They have lived in this house for 7 and 1/2 years. They planted all the trees and mango bushes.
After arriving on Thursday the 16th, we all left on Saturday for a visit to Phuket, Thailand. Kris and Khamko made arrangements for the Resort where we stayed. Our trip began in Vientiane taking a bus to Udon Thani in Thailand. Here we are at the bus station.
There are usually many persons who take the buses to various towns in LAOS.
We flew from Udon Thani to Phuket. Arrangements had been made to have the Resort to pick us up. The airport was about 45 minutes from the Resort.
Our hotel was on the bay side of Phuket, but there was a free shuttle that took us to the ocean side. This is the front entrance.
Our rooms were on the top floor and we had a nice view of the bay.
Here are some photos of swimming on the ocean side. Andy enjoyed swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand. Kris and Andy also kayaking.
At the hotel, breakfast was provided. It was a hugh buffet that was more than adequate. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, french toast, fried rice, fried noodles, various sausages, coffee and tea. That was the menu.
We returned to Vientiane on Friday, December 24 after spending the night in Udon Thani.
At Kris and Khamko's, there are three persons who live with them. Mao, cousin who has been with them since Andy's birth, Codd, a nephew and Tou a cousin.
Mao at work in the kitchen. She is a great cook!
Andy, Codd, and Tou examining Andy's Nintendo
On Christmas Day, presents were opened at 10:00 am, by Andy's request.
On Sundays at Kris' church, we see a connection to Goshen. On the wall in front of the room, is a wall hanging that was pieced by a friend of ours, Janet Shellenberger, and quilted by Mom Peachey. Janet was a health consultant with MCC.
Every afternoon, Andy has his time to exercise. It usually involves badmintton or soccer.
Andy is dressed in the yellow uniform. His friend Ai was playing also along with Codd.
Grandpa gets talked into playing badmitton.
Most mornings, Grandma walks and occassionally Grandpa joins her. In the morning, the streets are very busy. We also have seen preparations for the New Year celebration. It's impressive to see the construction that is occurring in the city.
As you can see, if the street is congested, the motor scooters will use the sidewalk. Care is needed when walking in the early mornings.
One of the many new buildings.
A street scene preparing for New Year celebration.
One of our favorite places to walk is at Thaut Luang. This is a special place for Buddists. The buildings are ornate and beautiful.
This is That Luang stupa. It was originally built in the 3rd Century. The stupa is a national monument and national symbol for LAOS. It is believed to contain the breast bone of the Lord Buddha.
There are several other buildings on the grounds.
On our way back to Kris', we stop and buy bread for breakfast. Interestingly, this woman called us Grandma and Grandpa since we have purchased bread from her other years.
