Day Three -- Monday, July 4

Happy Independence Day!  Shelley had a great thought this morning.  While celebrating our country's INdependence, we need to remember our DEpendence on our God and Savior.  We are certainly in a situation here that demands we depend on Him for everything -- it's one of the best things about being here.

Today was our first day in the field.  We visited two schools where the rainwater collection tanks were built by RDI 5-10 years ago using an older methodology.  Neither of the tanks were being used by the schools.  Our goal was to retrofit them and bring them up to the current standard and make them more user friendly so that they would be used again.  

While we worked on the tank at the first school, Shelley did "boo boo care", or first aid for the school children.  She and another volunteer, A.C., took care of the cuts and abrasions on 21 children.  Shelley was in her element, using her nursing skills and mercy gift to care for these beautiful children.   Lori, Luke and Caleb (A.C.'s husband) played games with the school children in the courtyard.  How great it was to see 50 or more children laughing, smiling, and chasing a Frisbee.  Though they are poor, they don't realize it and are just like children of that age anywhere in the world.  I was touched by their innocent joy and prayed that they would come to know The One who brings true and lasting joy.

Shelley and A.C. provide 'boo-boo care'.

Luke plays Frisbee with the kids.

The schools are usually built near the wats, or Buddhist temples, so there is a palpable feeling of spiritual darkness there, despite the innocence and joy.  We took time while we were on the school grounds and in the surrounding village to pray for the children, their teachers, and their parents, that the Light of God would shine into their darkness.

It was a tough day -- hot, long, and physically tiring.  However, it was rewarding, as we were able to build relationships with the school faculty and some of the children and renewed the availability of clean water to them.  Tomorrow we'll do it again at some different schools.  Happy 4th everyone!