The Crawford Chronicles #33

Prayer Requests

Graham - Continue to pray for Graham as he attends Thai classes.  Its a slow process but he is learning more every day.

Kathleen - Praise for being able to help the staff of a local group home learn CPR.

Austin - Praise that he is doing well in his OT (Occupational Therapy) sessions at school.  So well in fact, that he was able to purchase a hat with the "good behaviour points" he acquired.

Duncan - For several months, Duncan has said he doesn’t believe in God because he can’t see Him.  One day he walked into our room calling for his mother.  Kathleen was in the room but he didn't see her and he left.  Kathleen was later able to explain to him that even though he couldn't see her, she was in the room.  This seemed to be an "aha" moment for him.  He has started praying unprompted at times which has been very encouraging for us.  Pray that he continues to grow in his knowledge and understanding of God and chooses to follow Him whether he sees Him or not.

Prayer Update including Videos and Photos

It is hard to believe it has already been 3 months since our last update.  Time is flying by!  

Shortly after we sent out our last update, Graham was hit by kidney stones. Thankfully, he was able to recover on his own with just pain management. The initial scan did find something in his liver. The doctor recommended an MRI which he got done in September. We are pleased to report nothing serious was found. 

Since Graham was still recovering, Kathleen travelled alone with the boys to SIM's Spiritual Life Conference. It was the first long road trip we have done since we arrived in Thailand (it was about a 5 hour trip). We had friends travel with us in case something happened along the way. We got to drive through the mountains and rice fields. The scenery was beautiful!  The boys really enjoyed the team that came to run the children’s program. It was a great time to see some other friends with SIM that we haven’t seen in a while since they live in different parts of Thailand. 

Duncan and his best friend Jesse enjoying the Children's program at SIM's Spiritual Life Conference

Speaking if time flying, Duncan turned 5 in July! He got to celebrate at an inflatable bouncy castle park here in Chiang Mai called Bouncetopia. It is hard to believe that he is already old enough to start kindergarten. He has recently told his teacher his nickname is “Speedy”.  :-)

Duncan sporting the new outfit he got for his birthday

Cake time!

Celebrating Duncan's birthday at Bouncetopia

A local group home run by missionaries here in Chiang Mai asked the nurses at Grace International School to teach CPR to their staff. The staff only speak Thai so I (Kathleen) got to be the assistant. I appreciated learning more about this ministry and glad we were able to help them.

Teaching CPR at the group home

Students enjoying the class

School started on August 5th at Grace International School. Thankfully, Austin’s classmates stayed the same this year with a few new students added so he felt comfortable right off the bat. Duncan knew a few of his classmates from preschool and some are the younger siblings of Austin’s friends. Friends always make transitions easier. However, Austin was very sad to learn he was still going to have homework this school year. Both boys are adjusting well to their classes and both been described as “being a joy to have in class”.  No surprises here!

First day of school is a serious time

Duncan's first desk at Grace International School

Recess buddies!

Parents are able to volunteer at the school as school aides which is such a blessing for the school. This may include helping teachers run small group activities, helping in the library or coaching a sport. Graham is volunteering in the IT department this year. He has been enjoying being able to catch up with his old coworkers when he is around. As an added bonus, on the days he is at the school it means we are able to have lunch together as a family. 

Lunch is always delicious at Grace International School

Eating with Mom is such a treat!

September started with both a literal and figurative "bang" as Duncan fell at recess and broke his nose. I (Kathleen) have started helping out with elementary recess and was on duty the day it happened. I saw Duncan run by me on his way to the climbing structure so I started looking for Austin. I heard crying and saw Duncan running toward me. I knew immediately something was wrong as Duncan doesn’t cry that hard when he gets hurt. Graham was able to come get us and take us to the hospital. After the initial doctor exam and x-rays, Duncan was bored and ready to leave. He stood up on the bed and started ‘surfing’. Graham looks at me and says, "I think he's fine. No way it could be broken if he is acting like this." A few minutes later, to Graham’s surprise, the doctor walks in and immediately says “It’s broken”. I felt so validated.  :-) Fortunately the break wasn't too bad and we only needed to go to a follow up appointment a few days later. Duncan, seeming anxious, asked if he would have more x-rays at the follow up appointment. I told him I wasn’t sure. At the end of the appointment, with no x-rays being taken, he said he wants to break his nose again so he can ride on the stretcher again. Pray for us! He certainly keeps us on our toes!

The happiest person I've ever seen with a broken nose

We had an international day at school celebrating the different countries and cultures of our students. The boys enjoyed being able to wear their Canada shirts. The students and staff were offering special treats from Thailand, Korea, China and the Americas. We always love seeing the beautiful clothing and cultural pride on this day.

Austin loving the treats from different countries

Proud to be Canadians!

For several months, Duncan has said he doesn’t believe in God because he can’t see Him. He has asked each of us if we believe in God then gets mad because he doesn’t. We have tried to explain that he doesn’t have to see Him to believe He is real. It has been a source of frustration for Duncan. With his permission, we have recently started praying for Duncan to see God. One day last week, Duncan walked into our room calling for me (Kathleen). He quickly turned around and left when he didn’t see me. I was in the room and heard him calling so I followed him out to the living room. He was surprised when he realized I was there the whole time and heard him calling. Fast forward a few days on our way to a cafe, he says I don’t believe in God because I can’t see Him. With the Holy Spirit's prompting, I asked if Duncan remembered the day he called for me in the bedroom but couldn’t see me? He did and without having to say much more, he was able to put it together. Maybe God could be there without me seeing Him? As we were about to say our bedtime prayer, Duncan asked that I not pray. I started to respond that prayer is important and I was going to pray but was interrupted by Duncan saying he wanted to pray. Without any help, he prayed for the first time. He prayed that there would be no biting, that we would buy the best ice cream, that they would have a good day at school and have fun with friends, that there would be no fighting. 

Austin wearing almost everything he owns.  Maybe he was missing the cold weather of Canada?

Austin got a new desk in his room to do homework.  He then immediately filled it with toys.  Maybe he thought if there isn't room to do homework he wouldn't have to do it?

Austin attends OT (Occupational Therapy) at school and wins points when he does well.  He saved up enough points to buy a hat with his points.

I often walk our dog early in the morning.  On cloudier days it is still dark when I go for my walk.  Problem solved.  Light up earrings for the win!

Please continue to pray for Graham as he continues taking Thai classes 4 days a week. Its a slow process but he is learning more and more every day.

Here is a sample of some of Graham's Thai homework.  He had to read a story and answer the questions.

Well, I think that wraps things up for now. Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support. We very much appreciate it!

Blessings,

Graham, Kathleen, Austin and Duncan Crawford

Online donations can be made at sim.ca/workers/graham-and-kathleen-crawford

The opinions expressed are our own opinions.  They are not necessarily the opinions or views of SIM (Serving in Mission).