A Re-united Team

Trip Start Dec 26, 2008
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Trip End Jan 16, 2009


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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Today was a travel day for us. We loaded up our field-bags, checked-out of our hotel, and piled into the van. Before we left town, we headed for the day-market in Mae Sot for a little tourist-time. The market is situated next to the Friendship Bridge which crosses the river into Burma. We could see Burma just accross the river. We spent about an hour shopping in the market, and then made one last trip to the Casa Mia Restaurant for lunch. As Deborah & Chris will be driving the truck loaded with our gear, we said our goodbyes to Matt, Liz, Savannah, and Cassie, before we hit the road for Chiang Mai. We made a stop for gasoline and snacks, and then were on our way for a four-hour cruise in the van with Pi Jean.

We arrived at the Montri Hotel in Chiang Mai around 6:00pm, re-united with Jack & Terry, and visited with Write Dee. We offered our heart-felt thanks, and said our farewells to Pi Jean, as he has brought us to our final destination, and will be driving for another group tomorrow. Then we all headed-our for some dinner and story-swapping. 

Over dinner we learned 'the rest of the story' to Jack & Terry's adventures with Write Dee. They traveled throughout a big loop of very remote villages during the six days that we were separated. They met pastors, elder, teachers, and orphans, and shared songs and sermons in each village. The weather was cold at night and in the early morning hours, as they were traveling in the hills. At their last village, they gathered with many other visitors for the celebration of a church dedication, and it was here that they had an unexpected experience. Terry, Jack, and Write Dee had just arrived at the village, parked, and removed their gear from the truck. Seconds later, the truck began to roll, and then careened down a 100-foot steep slope, jumped a ravine in the valley, and then bounced back over the ravine. Astonishingly, no one was injured, but the truck did not fair quite as well. The villagers came to their rescue as 30 men picked-up the truck (using logs), and brought it back to the top of the hill. The truck was dented and bent, and would not operate, and the guys found themselves in a remote area, out of cell-phone range, with no transportation. This is where Jack's talents as a vehicle mechanic came in handy. Tools became an issue, as they are somewhat scarce. The first wrench that Jack tried snapped in two, and it took six hours for the village pastor to round-up another one that was a bit more stable. Part of the bumper had bent into the tire, and Jack amazed the villagers when he used some brute-force to kick it back into place. After some time and creative repair, the truck was driveable. The trio opted to forego their visit to any further villages, and head back to Chiang Mai. When they were once again in cell-phone range (though not yet into a town), they contacted Jocelyn with an update. She, in turn, contacted Dorothy (of Partners) and Joe (Write Dee's son) to standby for assistance if needed. The truck loped along, and had to be repaired occassionally, but finally did make it back to Chiang Mai, and deposited the weary travelers safe and sound to the Montri Hotel for a much needed meal and rest. We were all very glad to be together again, and thankful for everyone's safety.
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