Lakeside Lounging...

A few weeks ago Cora, Hannah and I spent a few hours exploring a lake just outside of Taejon. It's beautiful sandy shores provided a great venue for long jump contests with the group of high school kids we were with! Unfortunately a thunder storm shortened our time at the lake, but it is a beautiful spot and we hope to go there again soon.

Crunchy critters...

As proof that these once-vigilant vegetarians have truly lost their minds and descended into carnivorous chaos, here are some photos of deep-fried grasshoppers we ate on the weekend. Yep, we thought they looked tasty and, as it turns out, they were! Who would have thought??

Stairway to heaven...

Okay, Brian didn't mention that I nearly had a heart attack climbing this ladder that scaled a sheer rock face on the mountain. It may not look like it has a lot of steps, but it seemed like it took hours to get to the last rung. The views were worth it once we reached the top, but it was crazy!

Up the mountain...

This past weekend the Lavenders enjoyed a vertical adventure with some good friends from TCIS. Joined by the Dewey family from Colorado and the Larratt-Smiths from Toronto, we ascended to the top of Daedunsan, a mountain about an hour from Daejeon. Actually, a cable car took us part of the way, and we had to scrabble over rocks, boulders, a suspension bridge and vertical (VERY vertical) staircases for the remainder of the journey. What fun!

Rebecca serves in Thailand

While Brian was in India last week, Rebecca was in Chang Mai, Thailand, working at an orphanage and ministering to some wonderful children. She also spent a few days in a remote mountain village outside of Chang Mai. Rebecca has more photos and information posted on her blog at rebeccainkorea.blogspot.com.

Serving in India

As part of a committment to serving in the name of Jesus, TCIS offers opportunities for students to spend time in various places throughout the Asian region. Brian has just returned with some wonderful stories to tell and a camera full of pictures from an orphanage near Bangalore, India. The students visited Beulah Home, a residence with over 120 children - mostly girls. Through a combination of a week-long Bible school, English lessons, crafts, singing, games, reading time and free play (mostly "lagurie" - a game played with any ball and a pile of rocks), the children of the home firmly lodged themselves in the hearts of their guests. The faces in the pictures tell it all.

The Many Faces of India

Following our time at the Beulah Home for children, near Bangalore, India, our small group of students and sponsors had the pleasure of riding auto-rickshaws into the downtown area. Amid the constantly honking horns, street vendors' calls and lively bustle, the many faces of India were were seen. From slum to palace, Bangalore showcases the range of culture in this complex society.