what real high humidity is.

Today we will capture a little of sights, sounds, and smells of Bangkok with our missionary "hats" on. In other words, we will start "exegeting" the culture, being wired to differences and values embedded in their life. Tonight we catch an overnight train to head north to Chiang Mai, known as the "Colorado Springs" of Asia because the numerous mission agency headquartered here. We will catch up with Bobby and Tassanee Morse tomorrow. Let the stories begin. Bobby is quite a story teller and has enough to keep us enthralled for the next 2 weeks.

Keep us before the Lord.

This is the morning of the day we are leaving for our great adventure. As you pray for us, ask that we would be able to see God's heart for the world He loves and that we would be attuned to the Holy Spirit's promptings in the moment. Thanks for traveling with us. We will keep you informed as internet access is available.

We are a month away from heading out on an adventure of a lifetime. This trip will take us all the way back to the location where Greg's and Bobby Morse's grandparents lived in the 1920's. This has been a wonderful connection and a journey to reconnect with our roots. We have no idea what to expect in Batang, China. We may see very little of what was there 90 years ago. It will be interesting to know if there are any people who will remember these westerners who lived there.

Prior to this we will visit with the Lisu people who live in the Yunan province of Western China. They are known for their singing, so it will be interesting to be blessed by their music. They are an outgoing people who wear colorful shoulder bags.