Jeanne's Top Ten

I know many of you have been praying for all the things we continually report on here or on our Signal group. It can feel very heavy at times - and even overwhelming. I wanted to put together something lighter this month since there are a lot of amazing things over on this side of the pond.

After being in Thailand for 6 months there are things that I miss about the USA when I’m not there - and vice versa. I thought I’d put together a Top 10 for each.

Top 10 Things I Miss from Thailand (When I’m in the USA)

10. Judy’s Kitchen - This is the diner on our street. It is what keeps us alive - especially when we first got here. They have incredible Thai food, it’s cheap, they’ll deliver to our house for free, & they have my new favorite dessert, brownie bingsu (like shaved ice with milk - so good)! We have ventured out to other restaurants, but this will always be our staple here.

9. Cost of Living - There’s a reason this has one of the largest expat communities in the world as well as hub for Christian missionaries. Most things are 1/4-1/3 the US prices (unless its an import). I don’t really worry how much things cost because its always reasonable. I’ve told Isabella that she’ll go through withdrawal when we return to the US since I always encourage her to try things since they are cheap. The exception are the imported items - especially food. A small box of cereal can easily be $10-20. That’ll break a habit quickly but it can be good when you need some comfort food.

8. Coconut, Mango, & Tropical Fruits - I love all things coconut! Since they’re local, they’re cheap. I get coconut smoothies on a regular basis for $1-2. There’s also coconut ice cream, Thai coconut pancakes, etc. If it has coconut in it, I’m going to try it! Danny & Izzy are more mango fans - especially mango sticky rice (which I love too). I also love pomelo - it’s an ancestor fruit (along with mandarins & lemons) from which all citrus fruits are created (like primary colors). There’s tons of other fruits that we’ve never had - some great, some not my taste.

7. Spa & Nail Salons - Obviously we have these in the USA but I consider it a splurge there. With the low cost of living, it can be a regular event. Massages range from $12-24/hour. We have 3 places in our neighborhood. They’re not fancy & they often make it their mission to work out any knots they find. They also like to twist your body around. I haven’t found a great one yet, but I’m willing to keep trying. I’ve also never gotten my nails done on a regular basis but the salon is 3 doors down & equally reasonable. My nails have never looked so good!

6. U Turns & Driving in Emergency Lane - It’s brilliant - when there’s traffic, just make another lane by driving on the shoulder. Then you randomly merge back in to traffic - without other drivers losing their minds. It’s chaotic but really helps. They also have planned U turns with their own lane strategically placed along the roads. The best is when a large equipment truck pulls out blocking oncoming traffic so all the cars can make the U turn.

5. Fresh Flowers - Tropical climates grow beautiful flowers! They’re everywhere all the time. They have markets that only sell flowers. It feels like such a treat! Right outside our home here has plumeria trees - my favorite Hawaiian flowers!

4. Markets & Street Food - There are every type of outdoor markets all over town. There are food markets that are primarily for locals that have fresh vegetables, tons of cooked food, and household items. There’s lots of craft & souvenir markets with tons of yummy street food for the many tourists. They have some very talented artisans with lots of beautiful wares - I love bringing them home for friends!

3. Bank App Transfers - They skipped over Venmo, Zelle, & Cash apps and just use their bank apps to transfer money. We had to have a Thai bank account for our visas, but its been great to not have to carry cash. Everyone has a QR code attached to their accounts. I pay for everything with it!

2. Thailand - People, Culture, & Beauty - I had heard how beautiful the country was as well as

how friendly the people are. Its all true! There’s amazing places to explore all around us.

1. Missionary Friends - Just like missing our friends in the USA, I miss our new friends here when we’re away. With Isabella being at a Christian international school, going to a church with missionary families, & serving with a mission group, we have lots of friends who are missionaries. And they all have incredible stories. Many have lived in other countries, especially closed countries where they cannot openly worship. It’s inspiring to say the least & makes me strive to do everything I can to further the kingdom. But they’re also real people with real problems so its nice to have others to do life with.

Top 10 Things I Miss in USA (When I’m in Thailand)

10. Seasons - I love the end of summer when I break out my boots & sweaters, watch the leaves change, & make pumpkin bread. I didn’t have to pack much when we came here since a tropical climate means its always warm. Winter gets down to 60s - & people are wearing down coats then! I love the change of seasons & it was weird seeing Christmas decorations while still cranking up the AC.

9. Amazon, Costco, etc - While they have some similar stores/websites, they are very different than anything I’ve ever been used to. The first day we were here I ventured out to get towels. Besides not being able to read anything, I couldn’t find much that was familiar. I’m finding my way & figuring out where to go for things, but there are some things that will have to wait until I get back.

8. Cooking - This is probably the one that surprises people the most. Who ever missed cooking?!?! The reason is a combination - food from restaurants is so cheap & western groceries are so expensive. We can generally eat out for cheaper than it would cost to cook. Luckily we have an incredible little diner on our street where dinner is usually less than $3 each! I do miss some basic meals that I make - but I’ll save those for the summer.

7. Reading Signs - I’m sure most of us take this for granted - being able to read street signs, store names, advertisements, etc. I use my GPS but pass by tons of interesting places & signs that I have no idea what they say. The alphabet isn’t even remotely similar. It is prompting my motivation to learn Thai.

6. Food I Recognize - While I consider us fairly adventurous in our palates, sometimes I have no idea what certain foods are - this goes for the grocery, street food, & restaurants. Luckily Chiang Mai has a large expat community so most cuisines are available somewhere but often the closest places are more local. We have found some incredible restaurants.

5. EST (Eastern Time Zone) - Obviously we acclimate to the time zone here, but when we want to connect to others back home you have to constantly account for the 12 hour time zone difference. The early mornings & evenings are the only times that both sides of the world are awake - and one side is winding down while the other is waking up to start their day.

4. Computers & Phones Working Correctly - Whenever we’ve traveled we usually use an international plan & wifi. Things work pretty well but we’re on the go so most things wait until we get back. However, when you’re trying to do everything from here you quickly realize how the geo-locators cause your devices to act differently. It’ll translate all the websites into the local language. Phone numbers don’t come across normally (& I love caller ID), voicemail usually doesn’t work, & many websites can’t be accessed outside the US. Luckily a VPN solves many of the problems, but it’s still glitchy.

3. Local Events - While Thailand has lots of neat festivals & celebrations (all of which I’m trying to experience), I do miss lots of the local events in Kentucky. With season tickets to most UL sports & great Broadway shows, we miss those opportunities to enjoy the culture at home. I especially love going to basketball games since Sam is a men’s basketball manager with UL this year.

2. Our Church - While we’ve found a local church here that is mostly missionary families, there’s no place like home. I think its another one that can so easily be taken for granted. When I was back, I got to go to Northeast in person- it filled my soul. I love watching it online & sometimes close my eyes to visualize myself in the auditorium as I’ve been so many times.

1. Family & Friends - No contest that this would be the number 1 on the list with our oldest 3

kids being at the top! If it wasn’t for this one, I could live anywhere & adjust to anything, but my heart will always be torn when my family is apart. My best night’s sleeps are when we’re all under one roof! We are beyond grateful for friends who have stepped in to fill our shoes while we’re away.

We are forever thankful to all who are on this journey with us. We believe in Earth Mission and the work being done for the people of Myanmar. Living abroad was not in our plans a year ago but it has been an amazing adventure that would only be possible with the prayers & support of so many of you. It has also helped us appreciate the little (& big) things in our everyday life. May you have the same revelations & thank God daily for His blessings.