I am glad that I am here.

October 3rd, 2010

Today I am staying at my cousin's house in Hat Yai. It is the 2nd time that I have visited Thailand this year. This trip was supposed to be for a dental visit; however, an unfortunate event happened. My beloved grandpa, the kid's great grandpa passed away the 2nd day I arrived home. I got off the train in Phatthalung and went straight to see my grandpa in Hat Yai. He had been rushed to the hospital earlier that morning due to his asthma. He experienced a very difficult time breathing. I saw him myself looking right straight into my eyes. I had a hard time telling myself to be strong knowing that he would not perhaps live for much longer. I couldn't believe the miracle of God's love—to bring me here to him and to lead my children here to my very dear family. I remember having an important conversation with him about his ancestors. I asked him to complete as much information for me as soon as possible. Soon he completed for me. With completed dates and names, my grandpa wrote them as he knew this day would come. I know that I am the chosen one for this the important work of redeeming my family’s dead. I know I lack a lot of courage to bring my family members closer the God; I am not even able to prod them to ask me the very important questions, "Is God real?" My soul is so dying to answer them and to bear my testimony. I was promised in writing that one day I will be able to share my testimony with them; I will and I cannot wait. Tonight is a very special night; it is the time of a semiannual 180th general conference of the church. It is also a very first time that I am away from Ed during the conference, and we didn't have a chance to hear conference together as family. I miss having a family our family together. How important family is to me. I know that the church is true and important to those who are living or dead. I cannot deny that this trip is a gift of Heaven Father to me so I could see my grandpa before he entered God's place. I know that he knows too that there is a living God. I cannot wait to share many stories with him—once he and I talked about the story of Noah. My grandpa was wise—he will choose to be with Heavenly Father, no doubt.

So here we are again.

The Pongsuwan family: from left to right, me, mae(mom), P'Fon, Po(dad)
taken in Kaoluk, Songkla Feb '10

first experience at the waterfall in Phatthalung, Thailand

my grandpa Sern or the kid's great grandpa

So here is my story....

From Kingman, AZ to Phatthalung, Thailand, Pasadena, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Mound, MN, Nauvoo, IL, and Fort Worth, TX. Arlington, Texas is our last stop and where we are now. Where are we going next, don't know yet. But we have had a blast this past summer. We visited family and friends in Thailand in February and that was sure an experience for Ed and the kids. As for me, home is still the only place where I feel very safe and secure. My parents are hoping that we might move there to stay for a few years. However Ed now has a new plan to get his PhD done first and I think it is the best time to do that since the kids are still young. So here we are again moving from place to place, learning about new places and people. We love it but we miss it. We miss seeing the ones who we dearly love like our family and friends. We miss and worry that we won't be able to return to visit them for a long time. Nevertheless, the past summer has become my favorite summer. Not only because I get to learn more about my family and Ed's but also I get to spend it with my dearest family members. We feel their kindness support and their love warmth hugs. It almost makes me feel like I can do it all. It is nice to know that I can also rely on them. Thank you family for being there for us. Thank you friends for loving us for who we are and accept us as your friends. This summer we have had a blast and we appreciate all that you have given us. So here are some of the summer pictures and VDOs that I put together. I will attempt to write some more later when I get a chance. Just a quick note, Jaynann is now 22 months old and Zeke is 15 months old. So here we are, enjoy!

This little VDO clip was taken when Zeke turned one. Lucinda taught me how to bake and decorate a birthday cake. It was a lot of fun. The birthday boy was a little bit tired by the time he had to open the presents so Jaynann did him a favor by opening them all. We had a good time.

Jaynann called this one her turkey dance. Ed took her dancing at the fair before the show started. Nauvoo was quite an experience for us, especially for me. I have learned so much and would never forget to be thankful for the pioneers and the prophets. They are the inspiration to me and my family.

Jaynann is a brave little girl. At her last day of swimming lessons, she managed to be the bravest one to jump off the diving board. I couldn't believe what I just saw. My goodness, she was really brave.

This one makes me smile big. At the Lucinda and Brian's, we were always entertained by the kids. Their aunt Angela and Emily were the kid's favorite people. They spent most of their time playing with their grandma, grandpa, aunt Angela, uncle Edwin, and auntie Emily. What a cool summer!

This VDO clip is awesome. You really get to hear who really know how to play the piano. Zeke was so small to reach the piano keys but he managed to stand on his little toes and tried to play like a grown up. Jaynann acted like she was a professional pianist. The kids enjoy spending time with their grandma and grandpa this summer.