Leaf: Hand painted Christmas present tags under the tree. (Corrimal, Australia)

Rae: When you sent me this photo, I couldn't resist the urge to show you our tree as well. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: Noticing the changes in the natural world as I walk with 'Loved One' (Taran's new name for her) in the mornings. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Just a little wedding photography in the intersection. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: This is the path I walk down in the mornings talking to God. This morning the 3 of us walked and prayed (we prayed for you guys as well). (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Well, this was surprising. I can't say that I've ever seen anyone peddling paintings of the Virgin and Child in Pai before. I bought one for the meditation center. (Ha! Kidding!) But anyway, the man selling them was delightful. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: I'm contemplating tiny little things in the Newborn Monastary, like little toes and feet that are so small that even the teeniest Indian anklets fall off them. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: It's my favorite kind of tree, with the morning light just behind it. This world is more beautiful than I ever expect it will be. (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

Leaf: This guy comes to visit me every now and then…I chat, he is silent and wise. Today he snuck up on me and was just one metre away. He is an Australian King Parrot. When he flies you can see the blue on his back. (Yarramundi, Australia)

Rae: Elkie's birthday party had a pirate theme. It was interesting to see just how easily Josh transformed himself into a ukelele-playing pirate. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: I was marvelling at all the different colours that trees can be and had to jump out of the car and get this photo for you. (Springwood, Australia)

Rae: I was on a walk one morning when I encountered this lovely lady with her baskets of flowers. (Pai, Thailand)

Leaf: It was such a beautiful day connecting with these mamas and their sweet girls…I met Jess (on the right) in China 6 years ago. (Medlow Bath, Australia)

Rae: Look what I found in my tree! Kenya is here whenever possible-- I don't know how many times today I had to call her out of the tree. (Pai, Thailand)