I think I should get an award for having the most sensational (and misleading) post titles possible on a blog.

Based on the post title, you might think I am going to share a story about a hair-raising elephant stampede; a new flood or other natural disaster; or maybe how the Johnsons are battling some rare disease that induces sleepless nights…

But in fact, I have nothing extraordinary to share in this regard.

We are staying at a resort outside of Chiang Mai for our annual workers conference.  The weather is balmy and nice.  Feels a lot like Fort Myers, Florida actually.  The girls are having fun playing at the pool, running around, and fraternizing with other toddlers.

Christa and I are thawing out, eating loads of good "western" food, and enjoying seeing old and new friends within our organization.

And today I was DEATH…

Well, I was asked to play DEATH in a drama that was performed during the morning service.  I agreed to take part in this drama before I realized a.) I would be playing DEATH, and b.) DEATH was a major co-starring role in the drama, and c.) I would be required to improvise part of the skit…

I think I was asked because of the goatee since no one here knows about my long (ancient) history as a skit performer during my "youth group" days.

I took the task.  Being DEATH is kind of fun, if a bit EEE-VILL.

I can’t go into details, but I will say that as a villain I was defeated in the end…by LOVE of course.  I had to run screaming from the room, wrapped in chains.

This is how these things go…

The hardest thing was responding to the audience feedback afterwards.

"You were really good at being DEATH."

"You did DEATH well."

"Nice job up there…I was scared."

Thank you, thank you.  I think…?  Was that a compliment?

Either I’m a truly great closet thesbian; I’m horrendously ugly and grotesque; or I have just created a very scary type-cast for myself.

Whatever the case, I just wanted you all to know I’m enjoying DEATH and other things down here in Thailand.  My family is enjoying life as well.  I’ll try to post again soon…

Sincerely,
Mr. Reaper