1. First
some sad news: Cin’s dad succumbed to cancer on February 21st.
His whole family was there and he died peacefully. The Buddhist
funeral lasted 5 days and the King of Thailand sent the fire for the
cremation. Our Boat Repair Team was there as were many folks from
the villages. Cin’s okay. She and her sisters took care of their
dad several months before he died and were emotionally and
spiritually prepared.
2. We’ve
got a great handle on the boats needing repairing. All the ones we
want to repair are identified, many finished and all the rest in
various stages of repair. I anticipate about 6 weeks and that part
will be complete!
3. Several villages need boats replaced, 15 in all and 16 need
motors. So I’ve started looking for new or used boats for these men
and their families. My goal is make sure no one in any of the
villages we support is left out. Toward that end, I had quite an
adventure to Krabi to inspect 6 boats. We already bought 2! And 3
men on Klong Dao said if we got the wood,
they could build new boats for themselves. So, we ordered the wood,
and now three new boats are under construction. Is that cool or
what? I’m especially happy for Mr. Sinet, a quiet humble older
gentleman, whom I’ve really wanted to help. He’s getting a new boat
and a new start. I love it!
I asked Dave, our
webmaster his thoughts on buying boats. He said: “I'm very
impressed and pleased by the idea. …I've heard many stories of
other relief efforts that have fizzled after the press lost
interest, and those missions have left a legacy of
disappointment and distrust among the very people most in need
of healing. On the other hand the process you describe
feels right. It feels like a healing mission that
might not leave great gaping scars to mark the healing sites. I
judge that to be a VERY important element of the healing
process. I'll cast my vote in favor of winding down the mission
in such a way that the whole wound is healed.”
4. New
team member – Mai, a young woman from Bangkok. She’s already been
an enormous help. She brings bilingual skills and a sharp mind.
Trained in business and a business owner in her own right, she’s
grasps things quickly, asks the right questions and gets things
done.
5. Thanksgiving Party – Grateful
villagers from Nai Rai and Klong Dao threw a big party for all of us
to say thank you. In the morning they took us to sea, fishing for
squid and crabs. Did you know squid actually lay their eggs on the
cages used to catch them? Well they do. Wow. Later they cooked
tons of fish, crabs and rice and such for everyone. The shaman sat,
smudged and blessed everything too. Traditional music and dancing
went on for hours. The headmen gave long speeches thanking us, or
so I’m told. I didn’t understand at all. Finally we foreigners
gathered and I said a few words thanking them for allowing us into
their lives and the honor of helping. We then sang “Happy Birthday”
in honor of their new start! Corney? Yes. But they got the idea.
It was fun.
6. Buying boats is a team effort and
quite a learning curve for me! I don’t like it too much so far, but
maybe it will get better. I need a translator, transportation, one
of our fishermen (as an expert), and the “finder” at a minimum.
Whew. My Krabi adventure took 9 hours, a van, boat ride, miles
through back roads on a motorbike, across prawn farm roads, past
water buffalo, goats, stilt houses and lots of bumps. I was a
little nervous too, the only Anglo for many, many miles. I rely
completely on my translator and my expert for counsel on boat prices
so far, but I’m learning. Its working and worth it.
7. Students in two schools, on in Canada,
one in Connecticut did fund raisers for the Fishermen! Many people
who survive on very small incomes, reached deep and contributed. So
far folks from the USA, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and
most recently Australia support our Fishing Boats project. I’ve
said this Tsunami created an opportunity for people to be
magnificent and you are proving me right. Thank you one and all.
8.
Your money bought lots
of wood, paint, sealers, motors, several new boats, power tools, and
so much more. The motors are the most expensive single item. They
use diesel engines as they are less expensive to run and last
forever. Our resources alone will not see the mission to its
completion. Yet things are looking good. A Dutch couple heard
about what I (we) am doing and entrusted me with 250,000 baht
($6515.17) and I’ve access to another 400,000 ($10,471)and yet
another couple on Ko Lanta wants to talk with me about their 200,000
($5235.60). With what remains of our fund and theirs, I believe we
will succeed in putting 108 boats and 21 engines back in service.
Not bad, huh?
9. Scott Lee came from the U.K., poured
his heart and body into helping, spending 6 days and nights in the
Yatyow temple with the forensics teams. He’s also helped me some
and also aided building houses. He ran dry both emotionally and
financially. He got gentle care from Buddhist monks for his
emotions, and I decided to help him financially. Should anyone
disagree with my decision, please write and tell me. We’ll talk
about it and go from there.
As for me personally: My health is good,
I’m focused and “on task”, a little daunted by the boat buying part,
excited to see completion on the horizon and getting some great
spiritual insights along the way. I have new friends both local and
foreigners too. I’m okay and appreciate all your love and support.
You are magnificent and as I told the
villagers at the party, I appreciate the opportunity to serve you
and the people here. Thank you.