I always knew about the first one and the last one - but that middle one is sneaky! Another ChapterMy kids look so much older. In January of 2017 we took a big step of faith and moved to Thailand. Sara was going to create a program to support marginalized women and we were going to figure out what I was going to do in addition to homeschool. That was approximately one million years ago. Why did we come back?
What are we doing?We're being Americans for the first time since 2004! We found a house, found some jobs, found a school, found some furniture, and we've jumped in with both feet! Sara is starting her PhD. at the University of Connecticut, (the main reason we landed in CT) and also has a graduate assistant role there which so far has been both demanding and exciting. She's studying a lot, but has been amazing at finding time for the kids and myself daily. Sonya and Levi are starting their first official "big" school experience. Sonya had done preschool in China, and they have both been homeschooled up to this year. Both kids seem to like going, and are learning the ropes of society and education here in crazy America. I have 3 part-time jobs that together keep me rather busy! I'm teaching students that are stuck outside of China for ISC (the school system we used to work for in China) and will later be course writing for them. I'm also course writing for NorthStar Academy as well as serving with tech support for them 3 days a week. We had hoped to buy a house, but that hasn't worked out yet, so we are renting in Stafford Springs Connecticut. We had intended to live much farther south - and maybe we will in the future, but for now we are really enjoying a land of woods and trees and SPACE. I love fall, but maybe I love this fall beyond all other falls. There's not really a fall in either China (lack of trees) or Thailand (lack of anything other than summer). THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.Living on support has been growing, humbling, motivating and amazing. I have a hard time getting my mind around the idea that you - our friends - have fed us, housed us, taught us, and prayed for us for THREE YEARS. We never ran out, and when we were afraid we would you guys appeared out of nowhere and took care of us on the spot. Thank you. SUPPORTERS ATTENTION!We actually drew a paycheck this month from our respective workplaces, so supporters, you may officially STOP!! A few of you have asked if you can continue support for us for a little while, and of course you may- but also please consider praying and asking God if there is a new work in his kingdom that he would like to direct you towards.
What's next?We live life just like we have been, we look for ways that God would work in the people around us. We pray for our kids and our neighbors. We begin to look for ways that we can be a candle to the floodlight of generosity that we have recently experienced. We speak English to English speakers EVERY DAY. Ahhh yes. We miss waterfalls and fruit drinks and the clock of the developing world, but those things help us to remember that God has been good all over the world and we are no more or less living with his blessings right now. This Summer in pictures:Prayer Requests:For Thailand and Burma: Here in the first world, the corona virus is a big deal. In the developing world its both bigger and smaller. Bigger because those places do not have the facility or wealth to make things clean. They can social distance, but if you take away all of the sanitation that we have in the first world, then a return to normal means a return of the virus. This is a crushing reality and can easily give a feeling of hopelessness. It is smaller because death is just a closer threat at all times so the fear we experience here at this new threat is no new thing for them. It's just another of so many already existing threats.
For Global Child Advocates: GCA has been continuing to help families with counseling, food, and other support throughout this pandemic without much of a pause. Pray for strength and endurance for them. They have also had some significant changes with some of their placement families and are finding new ways to support those families, as well as the kids who live there. For Us: We have met some amazing believers here in CT, but have yet to find a church in our area. We have a couple of potentials out there that still need some investigation, but its just one of those big decisions. Pray for wisdom for us and for the church that takes us in. Also, pray that God shows us a way for our whole family to serve him together. We each follow God individually, but it's cool when we can serve in community.
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Yesterday it was 99° in Mae Sot, and absolutely snowing in Ohio. We are frozen.Remember that plan? It didn't happen. =)
Doubled QuarantineYou can imagine what did happen..
I'm actually still working with GCA to a lesser extent. I'm currently working on some videos, and will likely continue to work on some other media things in the future. What I want.A friend of mine recently put my mind on this topic, and I'm stuck on it. Do I get to do what I really want? ... Looking back at the last two months... absolutely not. And you probably haven't either. But there's a way in which maybe I could have, and maybe you did. From I Timothy 4 ESV 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ... 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Man. I've been hoping for a lot of things. I'd even go so far as to say toiling and striving... and I never say striving! Do I get to do what I want? Not as long as my hope is fueled by my own idea of what is best for the world. But what if my hope was in the living God? That's a phrase too often used, so it sounds like a colloquialism, but think it out. What If my hope was that God would continue to prove himself to be God? He always does, and my hope would always be gratified. That would be enough. Sojourn groundbreakingIt's exciting to see Sojourn get some walls! As much as I loved the old carport studio, (It looked so good in photos!) there is no doubt that a building that keeps out dust and mosquitoes, and can be cooled will be a great improvement for the women of Sojourn. I wish we could be there to watch it go up, but we will still enjoy watching from here. job applications, home school, |
See above for a summary of my life. Actually, life is pretty good. We have a lot to be thankful for. I'll make a list.
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Sara the smartypants
Connecticut or Bust!
Maybe Connecticut and bust... that's a real possibility.
So my wife is apparently really smart. At least compared to me.
Back in Oct./Nov. she worked really hard and did well on her GRE test. Then she applied to some schools for a PhD. program. PhD!? I don't even know how to pronounce that!
Anyway, the University of Connecticut has accepted her and offered a graduate assistant-ship that will cover the cost of her degree. That's amazing to me. I know that kind of thing can happen to people, but it's amazing that it happened to SARA! So cool. And I'm proud.
So, we are going to see what God will do with us in CT, just east of Hartford. If you know of any good work over there for me, or a good school for the kids, let me know!
