I recently returned home to Thailand from a 2-month trip to the U.S. It was a great time to see family, reconnect with old friends, and meet all kinds of new people. I ended up having a change of plans and was able to expand the trip from just Maine and California, to also include a few weeks in Ohio. It was a welcome change, and I was grateful to see some special friends there.

One question I was frequently asked while I was in the U.S. was "What do you miss the most about America?" I found that it was a surprisingly difficult question to answer. I enjoy Thailand. Who I am makes sense in this place, at this time, with these people and I feel like I am right where God's calling me to be. But when I was driving around town the other day, the answer to that question suddenly dawned on me. Now, don't get me wrong - it's not that I am ungrateful. In fact, I consider it a privilege to have a mission car to drive. It gets me all kinds of places I couldn't otherwise go. But the one thing that is severely lacking here is cup holders. The average American vehicle these days sports a plentiful array of cup holders, which pop out, fold down, or otherwise magically materialize when summoned. I really enjoyed this kind of convenience while I was in the U.S. Although I was disappointed to find that my 60 oz. 7-Up did not fit into the particular model cup holder with which my car was equipped, I noticed that some newer vehicles had cup holders with spring-loaded clamps that conveniently hug any size cup. What a brilliant invention. Next time I return to the U.S. for deputation, I will be sure to find a car equipped with the spring-loaded model.

But Thais just don't think of such things as cup holders for their cars, or heated seats. I found that my friends' car actually had a button you press to heat the seat under your bum. And this is the kicker...she lives in Southern California! But coming from a tropical country, I was sincerely grateful for a heater for my bum. I even found that with some gymnastic effort, I could use the device to heat my feet, my back, my arms and my ears. The wonders of modern technology. But perhaps there is some wisdom in the fact that such things are not standard equipment in most Thai cars. Were a car here to be equipped with a cup holder, one might find that as soon as the vehicle made it's first rural village visit, one's 7-Up would quickly erupt and be generously distributed throughout the entire interior of the vehicle. And as luck would have it, the local snakes would probably discover the heated seats and want to share them with you. But still, some automotive conveniences would be appreciated.

Now for just a bit about what I did during my 2 months in the States. The trip started in Rangeley, Maine, where I got to share a few days with my family. It was fun to play games, get ice cream at the old "Pine Tree Frosty", paddle around in the lake, visit the pigs at "First Farm," and climb up the rocks at "Smalls Falls" - our family's favorite things to do. In Bar Harbor, I went to a wonderful lobster bake, where we did lobster and steamed clams over a fire, complete with salad, corn on the cob, and marshmallows roasted over the fire. I also went out hiking in Carabassett Valley with some friends who proved to be in much better shape than I am. I shared an exciting morning at the Wood household when the parking brake gave out on their Saab and we discovered it had rolled over the end of the driveway, down a mountain at an 80 degree angle, squeezing through some trees at the top of the hill, careening all the way to the bottom where it crashed into a large maple. -Took two tow trucks to get the thing out! In Ohio, I stayed with my friends, the Leonard family, and we had lovely evenings of singing, praying, talking and eating copious amounts of popcorn. I also spent a night with my beloved friend, Peggy Burke, and nearly got lost in her waterbed, which is the size of Australia. I had a day of shopping for art supplies with Susan and Vicki. ...Of course, I then had to ship all of my new treasures back, and I'm praying that they will arrive before Jesus comes again. In California, I met my dear friend Myra's new baby, Sophia, and got some exercise with my old seminary friend and roommate, Andi. I also went out for meals with lots of interesting people, and jealously counted the cup holders in their cars.

Church visits also went well. I had the opportunity to speak to over 1,500 people about my ministry in Thailand. We talked about the New Life Center, Conflict Transformation Trainings, the situation of tribal people in northern Thailand, and International Ministries. I had the honor of meeting Paul and Elaine Lewis, founders of the New Life Center, who now live in California. They even came out on Sunday to hear my presentation - how intimidating is THAT!! But everyone I met was so encouraging. I felt like I saw the church at its best - people with a passion for missions, and a heartfelt desire to share Jesus' love with others halfway around the world. And your words of encouragement also came with generous financial support. These are the fruits of your personal sacrifice, concrete signs of your faith and love. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. I deeply appreciate your willingness to partner with me in ministry. And I look forward to hearing from new people whom God will call to join us. Don't be afraid to jump on board. It's never too late!

Your Sister in Christ,

Kit Ripley