Thank you very much to Chamraeng's daughter Som and son-in-law Earthy.
Som was a little worried when she knew that I was going to visit her father in Sikhio, Korat of Thailand. Firstly I could not speak Thai well. I would have problem in communication. Secondly, I would travel alone in a different country. I was new to Sikhio. Would everything be smooth for me?
Earthy knew English well. He gave me the detailed information of traveling from Bangkok Airport to Mo Chit Bus Station. Then taking a bus from Mo Chit to Sikhio. He included Thai description for certain conversation I might need to use. I printed those Thai sentences and phrases on a piece of paper. In case needed, I could use it.
The friendly and care Earthy provided made me have confidence to go to the village that I have not been to before.

Days before departure, we communicated through the Facebook message. Earthy helped me to ask Chamraeng and answer my questions. I asked Chamraeng what things he would like me to bring from Singapore. Chamraeng said, "You bring your heart will do."
It was unbelievable that we could meet each other. It was only nine days from the time I bought the air ticket and the day I arrived in Sikhio. Besides, I decided to take a taxi from airport to Mo Chit Bus Station, and to take a bus from Mo Chit to Sikhio. But when I got up to the taxi in Bangkok airport, I changed my mind to take that taxi directly to Sikhio. Therefore instead of reaching Sikhio after 8 p.m., I arrived at Sikhio at 6.30 p.m.

Chamraeng took me to the places I would like to be during my stay. I was glad to see the church members loved him and respected him very much. I remembered when we were taking a picture, he used his fingers to 'comb' his hairs. He said, "I want to see whether I can be more handsome."
I could feel that he was very joyful deep in his heart.

When Mrs Chamraeng told me about how Chamraeng took me as a friend, I wept.
I recalled when we had to depart twice more than 20 years ago, each time he would say, "When can I see you again, teacher?"
Thank you God for blessing us with the beautiful times.

Mrs Chamraeng prepared the meals daily. I did not drink coffee and they purposely bought a box of tea bags.
They also bought some local bread for breakfast when they knew that I took bread at home.
They cooked less spicy food because I did not take spicy dish.

Mrs Chamraeng prepared a lot of food for the dinner when I arrived on 22 December evening. I said, "Do not cook special foods the next few days." But Mrs Chamraeng still prepared many foods.
I actually did not take much food. I recently did not take meats since I was getting older. But I felt bad to say out. I just took whatever they gave. Chamraeng was glad to see me taking whatever dishes they had.
When Chamraeng knew that I liked sticky rice, he bought home a small packet of sticky rice one evening.
I told them that I had to buy a pair of bigger size trousers when I went home.

The retired pastor Mariam organised a Christmas Children Party at home on 26 December morning. She invited those children staying nearby. We were invited. I had the opportunity to take Thai noodle that I used to take when I worked in Thai Good News Centre (TGNC) more than 20 years ago. My English class students used to cook and brought to the Centre to eat with me then.

After the Sunday Worship Service on 27 December, we took lunch in the Church with the members. I enjoyed the dishes prepared by some of the members. I recalled the days when I was in TGNC, the work sites and the villages in Thailand while taking the lunch together with the members.

The two nights when I was in Samut Prakan, I had to thank Som and Earthy who treated me with grand dinners in the restaurants.
I was glad that in order to suit my taste, they requested the waiters not to prepare the food too spicy. Some of the dishes I never try before and some of the dishes I seldom take, but I took everything.

Thank you God! God has blessed us with much peace and joy after our suffering of great pains.
God, please bless us with a humble heart and move forwards with you will.