It's not the best time to be trying to get a job. Hmmmm, our timing seems to be off a little.
Maybe Connecticut and bust... that's a real possibility.
So my wife is apparently really smart. At least compared to me.
Back in Oct./Nov. she worked really hard and did well on her GRE test. Then she applied to some schools for a PhD. program. PhD!? I don't even know how to pronounce that!
Anyway, the University of Connecticut has accepted her and offered a graduate assistant-ship that will cover the cost of her degree. That's amazing to me. I know that kind of thing can happen to people, but it's amazing that it happened to SARA! So cool. And I'm proud.
So, we are going to see what God will do with us in CT, just east of Hartford. If you know of any good work over there for me, or a good school for the kids, let me know!
It's not the best time to be trying to get a job. Hmmmm, our timing seems to be off a little.
For Supporters. This is the Penultimate message.
In the last update I asked our supporters to stick with us until I get a job (hopefully by August when Sara starts school!). However, the world has changed. So, while we are still living on your support, we understand that many people are out of work, and finances are not great for many people these days. Please stop supporting us if you are in financial difficulty, we will be OK. Just let us know so that we can plan ahead appropriately.
We'll contact you individually when its time for everybody to completely end support.
And as always, THANK YOU.
We'll contact you individually when its time for everybody to completely end support.
And as always, THANK YOU.
Prayer Requests
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Homestretch.
If you were around when we first started beginning this journey to Thailand you might have been someone who asked, "How long will you stay?" and if I were to answer I would have said, "Well, we're not sure. Our business friends say that if things go really well then you might have a stable business in 3 years, and if things aren't going to go well, then you'll be sure in 5 years. So.... maybe 3-5 years?"
Things have gone really well in the vocational training and small business department. Please do not translate "well" as "easy" Sara has been working like a champ. And now.... Sojourn Studio is doing pretty good. Our Admin folks are hiring a new business manager. Our spending is well in the black, and we are able to fill orders for thousands of pieces of jewelry in a few weeks. pretty amazing. Well done Sara!
It's a little hard to be in the goodbye phase. Having responsibilities given to others is nice in some ways and hard in others. Saying goodbye to the women that Sara has been caring about for the last three years is sometimes really cool, but sometimes really sad. It's so amazing to see how God has grown up some of these teenage girls into young women. Some of them have gone from completely dependent on charity to becoming the primary breadwinner for their household. One of them has begun to follow Christ, a couple of them have gone from institutional care to independent living. One is trying to go to college. One hopes to go soon. If those statements don't seem amazing to you, you should visit.
Things have gone really well in the vocational training and small business department. Please do not translate "well" as "easy" Sara has been working like a champ. And now.... Sojourn Studio is doing pretty good. Our Admin folks are hiring a new business manager. Our spending is well in the black, and we are able to fill orders for thousands of pieces of jewelry in a few weeks. pretty amazing. Well done Sara!
It's a little hard to be in the goodbye phase. Having responsibilities given to others is nice in some ways and hard in others. Saying goodbye to the women that Sara has been caring about for the last three years is sometimes really cool, but sometimes really sad. It's so amazing to see how God has grown up some of these teenage girls into young women. Some of them have gone from completely dependent on charity to becoming the primary breadwinner for their household. One of them has begun to follow Christ, a couple of them have gone from institutional care to independent living. One is trying to go to college. One hopes to go soon. If those statements don't seem amazing to you, you should visit.
The plan. ha. see James 4:13-17
So what's next? Excellent question.
We have been in Thailand for 3 years, but we were in China for the 12 years before that. 15 years outside of the USA means:
We have been in Thailand for 3 years, but we were in China for the 12 years before that. 15 years outside of the USA means:
- Most of our adult lives have been in Asia.
- Looking for work is intimidating. We have these amazing experiences that most employers just don't understand or value. Our certificates are all expired, our diplomas are dusty.
- Sonya and Levi have never lived in the United States.
- Sonya and Levi have never attended a school with classes, or hallways or bullies or school lunches or buses or homework or perfect attendance or recess or p.e..... you get the idea.
- As I've mentioned before, I haven't even worn long pants in three years. I can't imagine entering a world where I might be expected to wear a suit!
This week I'll be preaching from James 4:
BUT. As Jesus reminds me in Matthew 6, not only is all that fear and worry useless, its destructive.
God is my provider and my sustenance. God makes all the plans and he knows the future. While I am no match for my circumstances... God is. Don't get me wrong. That does NOT mean that God will provide us with a nice house and a nice job and a nice school for my kids. I hope he does, but in his goodness he might see that it is best for us to be in more difficult circumstances. What it DOES mean is that I can trust Him to be with us, to make best plans for us, and to keep loving us. He always has.
- 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”-- 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
- Am I worried that I might not get a job? YES.
- Am I a little freaked out about how my kids will respond to American culture and school? YES.
- Am I terrified that I'm about to mess everything up and take my family from what has been a very happy and lovely life and throw it into confusion and distraction? My nightmares have new fuel.
BUT. As Jesus reminds me in Matthew 6, not only is all that fear and worry useless, its destructive.
God is my provider and my sustenance. God makes all the plans and he knows the future. While I am no match for my circumstances... God is. Don't get me wrong. That does NOT mean that God will provide us with a nice house and a nice job and a nice school for my kids. I hope he does, but in his goodness he might see that it is best for us to be in more difficult circumstances. What it DOES mean is that I can trust Him to be with us, to make best plans for us, and to keep loving us. He always has.
