NH Thailand 2005

2005-09-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Jill here. We're all in Korea now. It was such an awesome trip. There were A LOT of tears. We've said our goodbyes and we're coming home. Now it's just another 300 some days till the next trip...

Sawadee Khup (Hello)

2005-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Mitch again bringing your feed of our trip. Tons has happend since my last post so this may be a long one. A couple days ago the whole team went for an hour drive just outside Chaing Mai called Doi Lau. We met these kids who have been AFFECTED (not infected) by AIDS. A rare few has 1 parent looking after them, mostly a grandparent or aunt or uncle are taking care of them. At least 1 of their parents has been Killed by AIDS. Never in their lives have they had anyone come and visit them and have been begging Faith for two years that we would come out. We Lead a mini service to them with some acting out bible verses and sang some songs. We ate lunch with them and introduced each other. That had to have been one of the most scorching days out here. We all went out on there field and played soccer for as long as we could bare the heat. We tried to play shirts verse skins but eventually we all needed to take off our shirts. Here in thailand its a 500 Baht fine if you are caught with your shirt off in public. Luckily we were in a closed off area. A lot of sunburns we handed out to us that day. Even I got sunburnt and i dont burn. The UV rays here are 10 times stronger then in Canada. It was only neccessary that we all went swimming that day. One of the funny things about when we go swimming is that people with long hair have to where a swim cap to make sure the pool stays clean. Since we have so many young male hipppies on our team, TJ, Josh, and Nathan all had to where them. SOme beautiful picture are for sure coming home of that.

Sunday we had church service at BBF. These kids give me such joy when I see how far they have come since last year. Because of us they now get three sqaure meals a day and can all go to school. Every single one of them is a very talented singer. They lead our worship with Thai Hymns and Mike and Greg did a western duo with guitars. There Lahoo Choir came also and did an amazing song acapella. We were served lunch there which had to have been one of the best home made meals i have ever had in my life. It was a great honour for us tht day because they had us eat in their church. They invited us to go to these water falls that day but we thought that instead of that we all go ice skating. Ice skating was closed so we wanted to go bowling but the lanes were full. We didnt think that the water falls would be very exciting but boy were we wrong. We went to the most amazing waterfalls i have ever seen in my life. These falls were all lime stone which ment that the rocks were like sand paper. I could literally sprint up AND down the falls without using my hands. Apparently there are only three in the whole World. We spent many hours there and were extremely glad that we went. It was 9 o'clock when we got home and the kids have not eaten since noon and probably would have enough time to eat that night so Faith (being the caring mother she is) Bought them all dinner which you could tell made them truly happy.

monday was more of a slow day. We got to sleep in a bit for once this trip. We had one quik job that we had to do that after noon which was clean all the screens and windows for this amazing house that we are fixing up to be a half way house for mothers who give their chilren to the Agape home. that only took us an hour so we went to the day market for a bit and later that afternoon got to choose between going to the agape home, or playing soccer with the BBF kids. I went to BBF with mike, nathan, jill, josh, greg and dave. In thailand its very old fashioned with their sports. The girls would never play soccer at BBF. When the boys play the girls go off to the side and ralley around a volleyball. All of us who came today wanted to play soccer and all the people who usually play volleyball went AGAPE. Mike who was wanting everyone to have some fun time didnt play with the boys but went and joined the girls. The whole time we could hear the girls laughing at him as he attempted to speak thai and when he showered them his sunburn. He taught them how to play "Red Rover", "Duck Duck Goose", and "What Time Is It Mr.Wolf". Meanwhile at Agape there has been a lady who is on her last limb. Avis is a strong believer that no one should be alone when they die so when someone is on their death bed she makes sure there is someone there at all time. at one point her pulse was so low that it didnt even show up on the machine but she was still breathing. She couldnt talk or move but she was still with us.

Tuesday we all were out of the house by nine for an hour and a half ride to a place called Prow. Roy and Avis have started a project (project Leck) where they get teams to go out and focus on one house and repair anything it needs. We went out there and went to a house where a very elderly woman lived with a young boy and a couple of infants who needed new doors on the house and bathroom, and 3 new windows. A few of us stayed there and the rest went on to another house about 5K away. The dirt roads in thailand are truly amazing. Vibrant red like you have never seen before. we visited this house which needed a complete new roof job. Unluckily it started to rain and we were not able to do it that day. We also needed a bit more supplies fopr such a big job. there was only elder people there but they told us that also a young boy of the age of 12 whos parents have both died of AIDS and was suffering from HIV/AIDS. We felt terrible that we went out there today and had nothing to do so we decided to go to this little boys school down the road and surprise with a 1 litre of sprite, a 1litre of coke, a big bag of chips, and some pocky. Once we arrived there and found the boy he put me into tears. He didnt loook very healthy and could tell that he wasnt much of a talker and was very shy. He was very greatful for we had given him and thanked us all. The school had a lot of kids there and the most decent basketbal court we have seen here yet. we asked if we could shoot some hoops so we played around a bit. We challenged them to a game of basketball but we could only do so if it was girls verse girls and boys verse boys. We agreed, and I tell you we got licked. Even in their school uniforms and dress shoes they beat us. Not much dribbling skill but were able to just whip it down the court and get a basket. they were pretty close gamews and of couse we didnt have our star player mike with us. These kids have never ever in the history of the school had anyone come out and do anything with them. they wanted us to come back the next day but we told them maybe on thursday because we had to come bck. tomrrow we're going back up there early and finishing that roof. possibly going back o the school and possible going back to the waterfall but right now we're just concentrated on the roof.

