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Av Atle Roger

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Familien Mydland i Thailand og Laos

2012

Some of you are no doubt looking forward to warmer and lighter days. We recently celebrated Easter (Passover), and through the message of the Light which has come to Earth, God's warmth and love toward His creation, and especially to all of us He desires to call His friends. We celebrated Easter at a church camp with the local Thai church. Three days of highly intense activity! Two separate sleeping quarters were provided one for men and one for women. Beds were as hard as the floors and there were not a chair on which to sit for three days! Our bodies were hurting and aching here and there but we were rich in memories and experiences. Our daughters were continually telling us about the good times they enjoyed with a flock of Thai girls. We have just received 33 used PC's and screens by boat from Norway. So now I need to install a computer instruction room in the local Thai church (Samrong). We will also set up 17 PC's in Immanuel Home in Pibun, and eight PC's will go to Burma. It's exciting to work with these capable, clever people and see them glow as they reach their goals. These data projects are meant to give local young people extra skills and knowledge. We don't want to be viewed as preachers but, at the same time, we want to show God's caring for all people with whom we come in contact.

Development of Villages in Laos New School

I was recently working in our project area in Laos. This year we are building a new school in Savannakhet (mid-Laos)

The kids are looking forward for a new school

The agreement for a new school

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Drinking Water

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and to provide drinking water to two villages. The plan was to build two schools but the second will need to be delayed until Christmas/New Year time.

The question is how can we find out which direction the water will run? There are two kilometers between the water source in the mountains and the village. But what is the difference in height? Which direction will the water flow? Sometimes it is easy to see what is up and what is down. Other times we must travel over rice fields, creeks, forest paths and down the other side, over new paddy fields which lie diagonally up and over in an locale-adjusting

The water source

fashion. I measured 25 meters in hight difference. In the village, we had 970 meter, and with the source 990 meter, as we came back to the village I messured the level of 995 meter!!!. Some thing is wrong! In terms of land survey, we are thinking in term of millimeters. However, here we simply can't be certain if the school area or the water source is the highest point. My Laotian supervisor says that her will walk the distance three times, and by then know exactly the difference. But how can I control that? I have just attended an engineer conference here in Bangkok. Leica (which manufacures measuring instruments) has just come out with a new distance measurement (laser) which would be perfect. It can measure slopes and heights

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by simply pointing to an object. Its accuracy is good and can measure distances of 200 meters. In Thailand it costs less than 1,000 usd, so I'm going to start saving. As the villagers moved in around the water source together with us, they suddenly start searching around the bushes. They are chopping banana-like plants and gathering small insects to put into their bamboo stew. Back in our village, we were going to eat lunch. We brought our own food from the city so as not to be a bother. However, toward the end of our meal, they came with snacks for us. These insects looked like light green cockroaches. They are to be put into a leaf and eaten raw. I packed mine in well; didn't want such springing around in my mouth. Sour but actually kinda good. But such a critter probably doesn't necessarily meet very much of our body's nutritional needs.

The United Nations Exhorts Eating of Insects

Would you like some scorpion soup? How about mixed grasshopper salad with bee crme brulee for dessert? Doesn't sound too appetizing, huh. However, the European Union believes such fare may soon be on menus in Europe. Along with increased prosperity in the world comes an increased pressure upon food production.

The UN'S food adviser recommends eating insects. Serge Verniau, Laos' representative to the UN's food and agriculture organization (FAO), wishes that the world would forego beef and hamburgers and eat insects instead. Most of the world's population lives in urban areas. We are trying to feed the whole planet with cattle, and that won't work, he said. They eat insects in Laos but that is not practiced by the educated on any large scale. Insects have double the protein of meat and fish and is said to be rich in unsaturated fat. Experts in Brussels believe that insects and other small critters can be an important source of nourishment which will not only ease malnutrition but also serve to spare the environment. Grasshoppers are said to be high in calcium; termites and ants are rich in iron, and with help from a portion of gigantic silkworms, the claim is that all the daily copper and riboflavin needs can be covered. And it is even asserted that bees increase one's libido (sexual system).

Astrid: new job in Thailand

A while back, I received a telephone call from the Norwegian Seamen's Mission priest, Jan Olav Johannesen. He told me that, for the last several years, the Seamen's Mission has seen children put out of their homes in families where Nordmen are married to Thai women. These children thus are in need of care. The Seaman's Mission church raised an alarm about this in 2010 and has sought, through governmental means, to undertake a charting of caregiving in these Thai-Norwegian marriages. Now the Seamen's church has received grant money to chart this situation and come forward with a proposal. Seaman's priest, Jan

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Olav Johannesen, wishes that I would seek this position.

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He will give me the wisdom I will need. jobber med venstrehnda.