Stick with us! (Supporters)
Currently we are hoping to leave Thailand on May 13th. Since we have a lot of moving to do, and need to find jobs, we are asking our supporters to stick with us for six months after we return (till November)
We'll keep you in the loop of course. And as always, let us know if you need to end your support sooner.
We'll keep you in the loop of course. And as always, let us know if you need to end your support sooner.
Corona trapped?
Face-masks are so cool. They were all the fashion rage when we were in China, and now the fad has spread to Thailand, and most of Asia. I had no idea we were so influential.
To make a long story short, we've bought some plane tickets back to the USA that we might not be able to use because of Corona virus risks and closures. Again, a great reminder not to let our plans become too important. We are not sovereign.
If we get stuck in Thailand, it's OK for awhile. But it's a little scary to think that we might not be able to return for the foreseeable future. Anybody have a boat?
To make a long story short, we've bought some plane tickets back to the USA that we might not be able to use because of Corona virus risks and closures. Again, a great reminder not to let our plans become too important. We are not sovereign.
If we get stuck in Thailand, it's OK for awhile. But it's a little scary to think that we might not be able to return for the foreseeable future. Anybody have a boat?
Surgery | Where we live in Mae sot has really small hospitals. There are some great doctors up here, but there are a lot of things that are better done at bigger/ better hospitals in Bangkok. Sara needed a surgery to help solve some health problems so we went down there for a week. While she was recuperating, the kids and I toured Bangkok. Found some dinosaurs, rode some boats, and wore our paper masks everywhere. Sara is healing from surgery, and she will continue to be healing for a couple more months. She doesn't love being stuck inside so much but is doing a great job of finding ways to engage the world from home. |
Dinosaurs still roam the earth!
Froggy and family
Our whole Thailand Story is full of answered prayers. God has been so cool and so clear in so many areas. Early last year I was really asking God for some great people to move into the empty house across the street that we could be friends with. He sent us exactly that. Not who I was expecting, but better. I met my new neighbor who is Thai/Karen and was just hoping to smile and wave and make some kind of positive impression. However, I was pleasantly surprised with my new neighbor's command of English. He told me his Thai name sounds like the English word "froggy" so that's what I call him. This was funny for everybody and was the beginning of an easy and natural friendship between our families. Froggy's kids don't speak English. At all. and My kids don't speak Thai. At all. However these guys play together for hours and hours several days a week. It's Amazing. Also, Froggy's generosity is amazing. He's always helping me out, always taking care of our dogs when we are away from home, always giving us bananas and just being nice. He's helping me sell my truck right now. Thank you God for this family. |
Prayer Requests
For us:
- Pray for Sara as she heals. Pray for patience, and that at the end of the healing she can move around with the confidence, mobility and energy of a healthy person.
- Pray that we follow God to wherever he wants us next. Of course we want a nice house, school, town, etc.... but more than that we want to be following Him.
- Pray for the whole moving process. Packing up, getting flights, moving the dogs. It can all be a bit stressful.
- We're still here for awhile, so we're in that limbo of being physically here but always thinking about being somewhere else.
- Pray that the new leadership for Sojourn keep it a place that cares about its workers, that the artisans of Sojourn are being introduced to God, and a lifestyle that he designed. Pray that making jewelry always takes a backseat to making a life that pleases God.
- Pray for the new business manager that she be in a headlong pursuit of God herself.
- Pray that people prepare and respond correctly to this virus. Scared people do things that are hurtful and scary to others. Pray for peace and integrity.
An update video for your viewing pleasure.
I live in a land of endless summer. Today was just as good a day for a bike ride with the kids as it was a couple of months ago. What will we do when the weather puts us inside sometimes? These last few months have been loaded months with Sojourn and school and work stuff, but I've been increasingly thankful for Thailand itself. It really is such a beautiful place. And it lets us play outside all year round. That's good.
New Building!
As plans for the future move forward with Sojourn, its likely that GCA will be Building a new studio for Sojourn to meet in. This will be great as our current location lets in EVERYTHING: heat, dust, scorpions, frogs, heat, water, rain, motorcycles, heat, mosquitoes, random crazy people, and did I mention heat?
Help support or see fundraising progress here: https://buildwithus.funraise.org/
Money here does not go to the Harvel family, but to the building fund for Sojourn Studio managed by our organization: Global Child Advocates.
Workstuff.
Sojourn has grown to the place where the artisans are getting regular work, and are sometimes able to get in some extra hours if they are up for it. Our leadership would love to see the program grow, which is cool. We are ready to hire a couple of staff to help take care of Sojourn in the future. Now to find them...
Sojourn has grown to the place where the artisans are getting regular work, and are sometimes able to get in some extra hours if they are up for it. Our leadership would love to see the program grow, which is cool. We are ready to hire a couple of staff to help take care of Sojourn in the future. Now to find them...
Church is cool.
(I think) We've started trying to do church more like a bible study and less like a sermon. Here's the reasons for the change as far as I can see them:
1. if everyone in the body of Christ really is hearing from God and growing in one way or another - shouldn't we be hearing from what God has been teaching them?
2. what are the odds that I am the best and most trained speaker in the room? (hint: low.) Especially considering I fall in the middle of the age range at my church.
3. if the body of Christ is supposed to be this /encouraging/instructing/reproofing entity in the Christian's life - how could these things possibly happen if when we get together everyone but one person has to stay quiet?