Now today was our day of fun. We awoke early to go for an hour drive out to a place where we would get the opportunity to ride an elephant. I have never seen an elephant let alone ride one. I dont know if you have but elephants are huge. I say one snap a tree in small tree in half and eat it. this was an amazing experience. We then went river rafting on bamboo which the people who came last year said wasnt going to be fun but that was clearly only because they didnt have Mitch Allen on the team last year. after the first 2 minutes i was alread fallen off and whipping water at everbody. I even tackled my Thai raft director off the raft. they would splash you so i decided they needed to gert it back. lots of wrestling and falling. we stopped half way to go for a swim which was sun because there were some small cliffs around (not very deep water though).

This afternoon since the girls had an opportunity to take all the BBF girls to the mall and buy them outfits, all of us guys took out the BBF guys to get brand spanking new soccer cleats for every single one of them. when they play soccer some maybe one or two have cleats and some only on one foot, but mostly low quality runners. Every Kid was so happy that moment. Greg, Josh, and I rode in the back of their truck with them on the way to dinner. one of the unusual things bout sitting with them is that they wil start to play with your leg hair as if you dont notice. Even the curls on my head the would be amused by. one of the things that they couldnt understand was how when I went in the water my hair went from curly to straight, and when it dried, curly again. It was interesting observing them around us though.

We all went to the mall and into the food court. Here you put a deposit on a card and you go around to the different food stations and they just get the money off the card. Now these boys had never been to a food court let alone using a system involved with cards. So I took most of them with me and got them to pick out a picture of the food they liked and i would use their card to buy it with me. some of them were so anxious to eat the amazing meal they had just receieved that they would immediatly go to the closest table even though it had a whole bunch of peoples garbage on them. this lit up their faces like you wouldnt believe. we did end up getting some clean tables and plenty of food and drinks. i dont think there was a single morsil left on any of their plates. afterwards we went to get them some ice cream but some of them didnt understand what we ment so they wanted a sausage on a sick instead. baffled, we let them get them but made sure they got some ice cream as well. I think the only other time they have had ice cream was last year when the first team took them out. Little did we know that they had a gift instore for us. We all received a hand made book bag from all of them. Predit was so happy that he had to have hugged mike at least all of us at 5 times. Seeing those boys has given me every reson to come back again next year.

well now that its getting late and i have been hogging the computer for a while, I can assure you that i will post at least one more time before we leave.

Your LOUD brother in Christ,

-MITCH ALLEN

Ahoy!

2005-08-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mitch here. Thailand in my humble oppinion has been amazing. Our trampolines have arived and we are blessed not to have to pay a shipment fee. today was a full day at BBF. we had quite a few projects to do around there. Dave and Ben had to weed wack the foot high grass on the soccer field, nathan, TJ, sam, and I all had to dig a four foot hole, Greg, Dave, and Ya-Ye all worked on the church roof, and the girls dug a small trench and a tunnel for the pipes. digging the hole seemed to have been fine but then all the water underground started to pour into it so we had to work fast. we had to put these big concrete rings into them but leveling that off was a huge challenge. I had mud from my head to my toes and eventually just whipped off me boots and enjoyed the mud through my toes. After a few hours and a few different workers, we put two meter wide concrete rings on top of each other in the hole. We got pipes running through connected to that and a pump which will take away all the loose water making the areamuddy. The BBF kids all laugh at us when muddy but yu an tel they all appreciate our work. For the roof we didnt have our main wood guy rodger because he had to go to the hospital with Faith because he broke his finger. Hes ok though and ready to get back to work. We set up one of the old AGAPE swing sets for them which they loved. One of the main events we were waiting for came upon us today. We got to set up the trapoline and see the huge shining smiling faces on the kids. they all laughed as others jumped and we a got one huge group picture of us all lying on the tramoline. Ive been learning al the boys names and have found a couple that our my age. I really enjoy working at BBF because its a great chance to build relationships. We have a plan of going one on one with the boys and get to know each other through a translater, and taking them to the internet cafe and setting up an email for them. we want to be able to become pen pals and stay in touch for as long as we can. the agape kids came over tonight and we all had a huge pillow fight which has resulted me in barely being able to keep my eyes open, so I will write more later,

your LOUD brother in christ

-MITCH ALLEN

A Little More News...

