Hi Ems, We cannot begin to comprehend what it must be like where you are. Sounds as though you have been using all your energy helping others. We are praying for you still and thinking of you every day.
Love Jayne , Sri and Josh xoxox
Allison
Hi Emma
we were so relieved to here that you are both ok. we can't even begin to imagine what your going through out there, but it sounds like your help is invaluable. Keep smiling !!
Liz And Paul
Dear Emma, How are you? I have just found out that the both of you are safe and sound and I am so relieved! It was such a shock that you were in the middle of it all when the waves hit, you were so lucky - there was definately somebody up there looking after you two, thank god you are ok! Emma, I'm sure your mum was so worried when she saw the news of what had happened but thank god you're ok. I cant imagine how things are in Puket at the moment, it must be strange and a bit stressful to see all that is going on. What are your plans for the near future? Are you staying in Thailand or are you heading off elsewhere? I will keep in touch and hopefully meet up with you both in March/April if you are in the Mexico area - myself and the hubby are going to do a bit of backpacking then, a 2nd honeymoon! Soon I will send you some photos and details of the wedding, it was such a fantastic day! However at the moment we are so glad that you are both fine and we will be in touch again very soon, lots of love Liz and Paul x x x x
Alex And Dan
Hey guys, so glad to hear that you are safe and well. Praise God! We have been glued to the television set over the past few days and are amazed at the devastation caused all across SE Asia. It's great that you have your belongings back and that you are able to help others in need. We will keep praying for you. God Bless Alex and Dan
Claire And Emma
Hello everyone and thank you again for all your lovely messages. It has been so fantastic to log on and see them all and know that people are praying. Keep those prayers coming!
Here is the latest...we are still at the Phuket Christian Centre, which has been acting as a rescue centre. It's gained quite a reputation, as nearly everyone who has come here who had missing relatives, has found them. Word has got round at the hospital that this is a place of miracles and church members have been overwhelmed by people begging for help. We have apparently been on TV news in Germany and Sweden!
The Thai government has been offering free flights to Bangkok and a number of people from here have thankfully managed to sort out ID and leave. Unfortunately there is a very high wound infection rate. One of the biggest problems now is to keep wounds clean, especially in the heat. Many people are having their limbs amputated as a result. We have been closely involved with several Swedish families. They were separated and miraculously all survived and were reunited on Monday. Sadly, the teenage daughter Linnea has a broken and infected arm and has been told that it may need to be amputated within the next 2 days. We are praying for a miracle, so please join us.
We have been taking care of a lovely retired Swedish couple who have left today. They had treated 5 of their good friends and godchildren to a holiday in Phi Phi. Earlier today they found out that they were all killed.
It has been very difficult to know what to say.
Another Swedish man called Anders is still looking for his girlfriend. There has been no word from her.
A big burly Ukrainian man called Oleg has a very serious leg injury. The cut is very deep and too wide to stitch together. Even with morphine it couldn't be cleaned properly, so they used a general anaesthetic. He has been readmitted to hospital.
There are many needs.
The pastors here (Brian & Margaret Burton and the Thai pastor Ngoc) have been amazing. They have opened the church doors, provided food, bedding, clothing, showers, use of the telephone....etc to everyone at their own expense. If any of you feel led to give a donation, they are planning to give details on their website shortly (www.phuketchristiancentre.com).
We too would value your prayers as we make decisions about what to do next. Things have quietened down considerably here at the church, although we don't know if there will be any more new arrivals today.
Our plans to go to Phi Phi and Krabi are not possible now, so we are not sure whether to go to the eastern side of Thailand to do our PADI diving course. We don't know how we feel about being on a beach and even whether to carry on "holidaying" in the light of everything. Many Thai people have lost their homes and livelihoods. There may be other projects that we could help with here.
That's all for now. We'll update as and when. Lots of love, the girls xx
Louise
So so happy to hear you are both ok, as I have been really worried about you. I can't imagine the kind of things you are seeing, but I am thinking of you lots and send you all my love. Look after yourselves, big hugs Lou xx
Ben And Sam
Dear Claire, glad to hear that you are safe. We will be praying for you to have the strength and wisdom that you need. Lots of love Ben and Sam xxx
Simon & Sue
Hi Emma,
Just had your email via David Vincent and we're obviously delighted to hear you're OK, we had been wondering where and how you were. You're in our thoughts and hope that the adventure continues without anymore excessively dramatic bits,
Take care, love Simon & Sue
Esther From Nhnn
Emma, so glad to hear you are ok. may god be with you now and always.
Rich
Hi Claire
really glad to hear your both ok, hard to imagine what it must be like out there.
Keep up the good work. best wishes Rich
Geoff Boswell
Releived to hear of your safety. Been thinking of the two of you since news came thru. Sarah's brother Johnny and his vietnamese wife Kim were on Phi Phi and one of the other islands just before Christmas but moved on to Vietnam.
Sarah says that you must be there for a reason.......
God Bless you both.
Love Geoff & Sarah Boswell
Lesley Magromallis
Dear Claire,
We're so relieved that you are safe from the disaster. Ours prayers are with you and Emma to keep you safe and strong and for all those with you. God bless you.
With love from John and Les (your dad and mums old mates !) xx