13 trucks packed and loaded....
And LOTS of smiling faces (and some sleepy ones, too)!
We got to see the Father raise His sun....
And see His creation in a whole new way!
We also saw many visual reminders....
Thankful for a 7-11 pit stop!!
His magnificent creation ... so many parts of the drive to the village reminded us of the Natural State - ARKANSAS!! The trees....
The winding roads...
The rivers...
But then the signs would always give it away .... we're definitely not in Arkansas!
After 4 hours, we finally arrived to the small town where we would turn off and begin our 2 hours of off-road driving. 
It was a good stopping point for some photo ops as well as another bathroom break!!
Some of our friends we traveled with....
The 2 hour journey begins as we pull off and head deep into the middle of nowhere!!
The single-lane road leading into the village started out with pavement....
Poinsettias growing wild ... they were everywhere!!
We then found ourselves looking out and experiencing this!!
A little video Elizabeth took as we were literally in the clouds!!So neat to be able to travel together and look in front and behind and see the team!!
Even though we're in the dry season now, there was plenty of mud!! This is one of the many mud baths our truck had that day. 
Video by Elizabeth! :)One of the trucks behind us got stuck, so we stopped to wait for them to get "unstuck." Below are some of the friends we traveled with.
After 2 hours, we finally arrived!!! It was THE most incredible greeting. We fell in love with these people instantly! 
It was awesome to be able to speak to them in their heart language ... and even greater that they actually understood what we were saying! :) The problem? They thought we were fluent and began talking back "ninety to nothing."
These girls couldn't stop looking at Emma!
Precious!
We loved meeting all of them, but the kids got in our hearts! 
The 4 villages had known we were coming for a few months ... they were lined up to welcome us to their corner of the world.
We brought food and served before we unloaded anything....
Their clothes were beautifully created!
A great family moment ... although parts of the trip were hard, to hear words like "awesome" and "cool" from the kids let us know this was right! We are SO proud of them ... for truly grasping what it means to love to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost!
We began unloading the trucks after lunch ... here is the 1st of 4 water filtration systems that were presented to each of the villages. It uses gravity rather than electricity!
Unloading blankets, mosquito nets, and bags of sand....
One of THE best family getaways ever!
While the trucks were being unloaded, some spent time with the kids. Here they are singing "Deep and Wide."
About to give the kids their gifts .... kids from the 4 different villages were represented!
The chief head and one of our team before giving the kids their things - B!ble, 4 B!ble story books, shoes, sports uniform, toys, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap (notice the red plastic chairs for the school rooms ... school desks - something we've always taken for granted).
One of the best things we've ever experienced together as a family....
It was then time to give the adults their things - blankets and mosquito nets. 
Next, we all walked up the hill to one of the school villages where the kids put on a program that they had prepared for us. As for the teacher/school presentations, we were able to provide the teachers with a scale and measurement chart for checking growth, sports equipment, flashlights, educational posters, first aid kits, vitamin C and deworm medicine for the children. How awesome it was to be sitting on the front row of His classroom and watching Him work like this!
When they have enough solar/generator power, they can run one of the two lightbulbs that hang overhead. This is one of them ... the size of a nighlight.
Getting seated.... 
They were VERY nervous about performing for us, but they did great!!
This shelf of g0ds was displayed at the front of the classroom. 
Taking it all in....
Their alphabet chart ... with their toothbrushes and cups hanging above it.
It was then time for a little song and dance.....
Deep and Wide in Thai....
Followed by Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes ...
And a little Hokey Pokey!
Then several of our Thai friends split off into smaller groups and passed out a s@lvation bracelet to each villager. Everyone present heard the Story.
Passing out bracelets.... 
This lady was so excited about her new piece of jewelry and actually repeated the Story back to us!!
Some of the faces forever etched into our hearts....
This young mother couldn't be much older than Elizabeth...
This "school bus" picked up the first load of kids .... and their water filter.
Noah got in a little soccer before we began the 2 hour journey back to our camp... 
And some final good-byes (you can't tell, but Emma is smiling as all the little girls wanted to touch her skin").... 
One last family shot with a new friend....
And then we head out (notice the cabbage garden growing up the side of the hill)....
Pulling into the campsite ... it was good to be "home."
Our cabin at the top ... it actually housed about 15 of us.
A great campground ... which included one of our favorite things about our new country - the recycled trash bin made from old tires.
We broke bread together around the campfire ... fellowshippin' with these like-hearted people was one of the many highlights of the weekend!
Getting ready to cook up some muu ping (pork on a stick)....
Emma roasting her hot dog (and excited about it)!
Noah and his buddy roasting marshmallows for smores!
A little praise and worship just before bedtime....
Sunday morning scene...
Hot water on an open propane tank!
Bamboo sticky rice - AWESOME!!
And more of our favorite ... more muu ping. it could easily be our new favorite breakfast meat!!
Several of the kids taking an early morning hike at the bottom of the hill before ch*rch...
Keeping the fire going ... just for a little longer! 
There's nothing sweeter than sitting around together, worshipping and praising the One who makes it all possible. Thank You, Father, for Your unfailing love! 
9 comments:
What a BLESSING to "experience" your village weekend through your photo/video journal. God is FAITHFUL to walk with us on our journey, to renew and restore our vision, and to continually place opportunities of service in front of us. May He continue to surround you with His protection and strengthen you by His grace as you serve Him together. Love you all!!
Thank-You for sharing and that was AWESOME!!! Love It!!
From F.Jones
WOW !Goose bumps and tears. Thank you for sharing with us !Doug.
I loved seeing and reading about this amazing journey you were on. THIS is SOOOO what you are supposed to be doing....I know it and feel it deep in my heart. To see my precious grandbabies faces as they were handing out the gifts was truly a blessing to this grandmother. I love you all and pray that this road you are traveling will continue in the way it is meant to be.
Mama
Soooo beautiful and exciting! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Always so great to hear what the Lord is doing in and through you. What a blessing it is - thank you for sharing everything with us.....
Love to you all!
Wow! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! It really makes me wish we could be there with you. I am falling in love with the people of Thailand simply through your stories and photos!
Oh how I wish I could be there. Maybe God will have us doing that someday. He is still saying wait. Oh how I hate WAITING. Thank you for being willing to give it all up for His glory.
WOw WOw WOW WOW.... HE is a just and good God. may you continue to magnify His name. lots of love.
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