And what about those wheels?

We were able to buy a pair of wheels!... But they're not totally paid for yet!  Several of you responded with large gifts.  And yes, we were able to buy a Honda Mobilio.  I'm not sure what it's called in the States--but it has a 1500 cc engine (same as a Honda Jazz or Honda Fitt) but an extra set of seats.  Thank you!  We're still hoping for a bit more funding to complete the purchase, so....

 

 

The Covenant makes it easy to give online. Please choose "Thailand Vehicle Fund" from the drop-down box--and write "Dutton Vehicle Project" in the memo field.  Give to Dutton Vehicle Project  

What else are we finding to do?

Friday night fun...Friday nights are game nights for the teens and 20 something's at our home.   We've introduced several games:  Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride (Asia of course), Blockus and others.  So far it's met with great enthusiasm. 

 

Sunday storying...Peter has enjoyed helping to organize "Storying" in a couple of the local churches.  While Thailand has a very high literacy rate, many people are still oral learners.  To meet the needs of the believers a small passage is read through twice, then we break into small groups so that each person has a chance to retell the story the best they can remember it.  After that the groups gathers back together for discussion time, with simple questions.

Financial and management systems....Ruthie continues to laugh whole heartedly that she continues to be called on to set up financial systems, but she is at it again.  She once offered to be secretary for life if she was never asked to do the work of the treasurer.    She's delighted working with two young people who are quick learners.  One of them was ready to leave so that he could go learn Quickbooks, but Ruthie has been able to teach him that as they get financial systems set up.

Preparing for Planting Season

So, here are some of the things we have been able to do with the $140K we received from the sale of Mekong Valley Foods Co:  

New electrical system for the farm.  We installed new electrical poles with 3-phase electricity everywhere.  New airconditioning in the main office building and flood lights for the two soccer fields.

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Remodeled the old office building--with airconditioning--so that the Foundation and the Farm now have separate offices.

Finished off the dining room building.  This was begun with previous funds--but we finished off the kitchen, installed floor tile everywhere, completed the roof, put AC in one of the meeting rooms, water and power and lighting everywhere.

Bought and began installation of a new soccer field.  

Work is still on-going, but soil has been removed from several of the fish ponds--and used to raise a road and building area.  This new soccer field should be ready for use next dry season.  Related to this, we buried a large drainage pipe from the soccer field to the one of the fish ponds. 

 

New water system.  New water tower and tanks are being installed on a tower near the front of the property.  From that a new water main pipe is being installed leading to all parts of the property.