Woa, I'm a bit behind in things that I have wanted to post about! One of them was our recent trip to the islands. Mike has been working with the Moken Sea Gypsies for 5 years now and Jen, Ben, and Marisa have never been able to see the villages that he has developed.
For years, they have wanted to visit and see all the new houses and the people that we have talked about. It was such a fun trip for all of us.
Leading up to the trip, the girls and Ben said they could tell that Mike was so excited to take them there. They said he reminded them of a boy getting ready for a camping trip and all the preparations and anticipation as he talked about it.
Some of Jon's disciples from U of A were here at the same time, so they joined us on the trip. We went to two of the islands, so spent alot of time (about 6 hours) travelling on this boat.
The weather was good and the views of God's creation were beautiful, so all the travelling was fine.
We walked around both villages visiting the moms and children who were home. Most of the men were out at sea fishing while we were there.
I always enjoy finding the newest babies that have been born in the village since my last trip. This little guy was two months old. He was fine and healthy and happy during our visit. Just after we arrived back home, we got a phone call, that he had unexpectedly died. That was just a few days after this picture. Without medical and health care, sometimes the little ones just do not get a very long chance at life. I remember how proud the mother was of her baby as we enjoyed looking at him. These mom's don't have much, so it makes me wonder if their children are even more a part of who they are. Now, oh too quickly she has him no more and feels pain just as any mother would, to lose her own flesh and blood baby boy.
This photo is for our Waterloo building buddies at home. These are the 5 huts that they built in 5 days last February. Mike wanted you to notice here that they have now added on front porches to their floor plans, guys!
After seeing so many pictures of the village and the church up on the hill, our kids were so happy to actually see these photo spots in person. As always, sitting on the front porch of the church is a peaceful and beautiful place to be.
We were drenched in sweat for most of the day, but just happy to be together and taking it all in.
It was low tide as we left to go home which means we got to wade through that yucky sinking bottom to get to the boat. It helps to hold hands!
This is a real special photo to me of Mike leaving Elephant Island with the village and church in the background. He is with the two people he has worked most closely with over the years. Sawat, the boat driver, and Somsak, the pastor/ kids home dad are two men that he has poured his life into for several years now.
Back on the mainland, we visited the kids home. They now have 13 kids from the islands living at the home, so that they can get a better education in town. The children are being trained by Somsak and his wife, Uan; to know and love God each day. Here they are singing a song for us.
The next night, Jon's friends from Uof A left money for them all to be treated for dinner at Kentucky Fried Chicken. We took up half of the little restaurant and they loved every bite.
There was enough money for Swenson's ice cream for everyone, too which was really a treat. As of now, the kids home does not have enough money for their month to month expenses. A church in California is partnering with them this week for their VBS program. Mike has had fun finding ways for them to interact with each other. Last night, thanks to Skype, the kids in the USA and the kids in Ranong sang to each other via video. They are trusting God together for the finances they need month by month to finish this school year.
