The Flight to Japan!

From MN to Japan had to be the longest, longest, flight i have ever taken. Wait, I didn't even think planes could fly that far without refueling?! LOL, any how it was a bumpy long flight. I did lots of praying! Oh, airplane food Stinks! When we got to Japan I felt like i had just finished a 10 day night shift ER gig.

Well, We was there just long enough to Sleep and eat Breakfast. Imagine this a airport large enough to have its on Hotel??? Here we got our first taste of Asian Coffee, YUCK!! so strong.

Us Eating Breakfast and Drinking a Strong cup of Joe!

Once we were up were were on our next flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport via Thai Air, The Official Carrier of James Bond! No just kidding there. ( That was for Sam!) From Narita to Bangkok was about 8 hours I believe. Now bear in mind that we have been flying for what seemed like days by this time. Oh, and did you know that from the US to Japan we never saw darkness, yep we was traveling with the sun so it never got dark. The stewardess closed the blinds on the windows so it would simulate night and we could get some sleep. Be it in mind that i had a very energetic 4 year old in the seat in front of me, yep you guessed it all the way she bounced like Tigger back and forth. Ok now we arrive in Bangkok here is a shot of the airport outside.

Bangkok Airport

Then we boarded a bus for another plane to Chang Mai, hey almost there.

"The Bus"

Kay, Don and Al on "The Bus" Sam and I, wait that's a Dr. Seuss BoOk?? anyhow we were at the other end.

The people on Thai air was very nice. I met a "M" on the plane ride from Bangkok to Chang Mai and he was from Texas, Robert I believe was his name. He was telling me that Chang Mai is a "Hub" for Missionary and Christianity work. He and his family have been doing Missionary work for 6 years. What a blessing this would be to be able to spread the word of Christ in this medium! The flight from Bangkok to Chang Mai was about a hour. Just long enough for a cup of hot tea and a slice of pound cake!

Arriving in Chang Mai we met, Pam, David, Dude and Pam and The Master of Thai Language Himself "Kyle". He was so cool. Ok now we leave the airport heading to Our first hotel. This is the first thing i see and I snap a quick photo:

A dog taking a rest after a motorbike ride??

Ok I break for a bit. Seriously please be in constant prayer for all our dear friends in Thailand and all Missionaries there, that they may do the work God has called then to do.

It Starts, The Journey

Sam, Jason, Kay, Don and AL

Ok, now over a month after the fact I am finally getting myself in gear to start on a deep journey to Thailand for our mission trip. What a experience this was for me and everyone on the team. What a spritual experience to see how Christ joined this team together, assembling just the right mix of personalites to perform his Work.

This will no doubt be a funny, outrageous and serious blog, wraped all in one. I had the time of my life and I want to convey every second, every experience, and the exicement I felt to you in a informal, fun friendly way. However, saying that to say, the main reason, the Purpose of this trip was NOT vacation or sightseeing tour, but to Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who will never hear about it. In doing this, I met some of the most wonderful people I have truly ever experienced, from our Mission team to the children and Teacher's in Thailand. I developed a true understanding of the importance of International Mission work. God has called each of us to be missions. Won't you help me help them help us achieve this? Now lets start.

So, that said, please sit back, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and lets talk. I encourage you to follow this blog as I post. Surely it will teach us all something, be funny, sad, uplifting and Exciting! Now share with me the wonderful Love of Jesus.

Jason

There is so much to say and see over there and well, lets began. It started on a Thursday morning, early, no earlier. We arrived at the

airport around 5am in Memphis,(pic 1) man was I nervous getting on a west bound 747, (as the song goes!) But with prayer and a good sense of my purpose of the trip we were on our way! The pic on top is Sam, Me (Jason), Kay, Don and Al. What a great group of people, but wait until the end of the trip this is when we really knew each other and boy what Wonderful people they are, truly!

From Memphis to MN, was un-eventful basic boring flight. But arriving in MN and getting onboard that big ole bird, Pic 2, heading for Narita International Airport in Tokyo Japan was a bit overwhelming. This thing had two levels!! Two Decks, a plane with stairs! The flight from MN to Narita..........to come.............let me grab a cup of coffee.

Acts 1:8

I'm trying my best to be creative and express the urgent need for people to be impacted by missions. Acts 1 : 8 pretty much sums it up as noted here in this video. Hope all enjoy. The few days I spent in Thailand has truly changed my life forever. Every christian, for that matter, every human, should perform some type of mission in their lifetime. This is sure to allow you to find your purpose in life, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and love one another. The group of people I traveled with was just wonderful. I plan to post pictures of everyone soon. I am getting swamped with photo sessions and editing. As I create, I shall Post.

Another great statement to ponder is in Paul's letter to the church of Corinth, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

In Christ Love,

Jason

The Trip

Ok, this is kinda in backward order but I know there a lot of people waiting to see this video. This video I put together after my Mission Trip to Thailand. This is primarily the group from my church so if I missed someone sorry. Please share this and the Love of Christ with all.

I am working very hard on posting the daily journals I wrote down with photos of each day of all the many blessings our wonderful Savior has poured out on all.

Jason

The Video of The Mission Trip

Getting Ready to Leave

11/01/08
Well its fast approaching. Five more days before I depart for Chaing Mai Thailand on a Mission trip of which I have never been on one before. I am not looking forward to the plane ride but, I am sure it will be redefining for me once I get there. Stay posted as i will post pics and blogs as i get the chance overthere.

For us who are not familiar with Thailand, here is a map and a photo, and a brief overview of the city.

Chiang Mai In recent years, the population of Chiang Mai has grown very quickly, and the city is now one of Thailand's largest, with a population of more than 1,500,000. Growth has brought with it concerns about air pollution and rush-hour traffic, though these are not nearly as bad as in Bangkok. Other problems have occurred as a result of the influx of tourists.

These include deforestation and the displacement of tribal people in nearby hills and valleys to make way for resorts and roads. Despite all this, Chiang Mai retains a magical charm. It is an exciting city with a rich cultural heritage offering numerous sights and activities for the visitor. Check it out. Jason