Plane Truth

How the house looked on Saturday

Despite the fact that Thailand is having a record year for rainfall, and this is currently the peak of rainy season; we have had a very successful week building the house. The concrete work is nearly done, all the first floor walls are up, the floors are poured, and I even got to start on the second floor, putting up all the joists for the addition. But getting into the woodwork, I soon learned that things here are done 'old school'.

A bug I found in one of the boards

The timber, when it comes, is cut to sizes thicker than what you asked for because then you can plane it down to the size you want. Sounds simple right? Well to begin with, this is hardwood and it is wet and massively heavy, like concrete. I had to mentally prepare before I could hoist those 3 meter 2x6's (more like 3x8's) over my head to set them on the next level. But before I could cut them and put them in place I had to get the power planer and make them all the same size. This took as long as 40 minutes for some planks. That is quite a time investment when you add it all up. I was daydreaming about the luxury of going to Home Depot and loading up a truck with pine boards that only needed to be cut and nailed into place. Would you believe there are places in the world where you can do just that?

The 2x6's are nearly done but I have something like 80 2x4's waiting for my return - each one of them a unique shape and dimension and some of them are 5 meter boards. But you know what? I am loving every minute of this. Is it taking too long? Yes. Is it a tremendous challenge? You bet. But this is bricks and mortar evidence of our dream. For nearly three years we have been building up to this point; casting the vision, praying, building up partners and support. For three years Anchalee and I have nodded off to sleep at night, imagining our destiny talking endlessly of what could be. Now we have a house full of kids, and a home of our own on the horizon. These days we are consumed with gratitude. Gratitude to God for lighting up this path, and gratitude to all those who each play their part, big or small, in helping us make this children's home a reality.

I will return to the village in about a week. Currently I have to make a trip into Laos to get a new visa. It is an inconvenience and an expense that you just learn to live with when you are over here. Part of our vision is to also have a foundation, so things like visas would come a little easier.

I would like to thank the world famous and Very Reverend, Dr. Al Purvis for visiting us this week. It had been way too long, but once we were back together, it seemed like no time had passed at all. You can catch all of the action from his ministry at www.continuummedia.com and please drop by our website as well www.leastandlast.com

That is all for now, pray for us as we pray for you.

Keep love in your heart, the Word on your lips, and the atmosphere of heaven in your midst.

Also keep your head up and your stick on the ice.