2.25.2013

SAWADEE

We recently returned from the greatest adventure of our lives. Thailand was incredible and we are already anxious to go back. We backpacked to all corners of the country by train, bus, and airplane. I ate things I never thought I'd eat. We did things we never thought we'd do. What an eye opening, incredible experience it was.

Seeing the members tear up when "Elder Walker" walked in the room was a feeling I'll never forget. Watching the current Elders look up to him and value his opinion. Being served by these people who have close to nothing. It has changed us forever and was an experience we'll never forget.

I have also never felt so hideous yet so beautiful. I'd be covered in salty sweat, my hair like a lions mane, and Thai kids and teens would flock to us and photograph us like we were celebrities that just stepped out of a shiny black limousine. Not only would they take pictures of us, but they would wait in line to take pictures with us. We couldn't help but giggle and pretend like we were really all that great.

I hope you're ready for the biggest picture overload of your life. 

But before we start, let's have a moment of silence for all of the many pictures that were lost. Pictures with members, pictures of after church parties, videos of the sweet members waving hello and having fun, a bbq with all of Derek's favorite members and friends from Thailand, pictures of an elephant walking over me, video of the elephant pretending to step on me with Thai school groups screaming and laughing because I was from New York. I may have said a naughty word and shed a few tears when I discovered they were gone. Heartbroken is the only word to describe how I feel.

........................................................... Ok, you can turn your music back on now and get back to reading. Thank you for joining me.

Ready. Set. Go.































LONG NECK VILLAGE. They're Christian! I never knew!











ELEPHANT TRAINING. We made great new friends!


















JAMES BOND ISLAND. Or as the Thai say, "James Bone Island"








COOKING CLASS




Phew! You made it! I hope you aren't too overwhelmed. And to think this is only a glimpse of our pictures. Thanks for being excited with us. It was an experience of a lifetime and I wouldn't have chosen to have it with anyone other than my best friend. We can't wait to go back!

20 comments:

  1. So fun! I am sorry to hear about all the pics & videos you lost:( so glad you got to have such an amazing experience:)

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  2. I'm so glad you finished with "We can't wait to go back!" Chad and I want to go with you! Chad doesn't know that yet, but he soon will.

    That looks so AMAZING! I'm glad to finally see pictures, but so sad to hear that you lost some.

    P.S. I need to learn how to take good pictures from you! Seriously though. I'm amazed and how perfectly clear, crisp, and colorful they turned out.

    So happy that you guys had the opportunity to do that! Love, love, love!

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    1. Ah can you imagine?? And thank you so much. That means a lot since I am always frustrated when taking pictures and wishing I REALLY knew how to take pictures. Haha.

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  3. Oh my goodness! These photos are fantastic! It looks like you had the best time, and that picture of you and the monkey is the best thing I've ever seen!

    We need to meet up again, so you can tell me all about Thailand! I'm dying to go there but til then, I'll live vicariously through your trip.

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    1. Thank you thank you! You have to go. It was incredible. Let's please get together very soon! Some family is in town this week and next week I'm babysitting, but the next week. Serious.

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  4. Okay, wow! I want to go!! Seriously, amazing photos. You two are adorable.

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    1. Thank you Mandy! I highly recommend going, obviously. :)

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  5. This post!! These photos!! Your trip sounds amazing! So glad you two were able to go and experience it all together!

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    1. Thank you Lauren dear! Can't wait to see more pics from Hawaii!

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  6. My computer and camera kind of freaked out when they were syncing and before they were on my computer, my camera deleted them. At least that's what I think happened. They are no where to be found. :( Thanks Kendra! You're so nice.

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  7. W.O.W. It's hard to believe that we live in such a small pocket of the world and that there are wonders like this around the entire globe. I felt the same way when we went to Peru and that's not nearly so different. I get back and feel complete wonder for the creations of the earth, for God's creation of man and how different, yet the same we all are, and for the amazing blessings that I have when others have so little.

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    1. Love this. It's so true! If feels like it's another world until you are there. And you feel so connected to the people. Such a humbling experience.

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  8. WOW! These photos are amazing. What an incredible trip. I'm so glad that you guys got to have that experience together. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Love your pictures, Amanda! It sounds and looks like you guys had a blast! I'm jealous! :) I'm glad you guys had a lot of fun! What an experience! :)

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    1. I love when comments lead me to a blog. Your blog is so cute! I love it! Thanks for your sweet comment Holly! xo

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  10. What were you guys over there for?? I am totally obsessed with you!! That is so amazing! I love seeing you live out your dreams, it is so inspiring!!!!!

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  11. Anonymous3/14/2013

    That happened to me once a long time ago and Ryan found them! Call him. -Aunt Kimeree

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  12. Mands, this is totally awesome!! It looks like you and Derek are living the dream. I hope you're happy and well. Love ya!

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