Friday, October 31, 2008


Dear Family and Friends:

We are now in Mae Sot (a small town/village in Thailand’s Tak Province). Mae Sot will be our home base until November 9th.

Before we left Bangkok Christian Guest House this morning, we briefly met a family from Northern Ireland who had just adopted a local boy. It was difficult to see who seemed happiest: Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, or the 3 year old adoptee nicknamed Tiger.

The full day drive from Bangkok revealed some of Thailand’s poverty and need. A great deal of rain in the past weeks has resulted in flooding of low lying areas. We saw many homes that while flooded remained occupied. We do not want the word “home” to mislead. These are more properly labeled badly maintained dilapidated shacks, lean-tos, huts or shelters. This was a clear reminder of the many blessings enjoyed by the team and their families.

The housing was in clear contrast to temples we passed along the way. The temples are richly adorned with gold leaf and ornate architecture, decorations, and flowers.

Tomorrow we will tour the local area in Mae Sotto get a lay of the land. We will visit Khwe Ka Lok Orphanage visit in preparation for our work.

On a lighter note:
§ Those from Baltimore may be familiar with being able to buy Bay crabs by the bushel at roadside stands. Today we had the chance to buy fried field rats by the kilo (2.2 pounds) at roadside stands. While tempted, we decided to pass.
§ Tom and Jerry (that is Tom Steck and Jerry Taylor) enjoyed a couple of genuine A&W root beer floats.
§ Sylvia saw a local store and just had to buy a pair of shoes! (To be fair – she needed some shower flip flops).

We ask you to pray for restful sleep as the group fights some jet lag and for God’s guidance in these next days.

Working for the Way, the Truth, and the Life,

Alex, Jerry, Sylvia, Tom and Jim