“I could really use some help. There is just so much to do and I need reliable people to come help me.”
“You’ve hired people before and they end up not working out. Why?”
“It’s hard to get them to complete the work.”
“Do you think if you had an office that it would help? Typically, people feel more motivated and held accountable if they have a place they go to for work.”
“That could work. It would also add legitimacy to my business when dealing with clients.”
“Okay. Let’s start looking for places to rent, then you can start looking for people to hire.”
And that is how our summer began, looking at places to rent for Properties Chiang Mai. We looked at a few that were within budget and had a decent location, but they needed extensive work done that would have been way over budget. Then on a whim (most likely the leading of the Holy Spirit like He normally does), Elijah took me to a spot he normally goes to work from. One of the buildings that had been used for storage had its doors open and it was empty inside. It looked like it was getting ready to be used for something.
Immediately, Elijah called his contact for the property and asked what was happening. They were renovating it to rent it out. The contact asked if we would like to look inside and talk about it; he was on the property and could come by. We spent time looking it over and discussing the renovations and the pricing. Amazingly, it was below what we were looking for and they were going to be paying for all of the renovations! Elijah agreed to rent out the space that same day once the renovations were complete. It really seemed like a God thing.
The remainder of the summer has been working on paining it, thinking about design and furniture, and preparing to open up the new office space. Along with all of that, Elijah has been working with clients and trying to manage everything on his own. Soon, everything will be done and he can start interviewing people to hire. We pray that God will bring the right people to come along and help support the work that Elijah is doing. His first two hires will be an office manager and a media specialist. Below are pictures of the unfinished office space and the girls helping to paint the inside.
The girls and a cousin helping to paint the new office.
The outside of the new office.
Another new thing that happened this summer, is that Asher joined ROTC and went to a ten day camp. It was very difficult for him as he does not know the language well and it was all in Thai. Since he is a Thai citizen, his name would go into the draft if he does not do ROTC. He was anxious and worried to go because he heard that there was a lot of bullying. We prayed for him and had several other people praying for him during his time there. Our greatest hope is that he calls on the Lord and relies on Him during this time. One good thing to come from this is that he excelled in the shooting day and got one of the highest scores. This achievement earned him his first badge! Below is a picture of him shooting and then earning his badge.
Asher shooting a real gun for the first time.
His sheet with the bullet holes. All ten shots hit the target!
Asher receiving his marksmanship badge.
Asher with his new badge on his uniform.
Finally, school is starting back again and it’s the first time we have a senior in the house! We are trying to soak up our time with her and as a family of five for the last year together. As part of that, we did a short vacation with family to the mountains. We had fun playing and spending time together. Reese is also in her last year of Middle School, so they will be “graduating” together at the end of the year. This begins a special year in our house!
Jessica has started at school and attended orientation for the new year. One inspiring aspect of orientation was the discussion on implementing Biblical worldview into classes. It is energizing to Jessica think about how she can do this more effectively in her own classes. She is looking forward to a new school year with new students and engaging them in great discussions and texts that push them to consider deeper truths.
Family vacation with grandma, grandpa, aunt, and cousins.
Enjoying fun family time in the pool during the family vacation.
The definition of Biblical integration that was discussed during orientation.
The kids enjoyed some time with friends this summer!
Reese made a schedule for us to watch the World Cup. We spent a good part of our summer cheering on different teams.
Praises:
- A new office space for Elijah!
- Good family time during the summer break.
- We are close to 50% of our needed support!
Prayer Requests:
- Good colleagues for Elijah.
- Wisdom and guidance for Paige in college applications.
- A wonderful start to the new school year for everyone at Grace International School.
School Year Verse: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Thank you for partnering with us! May you rejoice in the hope we have in Christ!
Ridgley Family