As always the pace changes a bit when Malcolm leaves. It’s been amazing to see him, in his mid-seventies, clambering around on top of the building, hanging on with one arm while he welds trusses together, or climbing the ladders with the weight of enormous trusses on his shoulder. After he goes some of the Thai workers go back to other jobs like gardening or working on the farm while the rest continue on the building site. Malcolm’s wife Kay, and daughter Kathryn thoroughly enjoyed their first stay at Ban Meata and there were tears as they tore themselves away from the farewell hugs and drove away.
We didn’t quite get to where Malcolm was expecting. He was hoping we would have the concrete planks making up the floor of the second storey in place, but we only got 20% of them in place and as at this moment still have some welding to do before the next section goes on. I have been dividing my time between the office and measuring up for the posts which have to welded in place to hold the roof of the second storey, and having one of the trusses cut and re-welded into a position which fits over the old building better.
Now for those who are already bored with building, some other stuff. Firstly, news of Cheewar who has lupus and has lost two toes on one of her feet. Her hospitalisation coupled with inadequate care in her home village (resulting in the amputation) has left her walking on a frame and with “drop foot” on her good leg. With son-in-law Rich’s help and advice we have devised a physio regime to overcome the problem. I have gathered all the girls in the “big girls” house and shown them which muscles to massage, which muscles to stretch, and which exercises Cheewar must attempt to restore mobility. They take it in turns to do it 3 times a day. Cheewarseems to have brightened considerably since I have been here, despite the pain we are inflicting on her thrice daily! Please continue to pray for her and her swift return to university.
I promised an update on Whun’s life and circumstances. Over the last year she has had more ups and downs than a hotel lift but seems to be in a better place now. She has a job as a trainee teacher at our school and despite having a “downer” late last year because of some criticism, and wanting to leave, is now much more settled. Children begin school here at 3 or even younger (some still in nappies) and she is partnered with a teacher in a classroom of nearly 40 of these kids. One of her jobs is to clean up the kids who have wet their pants, or worse, during their afternoon nap. She is learning to serve! I am delighted that she reads to them and has developed a dramatic reading style which captivates her audience. This year she will commence weekend university study to get her formal teaching qualifications.
Underlying all this, and more importantly, is her encounter with God over recent months. She has had an experience of the infilling of the Spirit and she speaks often of her desire to do as God wants of her. I have been encouraging her in this, and teaching her about extending this into her love life. A boyfriend with whom she has had a somewhat tumultuous relationship over the last couple of years posted on Facebook that he could do without her but not beer! The status of the relationship is now “broken” as she puts it, and it was pleasing to see her make that decision. Thank you to all those praying for her. Don’t stop now!!
The Sunday before last Kay, Kathryn and I went for a drive with Stuart and Trish (long term volunteers here) into the mountains nearby. We visited the Prince’s palace (the future king), drove past numerous holiday resorts and strawberry farms, and ended up at Pino Latte, a coffee place with stunning views over the Phetchabun valley between parallel mountain ranges, and over the new Buddhist temple, spectacularly decorated with literally millions of mosaic tiles. At the coffee place we enjoyed drinks at Western prices and some cake and desserts that don’t even get close to being on a diabetic’s diet list.
Last weekend Why came over from KK again to say goodbye because she will be unable to do so over the next couple of weekends. She, Whun and I had a wonderful Saturday together, going into Phetchabun and enjoying the delights of the Pizza Company, Swenson’s the ice-cream parlour, and shopping in Tescos. (Those of you concerned about my sugar levels, rest assured they are very good, testament to the day by day diet and working in the sun.) We played a few word games which brings out the competitive juices in Why, and confuses the daylights out of Whun, so we had a great deal of fun, reminiscent of the time they spent in Adelaide. They are very keen to come again one day.
That night we went in to Lomsak, our nearest town, to the night markets and to watch a dancing and music competition in a park there. We took Cheewar in a wheelchair and she loved being included. You couldn’t say Thailand is a “disabled friendly” place. I had to push the wheelchair on the street because the footpaths are full of either stallholders or pipes and concrete bumps. Some of the kids from our school were competing in the competitions and got some good results. It seemed that only girls danced and the skimpy clothes and steaminess of the routines made me wonder about appropriateness for our kids – but, that’s Thailand!
Well, if you’ve lasted this far well done. As much as I’m enjoying myself I’m missing home as well. 2 weeks to go.
God bless
Ron
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