Stranded Guest

Last week we were happy to have Rodney Burdette come stay with us at our house. He is a missionary in Northeast Thailand and came to Chiang Mai to renew his visa. He travelled all day Thursday to get here. At 9:30 that evening, the government announced that they were closing all government offices on Friday in hopes to quell the protests here in Thailand. That meant that Rodney would have to stay here a few extra days. The only problem was that Monday-Wednesday was Thailand's biggest holiday and most places are closed, especially government offices. That meant that Rodney would have to stay with us until Thursday.

Rodney was able to join for Sunday services, he went with us to a local waterfall for a day of relaxation and throwing water. He was able to experience some Thai food that he has never had and on Wednesday, he came with Tawm, Owen and I as we went to Tawm's relatives in order to hand out gifts for Songkran, Thailand's New Year celebration (pictured).

Rodney was enjoying his trip until the Prime Minister announced that all government offices would be closed for another 2 days. That meant that Rodney would be stranded until this coming Monday. We felt bad for him and his family for extended and unexpected separation although we have enjoyed having him as our guest.

Praise God that the foundation's lawyer called and said that immigration was opening for those people that had appointments only. Rodney was able to go to immigration when hardly anyone was there, something that is very unusual. If everything goes according to plan, Rodney will return to Northeast Thailand tomorrow.