Orphanage...
We spent the better part of a day at this orphanage. The living conditions were poor but at least the 250 kids there had a place to go. They only get 2 meals a day but they have a roof over their heads. This is the girls dorm. Each of these doors opens into a small "cell" of about 6 foot by 6 foot. Each room has a wooden pallet to sleep on. Each room is shared by 4 girls.
Orphanage...
This is the inside of the room...
Orphanage...
The kids here all go to school right at the orphanage.
Orphanage...
I'm afraid we were as much a distraction as anything else. But the kids were all very well behaved and we tried to keep our distractions to a minimum.
Orphanage...
As we walked around the windows were filled with faces curious as to who these westerners were.
Orphanage...
These guys were mugging for the camera as we walked by their classroom.
Orphanage...
This little guy was not sure about us. I don't blame him. They don't see very many westerners where we were.
Orphanage...
This orphanage, though providing for over 250 kids, was one of the poorest we saw. When I say "poorest" I mean that they were doing the best they could with very limited resources. This is in an area that does not get much attention from westerners.
Karen man...
This man came into one of the villages we were staying in. We spent hours talking, through an interpreter, with him about his religion. An Animist he had many questions about what we believed and we explained as best as we could. It was a VERY interesting conversation.
Laundromat
Laundry facility in a Karen village. The hose was hooked up to a pump in a pond.
Karen man and his Bible
We visited a Church in a small village. The Karen Christians that were there welcomed us with open arms treating us like family members. This man was diligently examining his Bible throughout the service.
Local church service...
These kids were at a Church we visited and kept staring in to see the Americans.
Comfortable accomodations...
Everywhere we stayed the people gave us their best. We ate well and always had a bed with netting to sleep in. We were well cared for.
Toilet, Karen/Thai/Asian style...
Common toilet in one of the places we stayed. Took some getting used to but was very sanitary (By most standards...) and did not smell bad at all. For us westerners it was a real challenge as we are not accustomed to squatting. Keeping your balance is harder than it might seem...at least for this American. The blue barrel was water for bathing.
Elephant sighting...
We were pretty far down south driving out to a small village. Our friend who lives there mentioned that there were wild elephants in the area but they were rarely seen. No sooner had she said that but this big guy walked out of the jungle onto the road. Our driver stopped and I shot out the back to get these images. The guy in the truck had to stop and wait for the elephant to move on before he could drive past.
Lake houses...
Families of fishermen lived on these floating houses, I don't remember the name of the lake, although I think it is actually a reservoir.
Fisherman at sunset...
Same lake, shot into the setting sun. But I really like the lighting and composition.
River Kwai sunset
Yup, that River Kwai. The interesting thing is that the real bridge and the real story of it's construction bears absolutely no resemblance to the movie. Don't go expecting anything even close to the movie, the real story is much worse...nice sunset though.
Bridge on the River Kwai...
A section of the "Railway of Death"
The History Channel recently did a complete history of the building of this railway. The story is nothing like the movie, it was much worse. It's hard to believe what those POW's went through building this thing.
Girl on the train...
We rode the train from Kanchanaburi and this little girl sat right behind us. She was very cute...
Safe House residents...
This safe house is for war displaced people who are physically or mentally handicapped. Some have AIDS or are current or reforming alcohol or drug addicts.
More safe house residents...
More safe house residents...
More safe house residents...
More safe house residents...
More safe house residents...
More residents of the safe house...
Gifts for our new friends
These shots are at a group home for war refugees, both kids and the elderly. We had the privilege of supplying all the residents there with winter jackets. Children and adults are now prepared for the winter months. Of course, winter there is relative to their climate.
Precious children...
These kids were singing us songs after we handed out the coats. The real situation is that they would have sung us songs whether we brought them coats or not. The joy these children have in spite of their situation is humbling and a real testimony of God's grace to them.
Weaving skills
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Karen is their weaving. It is commonly done on these big looms. It is very complex and time intensive. But the fabrics are incredible both for the complex patterns and colors but also for the quality. This young man recently had open heart surgery. The sale of items woven there helps supply the financial needs they have.
Breakfast time!!
This little girl's Mom has AIDS and palsy, but still loves and cares for her little girl, but she gets help. The kids at this facility are well cared for, they get food, clothing, shelter, schooling and most importantly they get love.
Love those kids!!
The kids at this home really loved just playing around and climbing all over us. Most of these kids are orphans whether by fact or circumstance. This is one of our team members, Andrew. The little guy with the green jacket and the big smile has AIDS.
Friends for life...
These guys are such good friends. The young man on the right had open heart surgery, the friend he is hugging is blind.
Heart melting...
The kids here just melt your heart...
Boys will be boys...
He loved having his picture taken...
Some of the Elderly...
This gentleman served in WW2 and has found refuge in this safe house.
Friends for life...
This is one of the elderly residents at the safe house. The young girl on the right has Downs Syndrome.
Elderly friends...
More of the elderly residents. If they had not found refuge at this place there is no telling where they would have ended up, dead most likely.
Me and some of the kids...
The kids, really everybody, loved seeing their images on the view screen on the back of my D200. I shot this at arms length with my thumb on the shutter release...
Common language...
When I was a kid we used to do this and we called ourselves "Junior Birdmen". I don't know what they thought, but this is an international symbol of fun.
Common kitchen area
This is one of the places we spent some time. This is the kitchen area of a group home for war refugees. The food was great and we were very well cared for...
Countryside
This is very common countryside village construction. Actually they are quite comfortable as the air circulates around and through them.
Countryside
Out in the countryside sights like this are still very common
Bangkok, Floating Market
A real tourist trap, but a lot of fun!
Bangkok Floating Market
Love this shot. Sitting in a boat, cooking bananas and talking on the cell phone. At least she's not driving...
Bangkok Floating Market
More from the Floating Market.