Dearest Family, June 1, 1998

I can't believe it is actually June - when Bob and Claire wrote that they would be coming to Bangkok in June it seemed to me like it would be in another life time and now it is almost here. I have SO many things I want them to see and yet I want them to go at their own pace - I have seen three family visits almost ruined because of jet lag, heat and not enough “free time”. There are three teachers here tonight and they wrote down the names of the “must see” places in Thai so we can give them to the taxi drivers and it will make it easier. One of the teachers' husbands is named Hnoi and he has offered to take them to Hua Hin if they want to go to a beach - I said I would just leave that up to Bob, Claire and Michael. Hnoi (you don't pronounce the H) is a super guy and he has offered to take you any place you want to go - I don't want to get you too obligated.

I WILL BE AT THE AIRPORT TO MEET YOU!!! Please don't try to talk me out of it - I wouldn't tell you except it seemed smarter to let you know. I will get a taxi right in front of my apartment and I know exactly how to get to the airport and I won't get out until I get there. I won't be able to see you until you get to the “customs” area. This is my phone number in case you need to call me after you get here (in case you can't find me) - 253-5900. I will be able to tell the taxi driver how to get here and the Marriott is just right around the corner.

You will probably need an umbrella but you can buy them here if you don't want to bring one. I have one you could borrow if you want to. It has rained a lot here lately but it is nice - it just pours down and then quits - it never rains all day. YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!

JIMMY AND BRETT - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR MESSAGES!!! Brett - I have never heard of Dawei - is it in Thailand? I hope you had a WONDERFUL time at Lagoon. I am SO happy to know that you are such good pals - you not only look like twins - you act like twins too and I LOVE YOU!!!

Can you believe I have lost my camera??? I took a picture of all of us in our apartment yesterday morning (Sunday) just as we were leaving for church and I can't find it anyplace!!! I know it has to be in this apartment but I don't know where - it will show up.

I wish you were all here to eat the fruit that Helen and I brought home today from school. They presented us with HUGE baskets of fruit. I haven't written for several days - we have been to the District Offices quite a bit and have been royally treated. The head man gave us two big boxes of cookies in a big basket. Today they gave us beautiful silk frames. We started our workshops today - they are going to be good - they should be - we have had a long time to prepare for them.

Your flight surely does seem long to me - I will be there at 11:15 and you are coming in on Northwest. Don't you dare call me - I don't want my record broken. I am the only one in the mission who hasn't called home or received calls from family. I remember how strict PaPa was with his missionaries calling home so I couldn't do it.

I LOVE YOU SO VERY, VERY MUCH. PLEASE BE SO VERY, VERY CAREFUL. Grandma B XXOO