Waterfall Trip

Today was one of our field trip days. We spent the first couple of hours at Eden House playing games while six of the girls were at school receiving their report cards. We left Eden House about 11:00 a.m. and drove about thirty minutes to Huay Mai Sai, up in the hills a bit southwest of Eden House. Some of the staff was away in the morning, so I was asked to drive one of the trucks. It was my first experience driving from the right side of the vehicle, and I was a bit nervous beforehand, but it went well. I turned on the wipers instead of the turn signal one time, but other than that mistake it was a smooth trip. Driving is quite a bit different here than at home - the roads are narrow and drivers need to pass the many motorbikes on all of the roads.

We arrived at Huay Mai Sai and set up for lunch. During lunch, we heard thunder and guessed a storm was heading our way. It rained hard for about 20 minutes, but after it stopped we hiked up to the waterfall and had fun swimming with the girls. Bob, one of the staff, joined some of us jumping off the rocks into the deep part (about 6 feet) of the pool. Some of the girls climbed up the rocks and slid down as well. It was a fun trip, and it was may favorite waterfall of those we've visited so far over the past three years.

On the way back from Huay Mai Sai, we stopped at the market for vegetables. I had a coconut and some sticky rice with black beans cooked in a bamboo shoot. The market was interesting, with lots of fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and even insects.

We went to ice cream with Audrey, Nok, Bob and the girls from the third house before dinner, and I had fun talking with Nok, Momo and Pon. After ice cream, Audrey took the team to Rajhapat University, where Ratana will attend school. We toured a nice garden and took a group photo before returning to a dinner of rice, egg, and soup at Eden House.

We will start worship soon. It has been another good day. I've been able to talk to some of the girls today about school, and I am impressed by the grade point averages these girls achieve. They are a bright group, and Eden House is making a huge impact on the lives of the girls by providing an education that would be otherwise unattainable.

Time for worship now. Thanks again for your prayers - Mark.