Monday, June 23, 2008
Half of our group is still not here so we have today to explore the city. Slept late, explored the city, shopped and had dinner. Some of our group rented scooters and took a ride up the mountain. They never made it because Amber wrecked her scooter and had to be taken to the emergency room where she had surgery for her broken wrist. That was our excitement for the day. The second half of our group arrived today.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Today was a whole team fun day. We spent the day at an Elephant Farm. It was incredible! If you have ever dreamed of riding an elephant through the jungle, then this is definitely the place you need to come. We got to sit on the elephants and take pictures. Then they did a show where the elephants did some tricks; played soccer, dunked basketballs, played harmonicas, (no joke) and the funniest was they painted. They put long paint brushes in the elephants mouth and, with a little guidance from their trainer, painted an elephant or a few painted flowers. Cole, one of our worship leaders, had an elephant paint a flower on his shirt while he was wearing it.
We then loaded up on the elephants, 45 in all, and headed out in a single file line through the jungle for an hour or so ride. It was so surreal that we were doing that. Then we took an oxe cart back to the main base camp. Almost forgot to mention that we took a bamboo raft down the river. Just 10 long pieces of bamboo tied together with rope. I was in the raft with John and 4 other guys so our raft was a little lower in the water than most.
Tuesday night we met together for dinner and David G., the head of this region, talked to us about the region and the missionaries serving in this area.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Today we started working with our groups and doing some preparation for the AGM. Set up the school for the children, set up one end of a hallway in the hotel for the preschool, started practicing. At night we are on our own for dinner so we head down to the night market for dinner, shopping, and massages. They cost about $3-$5. No kidding!John is on the children's team with the 7th grade boys, so they spent the entire day at a school. They just had a great day of getting to know the kids, playing with them, swimming and just being there for them. Their parents are all in meetings back at the hotel. John said his day was just awesome and emotionally draining to hear stories from these kids who are living on the mission field. I'll let him add some stories. I spent the day with the worship team practicing in the heat. (you have to pay extra to have the air turned on) The Tebow's were also here, Robbie, Peter, and Tim, visiting their sister, Christi. Tim spoke to the youth and were able to ask him questions.
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