Of course there is the real danger of poor doctrine getting into the thought process of the church - so that's something to be careful for - but it's been cool to hear how different people in our church here have learned and relearned the lessons of Scripture. I'm sure at some point we'll get tired of doing things this way and want to go back to regular sermons but for now... so far so good. Also, its easy as our group is smallish. We all fit in a living room. =)
So, I'm sorry that I don't have any near-death experiences to share with you this time, but the gecko below was truly startling and enormous. That window is a couple of feet across. We unscrewed the screen and tried to capture him - almost thought we had him, but he lept from the detached screen and down through the layered window to return to his home outside. We'll get you next time mega-gecko!
Prayer Requests:
For Sara: She's trying to help her workers and supervisors and volunteers navigate the tricky changes associated with getting a new building and expanding to include more staff. She loves working with the girls and being a part of their growing up, but is looking forward to handing off the business management part of things, which takes up the greater portion of time by far. Pray for wisdom! And that God brings in the new staff needed to take care of Sojourn in the future.
For all of us: As we look at moving back to the good old USA, we have questions that need to be answered like: Where will we live? Where will we go to school? Where will we work? For my part, I'm asking God which direction he'd like me to pursue. My degree has prepared me to work in the church. My Experience has prepared me to work in a school. The last two years have prepared me to work with media creation. I like them all, and I realize that's a good place to be. Just looking for the best place.
For Global Child Advocates: Near the beginning of this year, there was a lot of energy going into our improving our emergency shelter. Now the focus has shifted to Sojourn. That's really nice. But I think my prayer request for GCA would be that they have a common and clear vision of what God would have them do here on the border. Everyone cares about child advocacy, and that's why its such a cool place.
For Sojourn Artisans: While all the artists have family troubles (as many of us do as well), some of these women are just so ALONE.
For Sara: She's trying to help her workers and supervisors and volunteers navigate the tricky changes associated with getting a new building and expanding to include more staff. She loves working with the girls and being a part of their growing up, but is looking forward to handing off the business management part of things, which takes up the greater portion of time by far. Pray for wisdom! And that God brings in the new staff needed to take care of Sojourn in the future.
For all of us: As we look at moving back to the good old USA, we have questions that need to be answered like: Where will we live? Where will we go to school? Where will we work? For my part, I'm asking God which direction he'd like me to pursue. My degree has prepared me to work in the church. My Experience has prepared me to work in a school. The last two years have prepared me to work with media creation. I like them all, and I realize that's a good place to be. Just looking for the best place.
For Global Child Advocates: Near the beginning of this year, there was a lot of energy going into our improving our emergency shelter. Now the focus has shifted to Sojourn. That's really nice. But I think my prayer request for GCA would be that they have a common and clear vision of what God would have them do here on the border. Everyone cares about child advocacy, and that's why its such a cool place.
For Sojourn Artisans: While all the artists have family troubles (as many of us do as well), some of these women are just so ALONE.
- Pray for one girl who has decided to follow Jesus this year. That decision has certainly not made her life any easier.
- Pray for another who has just met some not-so-distant family members that she knew she had but had never heard from.
- Pray for another who is hoping to go to university, but the requirement of paperwork is not simple to gather so frustrating for a dream to be blocked by a piece of paper.
- Pray for families to strengthen. Pray for forgiveness to be given easily.
Don't be alarmed at the title. It's just the name of the movie our homeschool co-op group made. Take a look here. Don't make fun of the special effects... Marvel at a movie made by 2-5th graders.
Work and Stuff
Our last update was all about how Sojourn Studio had gotten some really big orders from bigger jewelry distributers... and how we were a little (a lot) intimidated by the biggish orders. Well, not only did we finish them, we nearly finished them in half of the expected time! Sara and these ladies have been working HARD to make sure that Sojourn is a place that glorifies Jesus, is a good place to work, is a place to learn how to live well, and is also a place that makes quality stuff. Lots to balance! She's doing a great job.
Above, these Sojourn workers are meeting the founder of the Noonday Collection - Jessica Honegger.
Enjoying God.
I've been looking at Romans 8 recently. In the past it has always been a passage that helps me understand the dreadfulness of sin and God's great plan to bring life back into the death that is the result of sin. However, recently I've been reminded that there is also some comfort, and even joy in this chapter. When Paul reminds that that "all things work together for the good of those who love him," He's saying a lot of things. God is paying attention. God knows we're gonna mess things up and it's going to be ok. The next verse is even better though. "
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
So here's the thing. I always read v28 thinking that its great that God has made every bad thing to have some kind of silver lining ... and that even though I can't see it God will use it for some great unknown purpose. But... v 29 describes v28. The "For" is important. It says exactly what God is going to do with all those bad things and exactly what the "the good" is. He's going to conform us to the image of his son. That's the GOOD! I don't have to try and see what good is going to come out of a car wreck or a terrible storm or a sickness (though God certainly gives us gifts through those things as well) the point is that those terrible things change us. And those terrible thing changes someone who is following Jesus into something more like Jesus. The end.
This is cool. Of course I'm aware I'm a work in progress, but its amazing how consistently and unwaveringly God's attention to our conformation is. He wants us as his children. He wants us to be his firstborn sons. His inheritors. For some reason God loves me and wants me closer. I hope to respond with the same attitude this summer.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
So here's the thing. I always read v28 thinking that its great that God has made every bad thing to have some kind of silver lining ... and that even though I can't see it God will use it for some great unknown purpose. But... v 29 describes v28. The "For" is important. It says exactly what God is going to do with all those bad things and exactly what the "the good" is. He's going to conform us to the image of his son. That's the GOOD! I don't have to try and see what good is going to come out of a car wreck or a terrible storm or a sickness (though God certainly gives us gifts through those things as well) the point is that those terrible things change us. And those terrible thing changes someone who is following Jesus into something more like Jesus. The end.
