We just ended our last stint at an even more remote village called Ban Din. We left Maelanoi on the 15th, did a quick internet stop, and packed into the two pickups in MaeSariang. Little did we know that we’d be heading up dirt, or should I say, mud ditch, roads in our little 2WD vehicles. Fortunately, we only got stuck and/or bottomed out a couple of times on the way up to the tribal village.
When we pulled in, the kids of the village were standing outside their bamboo stilt shacks, watching us unpack the trucks. Scott saw them all huddled together, and so he ran out to greet them… and they all ran away screaming! Apparently, the culture here is VERY shy.
We settled into our new homes for the next 5 days. The rooster crows, pig squeals, cow bells, and cooking smoke were regular alarm clocks. And I thought Maelanoi was rustic. The roads and walkways were constantly covered in slippery mud (and feces), and we risked taking a spill every time we took a step out of our living quarters. I’m sure the ground dries up eventually, but not when it rains consistently every day.
The purpose for our visit to Ban Din was to help the Christian fellowship there clear some land. This process started with chopping down jungle overgrowth (and in the meantime getting attacked by big black ants that sting, and hurt for a good 10 minutes). Next we used hoes to cut into the gentle slope of the land. The soil was heavy clay and once about every 20 minutes a hoe needed repair. Once the land was ripped apart, we used old rice bags as wheel barrows to drag soil from one side of the cleared land to the other. This levelled out the property. And we were able to accomplish this task in two working days!
The church still needs funding for the actual building which will be built on that land. Ray, our American contact, has been praying and working on raising the money for the Ban Din church. If you feel called to help, feel free to email me, or go to his ministry site. www.deeperstillministriesinternational.com. If you have trouble getting there, email me by using the “contact me” button to the left of your screen. The congregation needs about $4000 USD to build the structure. Also, use this info if you’re feeling called to actually go help build the church… the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few.
After our 2 work days we headed out on a hike. We made our way down slippery paths, across rice paddy bridges, and into a rushing river, all in order to enter a massive cave, which we heard was inhabited by 3 anacondas. I stayed somewhat close to the entrance. There was a bamboo hut right on the river where the guys spent that night, and where I had my first experience with a sucking leech. GROSS!
Words can’t describe how beautiful the hike and the scenery was, so I’m adding some pictures (even though they don’t really do it justice either). Ban Din was a wonderful foray into tribal culture, different worship styles, old world charm, and a totally rural way of life.
(I don’t have time to post any pics on the blog, so check out the browse my pictures page for all of my pics from Ban Din, and Maelanoi)
