Christmas at Khao Yai

Holiday season was very different for us this year. On the one hand it was really great because over the past years we have really been put off by the commercialism of the day celebrating the birth of Christ. Just really feeling like we would like to celebrate in a different way...so in that aspect, it was great. But on the other hand, it was awful being away from our family and friends, ESPECIALLY our children, Brittani and JR and the kids, and Nolan. It was really heartwrenching to be away on the first Christmas that Mia is really aware of the whole Christmas celebration and traditions. We shed some tears and really questioned our decision to make this move but we have learned that it's best to follow God's plan and not your own. So, with that in mind, we know we are supposed to be here, where Maddie is doing so well in school and with volunteer opportunities that will bring her into a closer relationship with God, and with the opportunities for us to grow spiritually. So, even though it was hard to get into the typical "Christmas Spirit", we got away for a few days to Khao Yai, a beautiful mountain area of Thailand, to walk in nature and celebrate our blessings and the birth of Christ. We heard that it was "really cold" there so we should take a light jacket. :) Yes, it's true, it is "cold" there! I guess we have acclimated because we were glad we brought the jackets. We were delighted to discover that, in Khao Yai, the flavor is ranches, cowboys (yes! Thai cowboys!) a good steak, and WINE COUNTRY, lots of Thai wineries believe it or not. Such an interesting place. We stayed the first two nights at "Jungle House" a very rustic cabin in the jungle. It had many hiking paths, great birdwatching spot, elephant trekking, just a really peaceful spot. The last two nights we had prebooked and it wasn't good. Too many falang (foreigners), too far away from the National Park we visited every day, and the room were so tiny we could hardly move. Jeff and I had to share a twin bed, Maddie and Ginger shared the other. Although that might sound romantic, it can get a little uncomfortable after a few hours! :) But the trip was wonderful, relaxing and a great get away for us to celebrate the birth of Christ in the midst of nature.