Thailand Journal 2011 #12

Work week two started with our group’s morning devotional outside the cafeteria where we meet every morning in a shaded area under a tree. Team members take turns presenting the morning thought and each has brought a unique message every day. Each day has started with a blessing thanks to the messages they share with us.

The teaching members of the team returned to the elementary school. They enjoyed their time on the farm but were ready to get back into the classroom. And did they have a blast! The kids love them and they adore their students. The remaining team members headed out to the farm under a cloudy sky praying it wouldn’t rain again today. But such was not to be the case. The rains were so heavy this weekend that the truck was unable to deliver any loads of gravel because he’d become hopelessly stuck in the deep mud. And because the farmer’s pickup got stuck last week, we decided that we would not drive it to the site. Rather, the team had to hike/wade/swim (OK, “swim” might be a bit of an exaggeration but you get my drift) to the section where we’d done our work last week. This was more of a challenge for some than others. But everyone eventually made it through to the other side. It was a bit discouraging to see how deep the water was but the team pressed on. They spent the morning moving the gravel that had been delivered out to the deepest ruts in hopes that they could help the truck drive in further. And it rained on them – not a torrential downpour but a slow steady rain. Still they kept working. But oh my word, they a mess!!!! And if they weren’t a mess after working on the roads then they surely were by the time they helped me get the van unstuck. I’m not sure the pictures will do the situation justice – at least it provided for some good laughs. Even Nang, the farmer’s wife, bust up laughing when she saw how mud splattered everyone was. The rains have fallen all afternoon so we don’t know what tomorrow holds.

With a couple hours off this afternoon I had a chance to take care of a number of business items that needed tending to. Meanwhile several of the team enjoyed Thai massages and exploring the small town of Muak Lek.

This evening we returned to the Adventist Center for the evening English classes. The numbers were fewer tonight because of the rains but the enthusiasm of those present was certainly not dampened. These kids can sing! The team really enjoys working at this evening program. A quick stop at 7-11 afterwards and we all headed home. Team members are tired after a long but fun weekend and a full day of work.