2005-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

...Not much to report today. We visited BBF and it was the highlight of the trip so far. They really seemed interested in relationships rather than money and building materials. We played a soccer game on a very muddy field and at the end Dave and Ben dove in the mud, followed by Sam and Josh W. and others. It was hilarious. We then got clean swimming in a pond created by the monsoon. The kids were thrilled. Greg and Erin showed up early today....

Ok, we're posting!

2005-08-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooo! This is Jill here,the blog expert. I guess not that many people on our team have a blog except for mitch and me, I got stuck doing it cause I didn't really feel too good today. Nothing serious to worry about though, I'll be fine in no time. On sunday, we lead the church service. We sang a few songs (they got me to sing a solo lol), did some skits and three people shared their testimonies (Roy translated). It's been a challenge at some points, comunicating with the thai people when you don't speak their language. We're learning some new things though. After the service, we went to a mall to eat some food, then we went to tour Agape and play with the kids. They're amazing. The kids will just embrace you with open arms and never let go. They're all so adorable. Yesterday and today we've been working at Agape, cleaning up, painting, building things and whatnot. We've been going to the night market often and have been learning how to barder. We'd get really mad after buying something, then finding out the next guy got it for cheaper. I swear they have everything there. I even bought a christian dior purse. It's probably not real, but who cares! Last night some of us went for a Thai massage. Oh my goodness. It was amazing. I felt so good after. It was only for an hour but we might go again for 2 hours next time. Have you ever had a thai person (or a stranger) touch almost every part of your body? Quite the experience, and well worth it. We'll be going to Ban bat fah (sp?) in the next few days. I've come to understand that they have it a little bit worse than the agape kids and I think they're older too. We're all growing closer to god each day and have been keeping up with our daily devotions. This is an amazing experience and I feel like I'm in paradise. Oh,and I've been trying the food and I'm learning to like it. As some people may know it's not the easiest thing for me but it's really important at this point. Last night I think I might have eaten pig intestines and squid. Be proud of me mom. lol. Well I'm sure more people will be posting on this thing. Keep praying for us. Don't worry Lori, everything's alright.

Maybe Today...

2005-08-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of part of an email I got from Mike today.

Hi Lor,
I'll get on the blog as soon as I finish writing you. Our internet at the house is down and my usual place at the night market is closed due to flooding. I have found another spot. It is awesome, air conditioned and they serve coffee to you at the computer for 50 cents and have chocolate nearby. I will get the crew to use the web site but it is hard because they are so excited about buying clothes and crossbows and swords. I will get on them. It is hopeless communicating from Avis's.

Our trip is going well. We had our first day of work today and the people worked hard. We have a few sunburns. I have not discovered any unique calling yet. It has rained a lot on this trip. The kids are doing well. I can give you details on each Team member if you are interested. I think I will go now and try to update the website.
Love Mike

Saturday Update

2005-08-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well since the Thailand Team is SO SLACK in updating you, I'll pass on the info I've received.

They've made to Chiang Mai. The flood waters have receeded, though they can see the aftermath of damage. They have huge bees there this year - but better than huge mosquitos, i say!

There was another flight coming in today, so possibly the tramps were aboard...

And Jill CAN'T EVEN LOOK AT the food!

That's all for now.

Lori

Update - Friday 10:30 pm. (our time)

2005-08-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Just got an email from Mike and the team. (also, see Mike's comments on yesterday's blog for more detailed info.) They're in Bangkok, waiting to catch a flight to Chiang Mai. Everything has gone well so far...except...all the trampoline parts were lost somewhere between Seattle, Seoul and Bangkok. It sounds odd to be transporting three trampolines to Thailand, but apparently they can't be bought there - and they provide invaluable excercise and fun for the HIV kids.

So, they're on the last leg of their journey. Pray that they get safely to Chiang Mai and the trampolines show up.

Thanks.
Lori

(PS...I 'll no longer be the Blog Master (haha) once they get online in Chiang Mai. You'll be able to comment directly to them and they'll be updating the blog.)

The Thailand Project

2005-08-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

So, I (Lori) hijacked the blog again til the team arrives in Chiang Mai - but better than hijacking the plane I guess! When they arrive in Chiang Mai, it will be about 12 midnight, Friday, our time. (or about Saturday 2 pm, their time) They will have spent one night in a hotel in Bangkok. Someone told me there's an old 80's song, called 'One Night in Bangkok'. I'm sure they'll all be singin' it...

The pic beside is from a brochure Mike put together last year to help raise funds for the orphans. If you squint really hard, I think you can see Jenna and Nicole.

Thanks for commenting here. I'm sure everyone will get a kick out hearing from you when they start fighting over the computer. (1 computer/19 people...) That'd be cause for bodily injury in my house!

Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.
Lori

Final Preparations

2005-08-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Just one of the many waiting for us.