Family is like a raincoat that protects us from rain

 

                By Ianpassion

                My daughter Nana is using a sack of fertilizer to protect herself from the rain.

I listened to a Rick Warren podcast about having an awesome family. He uses the raincoat as an analogy to describe the concept of an awesome family. We use a raincoat for protection from the rain; imagine if you didn’t have a raincoat when you were outside. Just as a raincoat protects us from the rain, a family provides protection and support in the face of life's challenges and problems.

In this illustration, the raincoat represents the family, and the rain represents the challenges or problems we encounter in life. Imagine our children suffering rejection, loneliness, fears, and more without the support of a family. It's no wonder that when Satan wants to destroy a nation, he starts with the family. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), so when a family is broken, we lack protection when the rain comes.

Agape: Reflecting This Again At Langu Beach, Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Sunset at Langu Beach, Satun, Thailand 2018

Staring the sun descending behind the horizon and pondering as the canvas of the blue ocean turning its color to orange are among the outdoor activities that we love to do. 

It was valentines day, the year 2018. I learned a lesson from the past that having this day just a normal day can be a cause of friction in our relationship.  

Parenting: I Am Afraid Of Going To School

By Ianpassion

Nowadays our eldest child is acting indifferently towards her schooling. She behaves somehow opposite from last year that seems she enjoyed learning.

During school days (Monday to Friday), just this past few days every morning, after taking her meal, while wearing her uniform, and when she knows she is heading to school,  then she starts crying heavily. She does not want to go.

Parenting: What Young Fathers Must Know?

By Ianpassion

The majority of today's problems are the result of fatherless children who have never experienced affection or praise from their fathers. Fathers are extremely important in our children's emotional development.

Many studies have found that children who are estranged from their fathers misbehave the most socially and academically, and are more likely to be depressed.

Thai Children Day and My Reflection- Nurturing our Children's Spirituality

By Ianpassion

Every January 13 is a Children day in Thailand. Kids wait for this day every year. Those who are near the Prime Minister Building in Bangkok can have a chance to sit the chair of the Prime Minister. Those who are in the provinces can enjoy amusements and gifts-giving organized by each local government.

As it was our schedule to be in Hatyai (the main city in the South of Thailand), we decided to go to the airfield of the Royal Thai Air Force. There were many people. Everyone cheered when a fighter plane got wild in the sky. It sounded very loud, like rumbling and echoing the entire atmosphere. Nana and Nemi pointed up - airplane, airplane, airplane...they were so happy. 

New Year 2018, Last Day in Langkawi, Malaysia, Cenang Beach, Fireworks Display, and Street food

By Ianpassion 

New Year 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia, we were in Cenang Beach to see the countdown and fireworks display. Many travelers were there. Almost the 3 km shoreline of Cenang Beach was covered with tents, benches, mats, and people standing. 

Most of the crowd rounded the huge bonfire which was the main area of the beach. Everyone looks so excited. Minutes later the countdown began, followed by a fireworks display. It was beautiful to see the dark sky lightened as fireworks pierced up and popped like iron dome rockets. 

Family New Year 2018, 1st day to 2nd Day in Langkawi Malaysia, from Satun, Thailand

By Ianpassion

Langkawi is an island just 40 minutes by ferry from Tamalang, Satun, Thailand. It is located in the most northern part of Kuala Perlis, Malaysia, and the most southern part of the western coast of Thailand, this island is as the Jewel of Kedah.

Our decision to spend our new year 2018 in Langkawi turned out to be a remarkable one. December 30, 2017 (Saturday), at 10:00 am, we arrived at the harbor of Tammalang, Satun, Thailand.  Staff in the ticketing section told us that there was no ferry available anymore, they only had the long-tail boats but taking this would be so risky for our two little kids because of strong and high waves. 

5 Things I am Thankful On My Birthday 2017

By Ianpassion

Our existence in this world is analogous to farming. We must wait patiently for the harvest season. In this photo, I'm holding a freshly picked fried vegetable from this uncovered greenhouse. It's harvest time.

Our birthday is a seasonal milestone that allows us to take a quick break to celebrate and reflect on our past experiences, as well as an excellent opportunity to correct what we have done incorrectly in preparation for the new beginning. On my birthday in 2017, there are five things for which I am grateful

Wangsaithong - The Only Limestone Waterfall in Satun, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion

Have you ever visited a limestone waterfall? 

The Wangsaithong Waterfall is the only limestone waterfall situated in the forested district of Langu, Satun, South of Thailand. It is about two hours drive from the main city of the South of Thailand - Hatyai, and more than an hour from the central town of Satun Province.  

Reflective Trip to Songkhla, South of Thailand

By Ianpassion,  breakfast at Songkhla Morning Market, South of Thailand

My wife told me that she had a conference to attend in Songkhla Province, South of Thailand, and then I had to look after our kids. “Ok no problem, I will take care of our children," I said. 

Songkhla is two hours’ from Satun.  There is no direct transport from Satun to Songkhla. So you need to commute two times by bus or by van heading to Hatyai, then from there, take a tuk-tuk (a jeepney) or a van to Songkhla. 

Very Beautiful Place in the North of Thailand, Chiangmai

By Ianpassion

This picture was taken at the strawberry farm, the peak of Doi Mon Jam,

Chiang Mai, North of Thailand

Chiang Mai is approximately 1,600 kilometers from Satun and takes more than two hours by plane from Hatyai International Airport. It is situated in northern Thailand. When we arrived at the airport, Ajarn Nuch's family greeted us. They took us out to dinner and then back to our room.


On this trip, I was hoping to meet my friends from Davao City. Good that brother Roger was available on Saturday, so together with him and Ajarn Nuch’s family we went to the hill called Doi Mon Jam. It was 40 minutes drive away from the main town. The road going up had many sharp turns and steep curves.