1. Things are
going very well.
2. Wow folks,
donations from nearly 200 donors spanning the U.S. Mexico,
Germany and Switzerland, raised 15,827 US dollars. Your
generosity of spirit remains magnificent. Contributions from
America exceed 12,000 dollars. Three international donations,
$300 from Mexico, 1200 Euros from Germany and 67,876 baht, from
Sweden make up the rest.
We’ve spent
$6334.19. This includes a heap of wood, paint, varnish, cotton,
sealers, tools, transportation, computer time, and phone cards.
I hope to begin buying netting and some engines very soon.
3 & 4.
Geographically, Ko Lanta's villages lie on the east, west and
south coasts. We're working on the west side and took on the
island of Ko Por. We have 5 repair sites on Ko Lanta and three
villages on Ko Por. NGOs, a Buddhist monk and other foreign
volunteers cover east and south Ko Lanta.
Our vision is
becoming reality. We have some 94 boats either under repair or
already done. On Klong Dao alone, 22 are complete. What a joy
to look out in the bay, which was empty when we started, and see
beautiful boats bobbing on the waves. Watching fishermen
return with their catch, I got it. Your generosity, the
fishermen's hard work and our efforts are helping restore their
livelihoods and lives.
Nai Rai's Headman
invited us to their boat blessing ceremony complete with the
village Shaman, offerings, prayers and a small feast. I wrote a
story about it which is on the website. Sorry, I tried to
include pictures, but my server could not handle them, so I just
sent the story.
5. Kun Cin keeps
finding other places with damage and loss, but now official
NGO's are stepping up; either providing marine supplies and
wood, or creating a revolving fund that the village
manages. Villagers will continue to use and manage the fund
after the repairs are completed. I love that. They are not
only returning them to their previous status, they are actually
helping to improve the village’s economic condition. Cin
wants (actually wants me) to teach them English so they can
benefit from the tourist trade.
On east Ko Lanta,
a famous Buddhist monk from Bangkok arrived with financial
backers and promises to restore all the damaged and destroyed
houses and boats in Old Lanta Town. What an extraordinary sight
to witness the Muslim Imam and the Buddhist Monk sitting side by
side addressing the villagers with one voice and vision.
6. Butch continues
to help on Ko Jum. He and Emil, a ship builder, together with
Norwegian donors, who committed over 4 million baht, plan to
create a shipyard to replace (give away) many boats lost to the
tsunami. Though this will take much longer; its great news for
the scores of families who lost everything. And they plan to
supply the whole region, not just locally. Politics may hinder
them. I hope they succeed.
Please keep Kun
Cin in your hearts/prayers, her father has cancer and his health
is fading. She’s home now for a few days looking after him.
7. Personally, I'm
doing much better. My health is restored and I'm not so tired
anymore. Kun Cin and new friendships here on Ko Lanta provide
support. With the initial rush of activity diminished, I’ve
more time for reflecting on the more spiritual aspects of all
this.
A few days ago my
visa ran out and I went to immigration for an extension. When I
told them I was helping fix boats for the Sea Gypsies, they
graciously waived all the fees and granted my extension.
People here really
appreciate what you are making possible.