Each trip to Thailand is a discovery.  There are so many moments to be joyful and celebrate, there are moments of sorrow and there are moments to ponder over.  This trip, in that respect is no different.  We celebrated the opening of the farm, the completion of the harvest and all the wonderful possibilities that are represented there.  Crops of rice, beans, and corn will be produced.  Fish are raised.  New employment found.  Supporters of this cause have made this possible.  A truck, a rice planter, and a new threshing machine will ensure the prosperity of the farm operation. Our hopes to help build a brighter, more secure future for many are found here.

We have celebrated the opening of the brand new, beautiful dormitory at Hsaw Thoo Lei; this one bigger and able to accommodate more children.  With song and dance, speeches and prayers this building opened with a fanfare.  It was fitting too, to be reminded that these children and teachers are the lucky ones in so many ways. 

We celebrated the opening of the new building at Agape School.    One man’s determination to make this world a better place for children has made all the difference to the students here. 

We are celebrating the child, Jon, who won Pat’s heart in 2008, and despite being abandoned at birth, and  undergoing heart surgery before his first birthday, appears to be thriving.  He has a sweet smile for everyone and is developing into quite a little flirt.

The teaching group taught at three schools, Agape, B’wek Lar, and Prahita.  We loved them all.  At each school we were able to leave a large amount of school supplies for the students.

At the work shop, many new desks are cut and ready for the December travelers. 

In our two weeks, we saw the hog barn at Thoo Mweh Khee start to take shape with Al’s guidance.  The next two weeks will no doubt see its completion and create a whole new prospect for the migrant families in that little village.  Al has told us stories of the new friendships he is forming over a bond of hard work and a common goal.

We distributed food at the dump.  There are eighty families living there in the most horrific conditions that can be imagined. 

We visited Mae La camp.  The politics of this place are a mystery to most of us.  We grieve at the injustice that sends so many thousands to this camp and over the continuing numbers of people who must seek refuge here.  There are so many orphans, so many children who cannot live with their parents in safety.

As always, we leave Mae Sot heavy hearted to say good bye to the people there we have come to love.  We know more surely than ever that we have been truly blessed.