Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
(Celebrate Kids)

Your Connection to Celebrate Kids, Inc.

Vol. 3, No. 8 – December 4, 2005

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It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve been back from Chiang Mai, Thailand,
for a week already. I wanted to wait before sending an update because I
wanted to see what would stay with me. When returning from overseas trips,
in addition to the fatigue, there’s always emotional hype. But, what
stayed? (I think I’m just about over the fatigue. I actually slept through
the night last night. This morning I woke up praising God!)

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Let me begin by sharing the two lessons I learned on the flights to
Thailand. If you remember, from my first update, I had an exit row by
myself on the long 14½ hour flight. I asked you to predict what God showed
me and taught me. Did you think about it?

In my update, I admitted that I hadn’t even prayed for an empty seat next
to me. So, the first lesson might not surprise you. I was reminded that I
need to have more faith in God.

The second lesson is related to the first. After the airplane door closed
and I realized no one would be sitting next to me, I began thinking …
“This is unbelievable!” I kept saying it over and over in my mind … This
is unbelievable! This is unbelievable! This is unbelievable! This is
unbelievable! This is unbelievable! …

Then, as clearly as I’ve ever heard Him before, I heard God say, “No it’s
not. I’m God! I can do anything!”

I was humbled. He knew my thought and loved me by communicating His truth.
I was obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading as I repented of my pride,
self-sufficiency, and lack of faith. I do praise our great God for being
able to do anything! I’ve asked him (again!) to help me not take Him for
granted!

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The convention was powerful. I continue to have a high regard for the
Association of Christian Schools International. They’re an excellent
organization and they consistently plan worthwhile conventions. I was
privileged to be one of their speakers and I continue to pray that
teachers are applying the ideas they learned that were most relevant for
them.

In addition to my keynote message about Authentic Hope, I spoke for
90-minutes each about thinking skills, fabulous feedback, strong-willed
students, and teaching like Christ. In each session, teachers and
administrators were open, eager, teachable, and serious.

Several people have asked me what my favorite part of the trip was. The
answer has come easily – it was definitely watching God work among His
people. Truly – I love watching people respond to what He has for them. I
could tell things were making sense as I watched people have many “ah-ha”
moments as I taught. It’s sosososo encouraging when I see that what I’ve
learned and what God has taught me is relevant for teachers everywhere!

I have high expectations! I believe people are teaching differently
because of messages many of us were privileged to share. Therefore, I
believe thousands of children and teenagers are benefiting. To God be the
glory!

More importantly, I know God used His truths to inspire and strengthen
people. In other words, some people were affected at their heart level.
They were ministered to. Because they’re in a healthier place, their
students will benefit. But, it’s not about their students. It’s about the
individual teachers getting hope for their circumstances. For example, I
was privileged to meet one-on-one with a single woman who is struggling. I
believe she was encouraged. And, I heard of a teacher serving in a very
difficult country who was blessed by my keynote message. A friend who
talked with him sent me this comment: “It made him renew his commitment to
God and his ministry as he viewed himself from a different, Godly
perspective.” Please join me in praising God!

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I again enjoyed the culture and shopping available in Chiang Mai. The
famous “Night Market” is amazing and almost impossible to explain. The
colors, sounds, smells, and bargains are very stimulating. It was really
fun this year because many members of my staff gave me money to shop with!
I bought 155 things for $517.00. What fun! Some people will get great
gifts from my staff, plus they asked for a few special things for
themselves. It was fun to distribute everything last Wednesday. I, too,
will enjoy giving out unique and beautiful things in just a few weeks.
(Because sales were fabulous, I had no trouble fitting everything into my
suitcases for the flights home!)

With my friend, Sarah, I enjoyed going to the largest jewelry store in the
world, a silk factory, an umbrella factory, and an orchid and butterfly
farm. Really stunning! And, hundreds of us from the convention went to a
Thai cultural show on Friday night. The dancing, music, and food was a
treat. The dancers were extremely graceful – a bit different from my
ballet days!

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If you asked me what the saddest thing was that I saw, I would answer that
it was something I saw when arriving for the cultural show. As we arrived,
men and women were lighting small fires within white tubes and sending
them up into the sky. They created a beautiful site. What was sad? We were
told they were sending their prayers up to heaven and hoping they’d make
it all the way there. I praise God that I know how to pray, that He hears
ALL my prayers, and He answers them ALL in the ways that are best. I hope
you, too, rejoice in what you know and in a relationship with our personal
God.

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That’s it for tonight. As always, feel free to let me know how to pray for
you by emailing me at DrKathy@CelebrateKids.com

Kathy