3L Foundation

Hello Friends,

The rains continue to fall with force in Thailand. We are safe in an area that is on higher ground, but that is not true for many other people. The rivers have spilled their banks, sewers backed up, and the dams are at full capacity. Those that sit lowest – both geographically and socially are experiencing an added hardship to their tough lives.

We have been to our slum. The extreme amount of water has mixed with the garbage and sewage to create something that we have not experienced in the last years. So far everyone is okay and their homes are still standing. We just need to wait it out and hope that the rainy season comes to a close soon. We will get there this week to check on the children.

We continue to look for ways to help break the cycle of poverty in the slums. It's a fine line between helping and handing out. We are supporting the needs of the children. We purchase food and uniforms for school. When we are in the slum we bring a sense of play but we are also there to teach. It can be easy to get caught up in the sadness of their situation, but they look to us. They listen when we call them out on behavior that is not okay. We strive to instill a sense of love, laughter, and understanding in each child.

The 3L Foundation is committed to helping the children of the slums access the tools they need so they can also live on higher ground. I suppose higher ground is also a euphemism for a better way to live our lives. It's not about being more righteous or having higher morals, it's just a thought that we put in our minds each morning that will help guide us to a better day.

Ashley made copious amounts of chocolate chips last week. The kids in the village were euphoric as they devoured them with a cold glass of milk. To them that was a perfect day. A couple days later we did the same for our kids in the slum..it's never quite as organized as we would like,but they were equally excited as were all the adults. At count she had made close to 300 cookies. I enjoyed two.....




The week ended with more basket ball and base ball played. We even have the girls playing now which makes it even more fun. The traveling and reaching in has given way to some dribbling and better defensive skills.

Thank you for taking the time to read our thoughts. We appreciate your support. If you would like to be a part supporting our work and getting these children in the slums to "higher grounds" please click here and note "Breaking the Cycle" in the remarks section.