This is cool. Of course I'm aware I'm a work in progress, but its amazing how consistently and unwaveringly God's attention to our conformation is. He wants us as his children. He wants us to be his firstborn sons. His inheritors. For some reason God loves me and wants me closer. I hope to respond with the same attitude this summer.
Guests! The Hatchers
If you ever need to stretch your criminal legs - we can see to it that you are an illegal immigrant for at least a few moments (That side of the river is Burma). We can also see to it that you get to play with an elephant. What more could you want?
The Hatcher's visit was a whirlwind of trying to show off everything we do in both the work and play arena in 5 days. They did a great job of trying just about everything we do and were super fun guests.
Shameless plug: if you live in the Northeast of the USA Westchester Modular Home builders are run by some great guys!
Shameless plug: if you live in the Northeast of the USA Westchester Modular Home builders are run by some great guys!
THANK YOU
Last update we asked for some help with our newly increased insurance bill - and a couple of you really stepped up and took care of us. THANK YOU so much. We haven't needed the hospital yet...
(fingers crossed!)
(fingers crossed!)
Videos
People ask.. what do you do? Easy answer.
There ya go.
Since my roles here have mostly become more demanding than they were last year - work kinda piled up. We are visiting family in America today so I really wanted to finish off a bunch of those piles... so it's been LOTS of computer time lately, and I'm looking forward to not touching this thing for awhile! If you'd like to see a piece of my work click below.
- Monday I'm a science teacher
- Tuesday I'm a worship leader
- Wednesday I'm a social media creator.
- Thursday I'm a jewelry supply ordering guy.
- Friday I'm a video editor.
- Saturday I play in waterfalls.
- Sunday I'm a preacher.
There ya go.
Since my roles here have mostly become more demanding than they were last year - work kinda piled up. We are visiting family in America today so I really wanted to finish off a bunch of those piles... so it's been LOTS of computer time lately, and I'm looking forward to not touching this thing for awhile! If you'd like to see a piece of my work click below.
Prayer Requests!
Pray for US
Pray for Global Child Advocates
- We'll be traveling to the states today. Pray that all the flying, training, and driving that we're doing in the near future is safe and sound.
- We're ready for a break. Pray we can find some rest in the good ole' USA.
- Pray for our growing children. Pray that they grow in love, kindness, and grace as they grow in height and age!
- While we are in the USA, our lovely, smelly, fun, destructive dogs will be alone. I don't know if its good to pray for our dogs but there ya go.
Pray for Global Child Advocates
- One of our artist's families is in a tough spot. Pray that the mom is able to find a job that helps her to take care of her family and also BE with her family.
- Pray that Sojourn Studio continues to be a place of grace that honors God.
- GCA is going to build an emergency shelter - we already have one but we're renters and we need to freedom to make changes to the building so that we are meeting the needs of our clients and also meeting the expectations of the Thai government. Pray for the right land, and the right builders.
Here comes the rain!
We'll be missing the worst of rainy season (July) but this last week has been a week of rain, and it will continue into September. I love the plastic domes many of the motorcycles clip on for this part of the year. See ya in October clear skies! that will probably be the next time I can take a shot of the start like I got to take below.
The Indochinese Spitting Cobra.. in my house.
Below is not an actual picture of the Cobra that decided to take a trip through the front of our house earlier this month. I was a little busy freaking out to notice the camera had no card...
But it's the same kind.
The skinny:
Did I try to kill it? Yes...(but failed to get even close)
Did it try to kill me? Yes. (blocked by the very short shovel in my trembling hands)
Did it get away? Yes. (Sorry, I know that's anticlimactic.)
So - my dog (above right)...(the dog above left is useless) was going nuts by our front porch, and I realized it was barking at a rather large snake - about my length (185cm/6ft?). I went to get a shovel which I planned to use as a spear (I wasn't going to get close) but when I raised aforementioned shovel, Mr. Cobra got a little offended and made to strike at me (no spray). At this point God provided a miracle where I whacked the striking snake in the head with the shovel. Frustrated with meeting the shovel, snakey decided to head off for the undergrowth by the house where I pursued at such a distance it should not be called pursuit. Sara and kids were not home.
End of story. Got some beef jerky for my dog.
But it's the same kind.
The skinny:
Did I try to kill it? Yes...(but failed to get even close)
Did it try to kill me? Yes. (blocked by the very short shovel in my trembling hands)
Did it get away? Yes. (Sorry, I know that's anticlimactic.)
So - my dog (above right)...(the dog above left is useless) was going nuts by our front porch, and I realized it was barking at a rather large snake - about my length (185cm/6ft?). I went to get a shovel which I planned to use as a spear (I wasn't going to get close) but when I raised aforementioned shovel, Mr. Cobra got a little offended and made to strike at me (no spray). At this point God provided a miracle where I whacked the striking snake in the head with the shovel. Frustrated with meeting the shovel, snakey decided to head off for the undergrowth by the house where I pursued at such a distance it should not be called pursuit. Sara and kids were not home.
End of story. Got some beef jerky for my dog.
Can you help us with insurance $$?
