While Apple and Anna were learning about fish crackers and clam businesses, Dave, Nathan, and I (Tanli) were fishing and playing with kids in our third and final village. Our time here was mostly split between boat rides, dinner conversations, and jetty hang-outs.

Practicing English with the students

The first full day, our Pak took us to the nearby market village, where we met up with about a dozen high-school students who wanted to practice their English. We got to spend the day with them at the beach, the market, and at the café, hanging out and getting to know each other! It was really special, especially since we got to see one of our friends from our second village trip. That evening, back in the village, we got to host a short English class, as well as an anti-pollution lesson with the local kids. It was filled with dancing, coloring, and chatting.

Anti-pollution lesson

The next day, we went out in boats with our Pak and some other men, and spent the morning fishing. Some of the little boys joined us, and them and our Pak combined probably about half a bucket full of fish! I even caught my first fish. Nathan and Dave were excellent moral support 😁. That evening was spent enjoying each other's company through games of tug-of-war, swimming with the kids, and dancing during the farewell ceremony.

Fishing with our Pak!!

The crew after farewell night in traditional dress

One story I will always remember happened one of the evenings on the jetty. Our guides were sitting and discussing plans for the next day, when a group of kids came to hang out, as was the usual. They were asking questions about all sorts of things when one of one of the kid’s pipes up, “I was watching Youtube, and I saw this video. There was this guy. He had nails in his feet, his hands, and his head, and he was on a cross. What was that all about? Who is that guy?” It was a crazy opportunity where one of our guides was able to talk about who Jesus is and her faith with these children. That experience really opened my eyes to the ways God is moving behind the scenes in ways we don’t necessarily see, and orchestrating conversations and experiences. Who would’ve thought that this kid would happen to see a video about Jesus on Youtube? Who would’ve thought that he would be prompted to ask our guide of all people about it later? It was a blessing to see a little of what God is doing in that village, and it gives me hope for what more he is doing that we don’t get to see. It’s a good reminder for me and you to be praying for these villages; that His kingdom would come and His will be done in these places.