TBM - Jess & Brad's visit to Thailand

Dear Ones, We're going to depart from our usual "missionary fare" and report on our Tio (pronounced like trio, without the r - meaning "fun outing") with Jessie, Brad, and the Ellertsons who came to visit in December.  It turns out, Brad's Dad, Dan Ellertson, was a missionary here 25 years ago.  So they brought their family here during Christmas Vacation, for a DOUBLY-FUN visit! We started out by taking the night-train to Chiang Mai, located up close to the northern border.  We arrived, on a beautiful morning, with the weather simply perfect for touring. During the course of our trip, we did a lot of climbing        IN                                   AND                             OUT of Song Tous  ("ou," like in ouch).  These are pick-up trucks converted into small open-air buses.  The main problem being the height.  They're made for short Thais, not tall Lindorfs and Ellertsons.  What fun! The main event for the day was ELEPHANTS!  (Which just happens to be their specialty.)  We all had fun, initially, getting to feed the elephants. Then it was time for an elephant ride.  In addition to a pregnant rider (yes, Jessie is expecting their first baby in May!), notice that the mama elephant is also very pregnant. Brad decides it time to take the reigns... Of course, who is taking all these great pictures?....  Elder Lindorf, the shutter-bug! A great shot from his perch.  This mama elephant was not going to leave her baby behind, even if the water was deep. We finished up our day with a bamboo raft ride.  We managed to get sunburned, even with the cool hats. We have a great time at the Night Market, where Grandpa gets to do one of his favorite things....  bargain on great deals for his grandkids!  All in all our week was filled with one fun adventure after another.  It really helped that Dan could still speak his Thai!  We visited a wood carving factory, a cave, hot springs, saw an elephant show, an orchid farm, and saw lots of incredibly beautiful countryside. As can be imagined, we at lots and Lots and LOTS of interesting food!  But by the end of the week, Jess and Brad were ordering from the street vendors like pros. We enjoyed their visit immensely and we want to extend an invitation to you.  If you've ever wanted to see this corner of the world, you've got a bed to sleep in and and a warm shower to boot! Much love, Elder and Sister Lindorf