In the Jungle

 

From Bangkok we flew to Krabi then drove 2 more hours to Elephant Hills Tented Camp in Khao Sok National Park where we spent 2 nights--a big switch from the big city.  The next day we visited the Elephant Hills Sanctuary where we fed the elephants sugar cane, bananas, grasses, just a portion of their daily intake of 165-300 lbs. of food. The girls had an easier time than I did putting the food just under their trunk.

Other activities included a canoe ride down the river to spot the local monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife, a longboat ride to a spot for swimming and kayaking in the lake, and a jungle trek for an outdoor lunch of local foods, and ultimately being soaked by the downpour on our return to camp.

True Caring

  

On our travels to other countries, we often make a stop at a local school or foundation to better understand how other cultures (particularly in second or third world countries) deal with issues of education.  On this trip, we planned a visit to the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities just outside of Bangkok. We brought along some school supplies and other necessities, knowing their funding is quite limited.  Our visit was a good opportunity for our granddaughters to see how privileged we are as prosperous Americans. This center was founded in 1986 by Christian Outreach for Relief and Development (CORD), UK and opened by Wasan and Chariya Saenwan.  We were so impressed by the tireless energy they have devoted to develop the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of disabled children, some who have been abandoned by their parents. It was a privilege to pray with the staff before we left. At the present time, they are hoping to raise enough funds to purchase the building across the street to provide housing for several of these young men.  If you would be interested in donating towards this foundation, you can find more info on their website:  https://en.ccd-thailand.org/