Arrival, at last

Peace and grace to you, brothers and sisters.

We finally made it! We arrived safe and sound in Phuket about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28. Brenda, a local missionary, and her daughter Vanessa met us at the Phuket airport, where we loaded 40 or so bags into two vans and an SUV. It was quite a chore!

We left the island of Phuket and drove a short distance north to our hotels in Kao Lak. It quickly grew dark, but before the light faded we had time to take in our surroundings. The land here is green, with trees sprouting from every inch of soil. The skies are cloudy but still let in enough light that it's very sunny here. Driving on the left side of the paved road (like in England), we passed many Thai on their mopeds. There are a lot of Christmas decorations here, and many are getting ready for New Year celebrations.

Lots of dogs run around town. Vanessa explained that the Thais believe in reincarnation and never kill animals. Instead, they let them run loose, because after all — that mutt could have been a human in a past life.

We ate a late dinner at a restaurant called Jai. Their fruit shakes were excellent, and their fried rice was tasty. Another plus: things are surprisingly inexpensive here. We fed our group of about 25 for $60. If any of us were hoping to lose weight on this trip, we'll be a little dismayed. Thai food is wonderful!

But I think what we were most grateful for, after more than 10 hours on an airplane, were the beds. Our hotels were very nice. You get one key — an actual metal key — for each room. The plastic key chain must then be placed in a slot by the light switch. Otherwise, the electricity doesn't turn on.

Monday morning we left early for the beach at Phuket, where a memorial wall shows the names and pictures of many people killed in the tsunami. We met in a little gazebo to go over some dos and don'ts of Thai culture. Here are some examples:

Greet adults with a "wai" (hands together as if in prayer and level with your nose) instead of shaking hands.

Always give or receive something with your right hand (the left is traditionally used to wipe).

Don't disrespect images of the King, which is on all the money.

Don't point your feet at anyone or anything (because feet are the dirtiest part of the body).

Don't touch anyone's head (this is the most honorable part of the body).

Use a straw when drinking from a can or bottle.

Speak as quietly as possible and do not yell to get someone's attention.

Carry tissues with you as toilet paper is not always available.

After some devotional time and singing, Brenda gave us all devotional booklets, prayer cards and little bottles of perfume the Thais wave under their noses whenever they get a whiff of anything unpleasant. We also received hand-woven bags from a Christian group. After our meeting, we rode about three hours north to Ranong, the city where we will be doing our mission work.

We ate dinner in the food court of Lotus — the Thai version of Wal-Mart. Tuesday we will begin our ministries, so Monday night we met in our groups and made plans. The medical team sorted out supplies and pills, while the children's ministry team stuffed goody bags with candy and small toys to give to a group of Thai and Burmese elementary students.

It's been a long day, but we're all ready to start planting some seeds. Brothers and sisters, keep us in your prayers.