Evenings:
No more quiet evenings for us (we have a monster on our porch)! One night last week, we turned our porch light on as we were preparing an art project for the next day. Before we knew it, we were surrounded by kids asking for paper. That’s how the monster was created. Now every night, we have between 10 to 20 kids crowded on our porch coloring, drawing and cutting. Rog also made up several games that some of the kids are eager to play. One kid has beat him several times playing DOTS. At nine, we let them know it’s time to leave. They clean up, give us hugs & go off with big smiles.
Scorpion:
Tonight as the evening gang was here coloring & playing games, suddenly they all picked up their feet. I was no dummy, I picked up mine, too, even though I didn’t know why. Quickly the eldest girl took her pencil and carefully started jabbing at the fast moving insect that was running across the porch. After several attempts, it was dead and she used a shoe to push it over the side. Then she said, “No Mae Sot.” Guess that meant that had she been bitten by that scorpion--she’d be going to the hospital in Mae Sot. I had to think how lucky I was a couple weeks ago, when I had managed to kill a much larger scorpion in our bedroom!
Safe Haven Learning Center
When the kids from Safe Haven Learning Center were here, we asked if they wanted us to come there and do some art projects. With a big grin, they said “Yes, tomorrow.” So off we went with a back pack filled with paper, paint, scissors, crayons, colored pencils, glue, paste, glitter & play dough. As we descended the steep hill, kids met us to take the backpack & guide our steps. We needed both. We quickly set up 5 activities as the kids gathered. Within minutes about 50 kids & 3 adults were actively engaged. What a joy it was to watch! Big & small seemed to love every activity. Even Tasanee’s mother (76) was sitting there coloring. About 2 ½ hours later as it neared dinner time, we started cleaning up with lots of help. Then we passed out balloons & feathers and what a hullabaloo that created! We gave Gloria (the wife) a soccer ball and pump and you could see the gratitude in her sparkling eyes. Finally, Gloria’s daughter (17) took us on a tour. All the buildings were of bamboo and teak leaf roofs with no furnishings except one stand with one small TV, two chairs & a table in the church & two blackboards. No beds. No desks. And worst of all, no teacher. Walking between buildings was very difficult (though Tasanee’s mom made it look easy) as the hillside was so steep. I can’t imagine how they do it in the rainy season. The creek was dry so they had pipes that brought water from a higher mountain stream. And this is where over 50+ kids lived. 50+ kids who had no parents around--except Tasanee’s brother & his wife. 50+ kids who were not allowed to go to the public school--we can only guess why. 50+ kids that drew & painted gorgeous pictures of all the landscape that surrounds them & who filled the valley with their smiles & laughter. As we drove home, I was overwhelmed with the needs yet full of admiration for Tasanee (who provides them with as much food, clothing & blankets as she can) and her brother & his wife who lovingly care for them…hidden away deep in their valley.
Hot Water:
So after over two weeks, we’ve discovered hot water!! At breakfast, we get a pot of hot water for our coffee & hot chocolate. Duh! We now carry a small bowl & washcloth to breakfast & walk away having washed our faces with hot water!! Also, I found a large empty black container, rinsed it out, filled it with water & set it in the sun. Around 3 p.m., I can bathe with warm water!!
Hugs:
When we first arrived, the children bowed respectfully when they passed us. Slowly but surely the bow was followed by hugs. Each morning, several kids want a hug before jumping into the truck and heading for school. Each time I think, do they think about their mother when they are hugging me?? One little guy--about 5--often wants to sit closely to me and as I put my arm around him, he cradles himself next to my side with his eyes closed. My heart cries for him. How long ago was it his mother next to him?? On one particular day after an extra long hug, he jumped up, picked a nearby flower and gave it to me. Then both my heart and eyes cried for him.
