20 DEC - 3:00PM - SLUM VISIT

We took the afternoon to go and visit a slum in Khorat. These families effectively live in cast-iron lean-to's along the railway line. Most of them are either awaiting a job, or have mental illness. Our translator Dong had a contact with the World Vision worker there. Most of the kids come to church at Dong's church.

REFLECTIONS ON THE DAY
Craig:
"The teacher came up to me and said it was too straightforward, and the third time she said it we changed the schedule, and ran with it. Plus, on the run we pulled out a song about Christmas"

Dave S:
"Really enjoyed walking through the slum - reminds me of where Jesus was born."

Astrid:
"I'm really glad to see the change in the slum with the presence of World Vision." [Decrease in violent crime]

Lauren:
"I'm really glad that the person from World Vision was a strong Christian."

Jo:
"A reminder that being a missionary is not an elitist position as a Christian - it's about growing God's kingdom one person at a time."

Lauren:
"What we see is that the Dickson's lead a normal Christian life here."