Coming from all regions of Canada, our team had quite an adventure arriving and connecting in Thailand. In the end we arrived in Bangkok minus one bag and one team member! Erin had a 'mechanical delay' on her first leg out of Ottawa and missed the connection in Vancouver. Christian generously volunteered to wait for her, and his bag, in Bangkok while the rest of us journeyed on to Korat (in the meantime he was able to have some power suits tailored for pick up next week!) 24 hours later we were all very relieved to see them both.
The team was very pleasantly surpised at the wonderful accomodations and generous Thai hospitality. We were met by Pug and Kong and several us of were treated to Thai massage and Spa day already! Quite a story behind this.
The next morning we drove 30 minutes on a local bus to the village we are building in. It is a small 100 year old village that began with 8 families. Currently there are about 75 families and 380 residents. We had a moving introduction to the village elders, Habitat staff and families we are building for. We are the first Canadian team in Korat. Our team is working on a new home and 2 renovations. Here they use interlocking block which is quite a slick system and by the end of day one we laid 9 rows, painted all the steel reinforcers for the roof and dug the hole for the spectic tank. (Apparently the first team to do so in 1 day!).
Our team is full of wonderful caring, funny and energetic people and already we have shared many stories, laughs and jokes. It is the beginning of a wonderful time for us all and the families we are working with.
Quote of the day - " If it works it's perfect, and if it doesn't it wasn't my idea!"
Gary
Sawasdee Ka,
Jennifer
