Well of course I am on USA time so I thought I would blog while the rest of Thailand sleeps. This has been an amazing couple of days for us. It was so wonderful to see Taiwan and get a feel for what Ryan will have when he is here in just a few months. The Taiwanese people are very friendly and happy to see you. Ryan will like that as he hasn't felt that from the Chinese. They helped us as we tried to speak a few words in mandarin to them and we learned much about them through our bus tour guide James. He was a riot. They don't have a lot of love for the Chinese and we heard about it. But Taiwan was beautiful. It was raining and overcast and in the high mountains, very misty, so we didn't get super good pictures, but it was quite an adventure going from odd and beautiful rock formations created by the sea to high densely planted green mountains up where big buses like ours should never go! Every square in it seemed, was planted with rice paddies, corn and huge leafed vegetables, even next to the freeway.
The Youth Linc kids are incredible. They range in age from 16 to 29. Many are on their fourth humanitarian project. Remember they have to earn all the money themselves, plus do service projects and fundraisers. In addition to all of that, many are finishing up degrees in school, preparing to serve missions, and even getting married! but are here first to give of their time and work. There is no ego that I can see and each is so kind to the others. Jeff and I feel like their mom and dad and they are OK with that. I had one young gal sitting by me on the plane over from Taiwan to Thailand and she rested her little head on my shoulder all the way over.
Thailand s everything Jeff said it would be. The people are friendly, happy wonderful souls. Jeff is having the most wonderful time. You should see him chatting it up with the locals. (I have no idea why I am suddenly writing with this italics font but bear with my ignorance). Yesterday was a red letter day for him. We met with the children and the Rotary officials at the school yesterday and Jeff was asked to be one of the main speakers at the ceremony! From someone else who speaks Thai they said he did an great job, explaining our purpose and speaking for Youth Linc. Way to represent Jeff! Then later at a dinner at our hotel, again hosted by the Rotary here, he met the governor of the province and was bold to both give him the wai greeting and shake his hand. Needless to say, he loves it here and I love watching him love it.
It is sooooooo hot here. Sheri tells me you are freezing in Utah and we are literally always soaking wet here. We are drinking water always but it runs out of us faster than we can put it in! We will go to work very early today to get a lot done before the heat is dangerous to the kids. Today we are digging a hole for a septic container, marking pathways for sidewalks and tiling the kitchen area and bathrooms for the school. Quite a change from what I would be doing back home right now-getting ready for church, having a nice birthday dinner with loved ones. This will be a birthday I will never forget! Well this is probably good for now. Nancy, wait in vain indeed! Thanks for all the birthday greetings. We love you all so much!!