The above story reminds me that it is important to carry medical insurance - and we do! However, this year our premiums for the year are $1,300 more than last years...!!! While I'm outraged, I'm also at a loss as to how we can cover this large unbudgeted cost. Anybody want to help?
write me at: [email protected] or begin support here: globalchildadvocates.org/the-harvels/
write me at: [email protected] or begin support here: globalchildadvocates.org/the-harvels/
Turbo Time @ Sojourn
| These two groups (one must remain nameless for the moment) have slightly taken over our lives. Good things:
|
Home School
So... sometimes I feel bad for my kids that they aren't getting the 'big school' experience. They've never gotten to fight over the swings at the playground, never had to sit in a smelly schoolbus, never even been in a locker room, never had cafeteria food... wait... hmm.
Monday: Social Studies, Bible and Science
Tuesday: Grammar and Reading comprehension
Wednesday: Creative writing and Art
Thursday: Guitar, Baking, Sports
Everyday: Math, Reading and Writing.
We've been making a movie for the past 3 months and finally finished writing and shooting it (not even begun to edit). One of the families brings everyone to their home for sports and guitar lessons, and cooking, and building. They made a little treehouse this week. For science last Monday we strung kids up from the ceiling to learn about pulleys. Sonya and Levi brought home viking brooches to hold their capes on this week from art. What?... Of course they have capes!
Man it's cool. I'm really thankful for our little co-op.
Monday: Social Studies, Bible and Science
Tuesday: Grammar and Reading comprehension
Wednesday: Creative writing and Art
Thursday: Guitar, Baking, Sports
Everyday: Math, Reading and Writing.
We've been making a movie for the past 3 months and finally finished writing and shooting it (not even begun to edit). One of the families brings everyone to their home for sports and guitar lessons, and cooking, and building. They made a little treehouse this week. For science last Monday we strung kids up from the ceiling to learn about pulleys. Sonya and Levi brought home viking brooches to hold their capes on this week from art. What?... Of course they have capes!
Man it's cool. I'm really thankful for our little co-op.
Teaching English
The kids and I have started teaching english at a friends house. It's fun for everybody and good for us all.
Altmanshofers!
We've got good friends all over - and these are some of the best. We dragged the poor Altmanshofers to four different waterfalls, retro elephant camp, and lots of spicy food (of course with mangoes and sticky rice)(we're not completely heartless).
This is us not starving at all.
*Disclaimer: most of our meals are not this photogenic.
*Disclaimer: most of our meals are not this photogenic.
Burning season again..
While undeniably awesome looking... burning fields in-between planting seasons does not help the ground or future crops. This is something Thailand needs to put to a stop. But for now we just get to watch the blazes come and go. Our friends are genuinely struggling with the poor air quality, but a bad day here is still cleaner than a good day in China, so we're trained for this!
Prayer Requests
For us!
For Global Child Advocates:
- Sonya and Levi: they are pretty amazing. Pray that they stay healthy and grow in all the best ways.
- Jason: I need creativity and vision! I like doing photos and videos for GCA, and I'm wondering how these days fit into the longer plan God has for our family here in Thailand and afterward. We've been here for two years and its probably the middle of our stay in Thailand. Pray that we make the most out of the 2nd half of our stay here in Thailand.
- Sara: She's really getting to be a people manager now. Pray for grace between her and her employees and coworkers. Pray that she keeps Sojourn pointed at Jesus. Pray for encouragement for her when the day is full of obstacles and the drearier bits of work she has to do sometimes.
- Keep praying for the person who will follow Sara. This mystery person needs a lot of skills and a lot of heart! God knows them.
For Global Child Advocates:
- Encouragement: We've had several staff leave GCA for a variety of reasons (care for family, getting married, moving - good stuff mostly). And as a result it's sometimes hard to know who is supposed to do what.
- Motivation: Since we moved to Thailand, GCA has been undergoing major changes and feeling some heavy transitions. It's easy for our leadership to get bogged down just making sure everyone is ok. Pray that our vision and mission for this place is full of hope-filled forward motion.
Our supporters are amazing. Thank you so much for supporting Sara, myself and the kids for
2 years on the Thai/Burma border!
2 years on the Thai/Burma border!
I got to make a thank you video for Global Child Advocates, so I'm sending it on to you guys. You are amazingly faithful, and we are thankful for each of you!
Light - Loi Krathang
It actually means "To float a basket," but it's my 2nd favorite holiday in Thailand. Basically, people get together around rivers and lakes and float little wicker/paper/wooden boats carrying candles into the water. Some areas are inclined to attaching candles to paper hot air balloons and launching them into the night sky. We go to the ancient capital of Sukhothai and do both.
Homeschool co-op lights up a paper lantern for Loi Krathang
Love that smile.
Sukhothai
I'm a pretty big fan of Sukhothai. Lots of old ruins to enjoy in a gigantic park (full of vendors for the holiday) and plenty of bikeways. Also, you can climb up many of the ruins and jump off and feel exactly like a ninja.
Found this guy back in our washer room... we think our dog killed him.
Pencil for scale.
Pencil for scale.
Karie
Good friend from the college days came to say hi and cheer us on.
Sojourn - a beautiful mess
Exciting and difficult things are going on with Sojourn these days.
Sara and the team have had several humongous jewelry orders in the last month - thousands of pieces ordered! That's cool! But when you are a small group of less than ten artisans and the orders are due in April... its also kind of intimidating.
Partly in response to these big orders and partly in response to ending our 2nd year here, Sara is working hard to bring systems and simplicity into the daily work of running Sojourn. It's small enough for one person to run, but growing fast enough to drive that one person crazy!
Sara and the team have had several humongous jewelry orders in the last month - thousands of pieces ordered! That's cool! But when you are a small group of less than ten artisans and the orders are due in April... its also kind of intimidating.
