Wounded Warrior

Ok, there isn't that much that is warrior like about Zach.   In fact, he is the biggest bunch of cuddles you can imagine.  His daily schedule includes the following:

11 hours night sleep + 1 hour afternoon nap
4 hours hugs
4 hours would like to hug
2 hours eating
2 hours play

Why is he wounded then?   It was during this 4 hour would-like-to-hug period.  He was running to get a (you guessed it) hug.  He fell and clunked his noggin on a wall tile corner.   He looks ok now, but within seconds of the accident, he had so much blood gushing that Jan first thought the blood  must be from his eye!   

What followed was the fastest trip to the hospital & border crossing in the Cole history book.   So fast in fact, that the passports got mixed up and Nathan ended up crossing over with Elijah's passport! (Elijah and Nathan's passport stayed back in Laos).  

The border officials were kind on both sides of the border and the hospital in Thailand did a good job with sterile technique and installing some elephant sized stitches.  All is well at the Cole house for today.      

Rating the Rocket Festival

  For a four year old boy, it doesn't get much better than watching rockets streaking across the sky.

The sound of a home made bamboo rocket going off in the distance can sound like soft thunder rumbling. We had huge rainclouds rolling in at the same time the rockets were being launched in the field down the way, and I couldn't tell the difference between the rocket and the thunder. This also might say something about my hearing.

Elijah stood outside watching the sky and listening for the boom. If it was a rocket, he'd let out a war cry and come tearing inside to let us know. By far, the rockets are the best part of this festival.

The rest of the rocket festival though- picture a jazzed up rain dance. Huge quantities of alcohol, lots of dancing, cross dressing and party craziness. The bamboo rockets come in at the end and are launched into the sky to kick start the rainy season, calling on the heavens to send down the needed rain for the rice fields. This year was the best- we got to watch the rockets from home while listening to a thunderstorm moving in at the same time. No heading out to the wild parties. Now that I'd do every year.

Snot and fevers. Kleenex and more kleenex.

What a handsome bunch walking down the street!

way too hot

When the heat index takes us into the 120s, I can't really blame the kids for shedding their clothes! Usually in this heat, the boys go down to their undies and Eva loses her shirt. There's just not much I can say. :)

Update from Eva

After the recent post regarding Eva and the bully at her school, the update is that Eva no longer has a problem with the little bully girl! Eva said she just kept smiling at the little girl, and smiling at everyone really, so that the little girl stopped bothering her. Not only that, but three or four other  girls in the class came over for the first time and included Eva in their fun too. Thanks to all for the love and encouragement!

Having a blast

Family bike ride through the villages today.

 A village man who took the above picture after we taught him how to use a camera.

Zach's potty training and doing a great job.

 In front of the temple.

Playing with neighborhood friends all day makes mom and dad very happy!

Some more pictures from the village expo!

What does a village filter expo look like?

First you need wheels.  The motorcycle trailer in the foreground is ideal for getting around on back roads.

Smiles.  Lots of smiles needed when talking to potential customers.

 Teamwork & good notes.   Who paid how much for what.

Dangerous water + Desire for change + Willingness to pay + Opportunity to buy + Payment plan = Booyah! 

 Bringing home life changing filter technology!

Lets see...how do we get the filter home. 

Ah, I know, I'll just walk.

Wanna race?

A days work done.  Good Job!

Eva's favorite place- making something at her desk w/ the windows wide open

Angry Birds, Pink Princesses, or Glitter Barbies

I ran out late the other night to buy Eva a new backpack so she didn't have to head off to school with an old backpack that had been ripped halfway open. My options were the usual pink princesses or pink glitter barbies, so I was glad to see a new one this time- purple angry birds. Eva has no idea what angry birds are, but no matter, she loves the backpack. Eva's day at school had been hard- she told me a little girl began smacking her and then ripped her paper to pieces. Her backpack was ripped. Plus her leg has a pretty large scar on it from a bike accident a while back, and she was so worried about people staring at her. Plus her teachers had just laughed and hadn't tried to help when she was getting smacked. I asked Eva what she did after the girl smacked her and ripped her paper and she said, "I smiled at her."

I thought about how brave my little girl is and what she has to conquer each day she goes to school. She is the only foreigner in this school or any other schools in town for that matter, she's very shy, and she's always aware of being different. I talked to her about kids like this, "Bullies are all the same. They are not happy people. Sometimes they have a bad family. She might hit because that's all she sees and knows. You could teach her a new way." So after the kids were down for the night, I flew to the markets to hunt for a new backpack before they all closed for the night.The next morning, Eva was so happy with the backpack that she was full of smiles heading off to school.

 When I picked Eva up the second day, she said the same girl came over and shoved Eva's backpack out from under the paper where Eva was writing. Eva told me, "I smiled at her and she looked at me and gave a little smile back. And I held my backpack so she couldn't knock it again."

I am so proud. You persevere, Eva, and you will learn one of life's great lessons: "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."

Zach and his books

"Be awesome! Be a book nut!" - Dr. Seuss

Slingshots from Dad!