Journal Day 9
Karen Fricke-’03
Vernon Hills, IL

Today was our first day in the village. I came into Musakee not knowing exactly what to expect. But today I realized that I need not have any expectations; instead, I should just be-let God show me who he is through the people in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The bell that woke up the kids here did not wake me up. I was dead to the world and five thirty was not an hour I was ready to see. When I finally stirred a few minutes later, it was because I heard voices singing. It was the children, praising their Father. That is just amazing to me. The Lord is present here not only in his beautiful nature, but in the beautiful people he loves so much, and I am able to witness it. I just pray that I would not take this for granted.

For the next few hours I drifted in and out of sleep, listening to singing, talking in the kitchen, dogs, and chickens. I finally rolled out of bed and ate breakfast, which delightfully included brownies. Then all of the golden-clad players and our families and friends hopped into the si-laws and bounced over to a school of about 300 students. The school was only five miles away, but it took us much more than an hour to get there. I really enjoyed the trip, squished into the white si-law with people I love, gazing out at the amazing scenery, and being sprinkled on by a light mist.

We had to get out of the si-laws a little bit away from the school because the terrain was so bad. But the little trek was well worth it. The students were assembled and some performed a mouth organ piece for us. Then we took our flexible selves down to the basketball court and prepared for our clinics. The court was a red clay court with stands cut out of the bright red earth. Opposite the stands was a little building framed by rolling hills and clouds; the ground dropped off to a steep incline, covered with foliage.

One group, led by Donna, Dave, and Heidi did track and field games, the Seegers boys, Larry Tompkins, and the other parents led the hokey pokey and the bunny hop, while the players did basketball drills. The kids were divided up into three groups. It was so much fun to play with them. At first they were rather shy and although we were speaking to them in Thai when they only understand Karen, the smiles we shared were incredible.

We ate lunch that the school provided-no small task I am sure. It was beautiful, gazing out at the mountains, hungry and thirsty while we listened to American music, like Peter, Paul, and Mary’s “Blowing in the Wind.” After lunch, we had some free time before we finished our clinics. I went down to the basketball court and tried to get some of the girls to play two on two with me. We finally were understanding each other when John, Renee’s brother, joined us. Then we played threes. It was great, passing the ball to kids just like me, sharing something, even though we can not share a language.

After the clinics, the players huffed and puffed up and down the court for a while to show the people our skills (all of you reading can say that like Isaiah Thomas). Then we played some volleyball and went home. We had to leave in a hurry because the sky threatened to break open into a torrent of rain. That threat was fulfilled and back at the village, we pulled on our swimsuits and ran out into the rain to take a shower. I have never taken a shower in the rain and it was a wonderful experience-very cold at first, but then so refreshing.

Once I was dry, I asked Ajan Te Te if I could play a guitar lying in the corner. A few minutes into my plucking, the kids all gathered around in a semi-circle and had their evening worship service. Musy, one of the girls, led it. It was beautiful and incredible and I was in the middle of it. I didn’t mind that dinner was being snarfed down by the rest of the crew. I just sat there and enjoyed.

Later, we listened to Te Te tell us about the history of her village. That story is one of amazing faith. She lives by faith, trusting God day to day. The center would not work without that trust, because God provides for the kids each day. If he didn’t, the kids would not eat. I am here living in a place of miracles; they are bared for everyone to see and can’t be explained away as we so often do at home. I see Te Te’s faith and I admire it. At first I was scared of it. I did not think that I would like to trust God like she does; I like having all my safety nets. But I have realized that God is the only one and thing in this world that is always faithful to me, and trusting him with everything in my life is such an honor and a joy. In the words of Jenny Knapp, too many chisels have been dulled because I have carved idols of stone. Today was a wonderful day. My eyes were opened once again to the love of God.