Early Starts

We have spent our first two days at the Bamboo School now.

First thoughts? The children are beautiful, the setting is peaceful and pleasant and we have long days starting at 4 for Rachael.

Nathan learnt a lesson from one of the young children, about 3 years old about watering plants while Rachael was surprised to see even the youngest girls scrubbing their own clothes to make them clean. Everyone supports each other. This is a community of love and support despite their backgrounds and challenges.

Rachael has taken a particular liking to some of the young girls to the effect that they now want to sleep in the same bed as her. Nathan feels especially sorry for John who is probably about 5 years old and was born blind, deaf and has cerabal palsy and has no form of communication.

Suprisingly the students are self sufficient; they buy their cooking needs, make their own food, do chores in the morning and evening and are very friendly and respectful.

We wash in the local creek although Nathan hasn't washed since Bangkok yet. The mornings are spent in a more relaxed mode, looking after the young children who don't go to school and doing different bits and pieces around the place. The older kids head off to school at a couple of large local high schools at about 7am and return about 4 pm. In the evening it is more busy as the children do their work, homework, evening workship and evening classes at the Bamboo School.

Today Rachael is being introduced to the staff at the hospital in Sai Yok and may end up spending some time there helping out.

Nathan last night went with a group of students and another staff, also called Nathan, to the Baptist community down the road and shared a Bible study.

It will be a challenge while being here but we are remembering that this time is not about us but about serving the less fortunate and sacrificing our own desires.

Thanks for your prayers and support thus far.