Today was some scheduled downtime between our two busy school days, so we went sightseeing!
Our first stop was Tham Luang Cave. In 2018, 13 boys from a soccer team went to explore the cave, but a downpour began and didn’t stop, and filled the cave with water and the boys were trapped for ten days. It was a national news story and 15 countries united by sending workers and finances to help rescue the boys. Diving teams finally reached them and were shocked to find them all still alive. There is a movie named “13 Lives” that documents this true story.
We were able to explore part of the cave and were impressed at how beautiful and unique it was, as well as the heroic story about the boys. (Pic 1)
Next we drove to Maesai, which is right on the border of Myanmar (Burma), to see the cities from the skywalk! (Pic 2) Again we were in awe of the beauty of Thailand as well as how ornately everything is decorated. We also saw damage remaining from a major flood in Sept 2024 that was devastating to the community, but the rebuilding efforts are hopeful!
From there we drove to an area called the Golden Triangle and learned why it is known as that. (Pic 3) It is the intersection of three rivers (sounds familiar!) and was known widely for its golden poppies, which were used to make opium and heroin. This brought an influx of income with the drug trade.
Lastly, we went to the night bazaar in Chiang Rai for dinner & shopping. And as a team, we debriefed what we’ve been experiencing throughout this trip so far.
Tomorrow will be another full day with school classes then family dinner and activities with the students at the homestay.
Please continue to pray for us, specifically for health as we’ve had some sickness spreading through our team. Thank you!