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I have thought long and hard over this and have decided to seek the position since defense of children is that which lies nearest my heart and I sensed Phara cay (a burden on my heart) as they say in Thailand. Also, Childrens defense has been part of my field in Norway. I recently learned that I received the position and have, therefore, sought a oneyear leave from NMS. NMS has been very positive that I am willing to be engaged in such an important problem-solving position. I recently told my Thai colleagues about my new job and application for leave. It was not something I did lightly, but it was good to sense the warmth from my colleagues who wished me God's blessing. It is also good to realize that I have not sought to go away because I could not tolerate this position any more. Rather, it has been the opposite as the last half year has been more and more exciting. Nor was I glad when the Seamans' church called. I just thought to myself No, not now! I feel myself at peace because this is the thing I'm supposed to do and I have a need to try to be a voice for the voiceless as the Seamen's priest called it. I have often been in a Thai setting where I have seen a need for care but was unable to help because I didn't know the law, regulations or culture and I felt that I was working with my left hand. I look forward to being able to work in my own written language and to try finding out the reality of Thailand's laws concerning children. It is an unbelievably challenging position and a task which is almost impossible to do well enough. However, I will in any case try to do my best. I am glad that I will be able to remain here in Bangkok where I can continue to evolve my friendship with my Thai colleagues. I will also ask for intercessory prayer for the tasks I will be involved in. Pray that I may be used of God and that

We Are All Missionaries

Regardless if I work for NMS or not, I want us to be instruments for God in Thailand. In my heart I will always be a missionary because it is more about the desire to demonstrate to those around us God's love than to portray a missionary position. If you have Jesus in your heart, then you are also a missionary. It's not about the words you use. It's about being God's person in your daily life. And it is so good to know that it is not even this that the Christian life is all about; it is serve God. God is interested in our hearts. He loves us just the same whether or not we get anything done just now. Someone has said There is nothing you can do to make God love you less. Neither is there anything you can do to make Him love you more.

Three People who live with HIV

During my work with Samrong Church, I have lately had considerable contact with three people who are HIV-positive. I want to tell a little about the joy and thankfulness they have to God; a thankfulness that they are loved and a thankfulness that the church cares. I'm acquainted with a married couple who are both HIV-positive. We'll call them Chang (the man) and Tengmo. They have been drug addicts for many years and have doubtless been infected by needles. Both are Christians, even though their lives consist of ups and downs. The couple lives in a tiny little hut down by a canal in Bangkok together with his family. She has six relatives but none want anything to do with her. They are afraid to have contact with anyone infected with HIV. They consider themselves outcast

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and alone. Therefore, it is so good that the church cares and they are always glad for a visit. I recently visited along with Pastor Johan.

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months after this, the church received a call from Som's parents. They are Buddhists, but they wanted the church to know that Som was back in Bangkok and that she was very sick and was in the hospital.

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The couple has, over a long period, been receiving methadone treatment to stabilize the drug problem Pastor Johan and I were already at the hospital visiting they have been struggling with. In these last few the sick, so we stopped in Som's room. AIDS had months, Chang has managed caused her brain to swell such that to stop using methadone and she lost her eyesight. Things had Do you think there is has been drug-free for several improved somewhat, though, after forgiveness for me, also? months. The pastor had several days of intense treatment. We received a question from spoke with her, giving encouragement someone who works with drug addicts; namely, How from God's Word. I shared a Psalm and then saw that is this possible? Almost no one can quit using tears began to trickle down her cheeks.. She asked methadone abruptly like that. What is the secret? Do you think there is forgiveness for me, also? Not How did that happen? only do we believe that, but we know that God will ~ We have God's love, was Pastor's answer. completely forgive her when she comes back to Him. I ~ And how much is contained in this word. saw Peace in her eyes as we left the room. God had met her. The third woman I want to tell about has been a member of the church for a long time. We'll call her Some time later we, along with a team from Acta Bible Som. She has a teen age daughter (who does not School, visited the family. They prayed and have HIV but Som did). They live with Som's parents. encouraged her with promises from God. Her tears flowed and she said she felt herself lifted. She had not Several years ago, Som disappeared from the church. been able to attend church services because of pain She began to take medicine to hold the HIV in check. I and weakness. She has little appetite and can scarcely don't know what was in her mind but she herself tells hold her food down. Her lips are dry and cracked but that she believed herself well and (for some reason) she glows with peace and joy. moved to another part of Thailand and broke all contact with the church. Her parents did not approve If I survive this, I will serve God with my life, she of her leaving but could do nothing about it. says. And she isn't waiting to serve but said she would come early to the next morning's church services to Som found a new husband, and they now have a set up the chairs. True to her promise, she did so. daughter about two years old. The husband has Something happened inside me as I watched this become HIV infected. Their little girl has not yet been weak woman doing what she can to serve by setting properly tested as children must reach a certain age up those chairs. She did not, however, have strength before tests can determine anything with certainty. left to stay for services These days there is a good medicine to help children avoid becoming infected with HIV. There is only a one to five percent chance that a child will be infected from the mother if doctors properly adjust the medicine to the mother during the pregnacy. And the mother should avoid nursing. Som was NOT on medication and gave birth at home without a doctor's assistance. She knew that she must not nurse her baby. (Pray for this child!) Some During my next visit to Som's home, she spoke about her funeral. Doctors have only given her a 50 percent chance of survival. She wants a Christian burial, both for her own sake and also for her Buddhist family. In a Buddhist funeral, they call out the reasons for death loudly so everyone can hear. The family doesn't want that. They don't want the neighbors to know the nature of Som's illness. It is a great shame that their daughter is infected with HIV. They fear their neighbors will have no more to do with them if they

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learn about their daughter's disease.