Partly in response to these big orders and partly in response to ending our 2nd year here, Sara is working hard to bring systems and simplicity into the daily work of running Sojourn. It's small enough for one person to run, but growing fast enough to drive that one person crazy!
Zuzu
Below is Zuzu - she's Sara's new assistant since August. Before we came to Thailand we knew that our role here was to get something started and then to hand it off once it could stand on its own feet. Zuzu will likely be a part of that transition as she will be with Sojourn for the near future. She's also learning to help her new baby to find his own two feet also (below see Sara holding Samuel) so she's definitely got her hands full.
Sweet December
I guess this is an unofficial holiday that is coming to Thailand via Burma.
It's kind of whatever you want it to be. People here really like December as the temperature dips below 90 for part of the month. And its gloriously dry! I stop sweating for about three weeks. Amazing.
The Karen ethnicity use it to celebrate Christmas. Our staff treat it like New Year's eve - stay up till midnight and wish everybody "Happy Sweet December!" with hugs and kisses at 12:00. Cookies of course.
It's kind of whatever you want it to be. People here really like December as the temperature dips below 90 for part of the month. And its gloriously dry! I stop sweating for about three weeks. Amazing.
The Karen ethnicity use it to celebrate Christmas. Our staff treat it like New Year's eve - stay up till midnight and wish everybody "Happy Sweet December!" with hugs and kisses at 12:00. Cookies of course.
Helping at the House Collective
Our friends run their own organization called the House Collective
http://www.thehousecollective.org/the-spurlock-house/
They took a break for a few weeks and the kids and I got to help cover English, Guitar, and Cajon lessons. Fun times. More ninja action. Also got to teach my own kids a few chords.
http://www.thehousecollective.org/the-spurlock-house/
They took a break for a few weeks and the kids and I got to help cover English, Guitar, and Cajon lessons. Fun times. More ninja action. Also got to teach my own kids a few chords.
Ruth and Anna
We had the pleasure of helping to host Ruth (below) and Anna as they checked in on a few of our clients at Global Child Advocates. They were super cool and encouraging to both Sara and I.
Camera
My job here is photographer/videographer. It's a cool job and a fun one most of the time. However, sometimes it's hard to see the purpose in it. Sara's out helping girls know how to live their lives and our community team is rescuing people from disaster and I'm ... just... click. click. click. edit. post.
However, I love capturing smiles. Especially the smiles of people who have a lot of reasons NOT to smile, but they keep on going anyway. They encourage me. And I think its worth sharing their smiles with the rest of the world.
However, I love capturing smiles. Especially the smiles of people who have a lot of reasons NOT to smile, but they keep on going anyway. They encourage me. And I think its worth sharing their smiles with the rest of the world.
If I ever grow up, I think I'd like to keep doing what I'm doing right now... but around people who speak my language. Then I'd like to do more landscape photography. Not because I'm good at it particularly, but because you spend some serious time finding beautiful places and waiting there for light to happen.
LET THE CHRISTMAS PARTIES BEGIN!
We do some serious Christmas partying over here in Thailand.
1. (Above) Homeschool co-op completed their first Christmas musical (Sonya played Mary (reluctantly) and Levi filled the role of Joseph (after seeing the minimal speaking parts).
2. (Below) Early Childhood Development Center Christmas. Super fun watching kids play games for candy. felt like America.
3. (Below x2,3) Dump Christmas party. There is a school inside of the city dump property that teaches the kids who live in the village there. They planned their own games this year and really impressed me with their plans and preparedness.
4. Bangalar (Below x4) Christmas party: There is a Muslim district in our town and one of our visitors shared the Christmas story with them during our usually scheduled English lessons.
5. Sojourn Christmas party. Sara, Kris and Zuzu planned a party for the artisans. More cookies and games. This one felt like the holidays.
1. (Above) Homeschool co-op completed their first Christmas musical (Sonya played Mary (reluctantly) and Levi filled the role of Joseph (after seeing the minimal speaking parts).
2. (Below) Early Childhood Development Center Christmas. Super fun watching kids play games for candy. felt like America.
3. (Below x2,3) Dump Christmas party. There is a school inside of the city dump property that teaches the kids who live in the village there. They planned their own games this year and really impressed me with their plans and preparedness.
4. Bangalar (Below x4) Christmas party: There is a Muslim district in our town and one of our visitors shared the Christmas story with them during our usually scheduled English lessons.
5. Sojourn Christmas party. Sara, Kris and Zuzu planned a party for the artisans. More cookies and games. This one felt like the holidays.
Run for your life! err... Education!
One of the life-skills that Sara and the teachers reinforce at Sojourn is the importance of caring for your community. It's easy just to build into yourself all the time and call selfishness self-improvement. Our Sojourn team participated in a 5K for education here on the border. We walked a significant portion of this race. Sonya did it in slides!
Levi's ginger-stegosaur prepares to wreck havoc in gingerbread man village. Reindeer stand no chance.
Christmas
kinda like in the USA, but 90° and no advertising.
Snowman jacuzzi.
Christmas break waterfall sliding. Good any time of year.
Camping!
I had major reservations when our friends suggested an after-new year camping trip. But rather than the disheveled, stinky campsite I expected, it was a beautiful and well kept surprise.
The Vars
Good friends that moved to China the same time we did, like the same food we like and have kids the same ages as our kids. We loved having them here and showing them everything we like about MaeSot in 2 days. Mostly food opportunities. January diet, here I come.
Prayer Requests
For us:
- As mentioned above, Sara is under a bit of pressure to produce zillions of jewelry pieces in the next few months.
