These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Tuesday, February 17

Happy Chinese New Year 2569! Last night and this morning we visited the Chinatown Chiang Mai celebrating the Year of the Horse. We got our New Year’s shirts and are ready to receive another New Year! Chinatown was filled with smells, sights and sounds; food in abundance and happy people dressed in traditional red garments. We will celebrate the New Year in Phuket, Thailand. We fly there this afternoon. May God bless us all with peace, justice and happiness!

Wednesday, February 18

Today we visited the Phi Phi Islands. We traveled by speed boat. (I’m sure my doctor would be furious! I promise to never do it again!) There was swimming, snorkeling, sun, a baby shark birthing area and beaches. The incredible rock formations and the crystalline water make it a favorite for many visitors. 

Thursday, February 19

After yesterday’s bumpy speedboat trip to Phi Phi, we cancelled today’s speedboat trip to the James Bond Islands and decided to spend a day at the Karon Beach in Phuket. We had a delicious seafood lunch and then returned to our hotel to prepare for our flights tomorrow to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Thailand and its people have been wonderful!

Friday, February 20

Today we fly to Siam Reap, Cambodia, to visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world. There were good views of the coastal rock formations as we took off from Phuket. They served us a delicious hot meal on our short flight to Bangkok: Pad Thai, shrimp, chicken and tofu! Of course, there is a four hour layover in Bangkok, but they graciously put us in the Bangkok Airways lounge to pass the time. Bangkok Airways rocks!