Village Day Four - Jordan

Hey everyone!!

Wow this trip has been so amazing! Like Kenya, it has inspired me to seriously think about doing mission work. I think it has also strengthened my faith. One of the most amazing parts of my trip was the village.

Our last day at the village was awesome!! I think everyone slept the best our final night. We got up with the rooster once again!! J After breakfast we all had quite an interesting opportunity… we got to plant rice!!!! We all went out on the rice patties with no shoes on. We all had to get into the squishy mud/ankle deep muck. It was so nasty feeling between my toes!! They gave us little rice shoots and we had to stick them down to the muck. We had to put them in rows evenly spaced. We didn’t do too well… :p The Thai people across the patty started at the same time as us and caught up to us after like five rows!! The realization that this is what some people do their entire life made me appreciate all the opportunities that I have at home. And every grain of rice I eat will be a constant reminder! J

After that I spent some time with Som picking some herbs to cook with. Her neighbor brought her whole fried bats and birds. It was so weird!! Then we all went and worked on the cement again. I really enjoyed working so hard even in the hot conditions. I felt like I was really making a difference and connecting with the people there.

Then we all had lunch. During our entire stay there none of the villagers joined us for any of our meals but they did for our last lunch together. It was really moving. They thanked us for the work we did and our commitment. Then we did the same, thanks to Jasmine who translated it all! It just seemed like we all gained so much more than we gave. The whole experience really showed us a lot of things and helped us grow as people and in faith. It was almost like it took more effort for them to provide a place for us and preparing all of our meals in comparison to what we did. But I think together we all saw the unity of our one God regardless of any cultural barriers.

After lunch we finished the cement ground. It was a very accomplishing feeling. It was crazy how much work we put in such a little time and how noticeable it was! Then we all packed up and said goodbye. It was kind of sad! The village was a place that really opened my eyes!

I hope everyone is doing good at home!! I miss you all very much and look forward to sharing my experiences!! I also got to call my uncle Butch today (who lives in Bangkok), he said he is doing well and hello to the family!!

J

See you soon!!!

Jordan Asher