- Pray she doesn't stress out,
- that she gets Sojourn organized for the future,
- and keeps the main goal of lifting up these girls to God in front.
- Health issues are always a thing. Energy for Sara, healthy stomachs for the kids.
- Video work is fun! Pray that I keep it valuable and don't cater my life to the social media vortex.
- When we first moved here we told people we were staying 3 - 5 years. This is the beginning of year three. Pray for us as we pray about when to move and what comes next.
- It's been a big year transitioning from Compasio to Global Child Advocates. Pray that this organization pursues God first and only.
- Zuzu. Pray that she learns and grows her capacity and abilities as a leader in Sojourn Studio.
- Babies everywhere! Not sure what happened, but a host of babies were born into our staff families this year. Pray that those babies grow strong and that entire families are following Jesus.
- The peace process seems to be a bit stuck and factions are getting restless. Everyone has their own idea about what needs to happen next- but agreeing is difficult. Many people think war is going to return to this area, others think that certain groups need to cave in and give up on their idea of freedom. Neither way looks good and right now no one seems to be successfully leading the way in a peaceful direction.
- Our friends recently moved to Burma and are helping to build some infrastructure and opportunity there. Pray that God builds them up and continues to use them them for his kingdom. They are loving it there.
Video update this month!
Our days are long, and blessed.
A wedding, an anniversary, and a new organization.
We usually post an update every two months, but we interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to give some important information. Supporters please read below. This is not fundraising.
CHANGE
As you probably know, our family has been working with an NGO in Thailand called Compasio. Many of you have visited Compasio with us and love the work they have been doing there.
Here's the change: Our family no longer works for an organization called Compasio, but we still work in the same place with the same issues and the same day-to-day co-workers that we've been working with for the last year and a half! Most of the changes involve administration and company vision.
Here's the change: Our family no longer works for an organization called Compasio, but we still work in the same place with the same issues and the same day-to-day co-workers that we've been working with for the last year and a half! Most of the changes involve administration and company vision.
Our part of the organization is now called Global Child Advocates. Rolls right off the tongue! =)
Compasio still exists, but they are moving into some new directions and new locations.
Supporters: If you want to continue to support Compasio - thats cool! just check out their media and learn about the new things they are planning on doing.
If you want to support the Harvel family in Mae Sot, Thailand. Or if you want to support Global Child Advocates - then things have changed.
If you have been supporting us electronically - all but a handful of you were moved automatically. If something needs to change you will be contacted by me or our organization director Ashley. If you have been supporting by mailing checks, then please use this info:
9111 N. Oregon Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64154
USA
Global Child Advocates
501c3 Nonprofit Organization
TAX ID #26-3666515
New org website: https://globalchildadvocates.org
(bare bones for now - this will develop in time)
If you want to support the harvels or GCA through credit/debit card
(or if your card expires and you need to renew your support)
go here: https://globalchildadvocates.funraise.org
if you have financial questions, feel free to email me or our account pro Teri Heft:
[email protected]
Compasio still exists, but they are moving into some new directions and new locations.
Supporters: If you want to continue to support Compasio - thats cool! just check out their media and learn about the new things they are planning on doing.
If you want to support the Harvel family in Mae Sot, Thailand. Or if you want to support Global Child Advocates - then things have changed.
If you have been supporting us electronically - all but a handful of you were moved automatically. If something needs to change you will be contacted by me or our organization director Ashley. If you have been supporting by mailing checks, then please use this info:
9111 N. Oregon Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64154
USA
Global Child Advocates
501c3 Nonprofit Organization
TAX ID #26-3666515
New org website: https://globalchildadvocates.org
(bare bones for now - this will develop in time)
If you want to support the harvels or GCA through credit/debit card
(or if your card expires and you need to renew your support)
go here: https://globalchildadvocates.funraise.org
if you have financial questions, feel free to email me or our account pro Teri Heft:
[email protected]
Less boring stuff
Its been a wild ride since we've been in the states.... a several thousand mile ride! Sara and I noticed that we've put 20,000 miles on a car we've only had access to for 7 months. hmmm. time to change the oil...
Summer started with a visit with my parents and grandparents in Ohio and Michigan. Fun times but sadly short visits. Can't wait to live near people and see them regularly!
Summer started with a visit with my parents and grandparents in Ohio and Michigan. Fun times but sadly short visits. Can't wait to live near people and see them regularly!
Anniversary!
Sara and I got to celebrate our 15 year anniversary by hiking through the Salkantay Mt. pass to Macchu Picchu. That was about 45 miles in 4 days of camping (glamping really) between 15,000 and 7,000 ft in elevation. whew! It was tough, but it was the adventure that was set before us. This was a trip we had saved up for 5 years ago while we were in China (10th anniversary) but we finally made it!
Wedding
Wove... twue wooove (Princess Bride)...
Emily (Sara's sister) got married... at Myrtle Beach no less! Fun times in waves except for that Sara and the kids got super sick - but they rallied for the wedding.
Emily (Sara's sister) got married... at Myrtle Beach no less! Fun times in waves except for that Sara and the kids got super sick - but they rallied for the wedding.
Friends
Love seeing friends, found some good ones.
Pray
- Pray for us as we travel and visit family and friends. We are super thankful that we get to do this.
- Pray for both Compasio and Global Child Advocates to follow and love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.
- Pray for people on the Thai/Burma border to see God, and in doing so, see hope.
The Harvel Family
We're all settled in to our home in Thailand for the foreseeable future. Its a crazy place - so it suits us.