Sacraments
The second part of April was just as busy as the first part. Lilli had been in religious ed. classes since September preparing for her First Reconciliation and First Communion. Both sacraments were planned for Easter weekend. We enjoyed the opportunity to witness two more sacraments for one of our children here in Thailand. Although we are in a predominantly Buddhist nation it is so good to know that we are allowed to celebrate our faith as we would back in the US. We are so thankful to have such a supportive parish here in Thailand.
Lilli's First Reconciliation was held on Saturday the day before Easter Sunday. The priest gave a short demonstration on sin and how we can wash it away. While each child went to confession the parents stayed in the church and prayed the rosary. It was a beautiful ceremony that we enjoyed so much.
No, I did not sneak up on Lilli and get a picture. The coordinator had a volunteer photographer take pictures for both Sacraments and then give a cd to each child with their pictures.
Smyth was unable to attend Lilli's First Communion, or Easter Mass for that matter. Again, living in a Buddhist nation school events are planned around the many Buddhist holidays and not the Western Christian holidays. So, Smyth was in Vientiane, Laos playing in an international school basketball tournament this Easter. We missed him but know that we will have many more chances to celebrate holidays together.
One other note of interest regarding Easter in Thailand, the church did not sponsor an egg hunt for the kids after Mass but instead the priest gave everyone attending Mass a boiled egg. Not being real sure what to do with the eggs, we took ours to the coffee shop and enjoyed them with our usual Sunday morning lattes.
Yes, this is a strange collection of items. Chloe went through my cache of treasures at the coffee shop and was amazed at what I had stored in my purse. I blame it on living in a foreign country, you never know what you might need. Notice there are 4 driver licenses, two different currencies, boiled eggs, a padlock, a candle, playing cards, and several other necessities.
Swim Meets
Both Chloe and Lilli participated in swim meets with other international schools here in the Pattaya area. Chloe's preferred stroke is freestyle while Lilli prefers the backstroke. Both girls did well in their events and in the events that weren't their preferred stroke.
Lilli in the foreground manages to tie for first.
Chloe in the foreground managed a second place tie.
Cinderella
About every three years Smyth gets bit by the acting bug and tries out for a school play. This year's production at ISE was Cinderella (the German version). Smyth played the father of Cinderella. All the students did a fine job. We volunteered to have the cast party and viewing of the video at our house. I do not have pictures from the play because I was video taping it.
As previously mentioned, we knew that April was going to be a very busy month. Looking back on it now, it seems to have flown by and I'm glad I got pictures as it seems now to be one big blur. Definitely a month to write home about!
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