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December 25, she attended a Christmas festival at the Samrong Church. As she sat on the floor, she decided to become a Christian. However, because of all the various activities that day, no invitation was given. Afterwards, though, at a large Christian gathering at a nearby shopping center, Fn, along with several others from Home of Grace, answered the invitation and were saved. Later, she was baptized as well as her baby. Today, Fn is a pretty 16 year old who is at home with her two year old child. She lives with her mother and 13 year old brother, and longs for them to come to know Jesus. Fn is fortunate because she has a Christian neighbor who is mother to her best girl friend. This girl friend has now also taken a stand for Jesus. These three have a zeal that all people shall learn of Jesus. Fn wants to serve Jesus with her life (but must stay home with her little one for now).

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Som says that she will serve God if she lives. She is thankful for God's forgiveness. She says also that she is prepared and clear if she must die. In an entirely matter-of-fact manner, she tells us she wishes to have a Christian funeral; a very simple one. Her family has no income and no money for a funeral. Her father is bedridden and her mother takes care of him. This economic load is troubling for her, but Pastor Johan assures them that the church will assume full responsibility for her funeral. Som is a glorious person on the edge of death but, with peace in her heart because she has received forgiveness and salvation through Jesus' blood. I hope she is able to serve God further and is able to share more of that which she has received.

Home of Grace A Sunny Story

We recently had a 16-year old girl (Fn) who was pregnant and lived at Home of Grace. She was a bright student who had plans for her life. She had received a stipend on that basis and had the possibility of becoming an exchange student in another land. But then she met a man. He didn't tell her that he already had a family. She quickly understood that he had lied to her. But it was too late. She had become pregnant. At The Home of Grace, which is a project of NMS, she learned about Jesus. She wanted to also have that warmth she saw among the Christians there. On

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Senior Volunteer at the Immanuel home in Phibun

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We have begun something new here at the Immanuel home this year. For the first time, we have taken in a retiree from Norway who has volunteered to work for no pay. What a windfall! Now we're hoping there may be other spry retirees who could see their way clear to give some of their time and money to help young people in Thailand. It would be best for couples or two together since it can get to be depressing and sad to be alone. Temperatures in Phibun are perfect in November-January for people who don't really like climates that get too hot. School is closed in March, April, and October so there is no need for workers. The rest of the year is completely open, but one must be prepared for hot temperatures. Contact Arne Hustrulid at a.hustrulid@gmail.com for more information. Terje Garvik from Karmy was the first man out as a senior volunteer. He is also the one who wrote the following about the brightest graduating student at the high school in Phibun this year. She has lived at the Immanuel Home for six years.

Immanuel Home, she lived with her grandmother.

Koanpiron tells that the Immanuel Home has meant a great deal to her. Actually, she feels like they have been like a large family. The help and support she has been given by fellow students and staff has meant much to her. That she has been given tasks and duties on the Internet has taught her responsibility and has also led her to become

Medical Student (written by Terje Garvik) Koanpiron, a student at the House of Immanuel in Phibun, was this year the only one of 600 graduating students who entered the study of medicine in Ubon, the main city in the province. She is currently 18 years old and has been a student at the Immanuel Home for six years. She grew up in a little village 6070 kilometers east of Phibun. Koanpiron's parents are farmers but it was only in these later years that they have begun to realize income from their rubber trees. Before she came to live at

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more focused on her lessons and school work.

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and caring she has received at Immanuel Home, she can begin her medical studies. A bicycle business will give her a stipend to cover tuition. Now that the rubber trees on her parents' farm are bringing in income, they will provide money toward food and apartment.

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She tells that she has dreamed of becoming a medical doctor ever since she was little. However, that always seemed unattainable, but that her dream seems possible, she is very thankful. She is convinced that, due to the support

I have got new friends. This girl will be student at our new school.

She will make cakes of rice, but need to prepare the rice first

Our Family
We will soon have lived in Thailand for five years. (We planned for four.) Our latest estimate is: one more year (for a total of six years).This summer brake we will go home to our own house in Norway for the first time in five years. That will be awesome to go around eating the apples and the berries we planted some few years ago. It will be exciting for our girls to sleep in their own rooms. Adelin was only five when we left, and she remembers little about our home. I will bring back home the two sheep which my brother has been taking care of, and I will work in the garden.

Our best greetings from Adelin, Ida Marie, Astrid, and Atla Roger
Follow us on our blogs:

www.mydlandsbloggen.blogspot.com og www.mydlandLaos.blogspot.com

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