I nearly forgot, really.

Stephen and I had left to go to a meeting at work, on the way realizing it was Jenn’s birthday, and that we pathetically said nothing! My parents on the other side of the world got to her first by Skype, while she sat in my living room.

Lame.

But, it was a good day.

We started with an early morning bike to the market, a personal favorite. We drooled over the fresh fruits and veggies and picked up some delicious Burmese breakfast.

The afternoon? A few firsts for both of us: a pedicure here in Mae Sot and a Thai massage. The pedicure was to be expected, but wonderful; the Thai massage is whole new story. Jenn loved it; Stephen and I felt our bubbles were a little crowded. I definitely would have chosen different underclothes if I’d known the top and bottom they gave me would be a thin white fabric missing an unfortunately located button.

Either way, we then took our time to cook some delicious Greek falafel, hummus, and spice cake!

We’ve just returned from a trip with Chris, Jenn, and a few other Partners staff to some villages along the border. Honestly, I can’t be bothered to recount all the stories while they are still here in present, but here’s a few photos in an attempt to capture some of the fun.

{ready to hike.}

{headed to shower in a waterfall after a long hike.}

{while Chris was busy treating and training, Jenn & I started au naturale art projects with the kids: make pictures out of leaves, sticks, and flowers}

{waterfall one: perfect for climbing, not as good for showering. three visits in three days.}

{it was cold.}

{contemplating the conquer}

{a medic and avid tree climber. he’s after coconuts for a snack. and if the whole tree was in the photo, you wouldn’t be able to see him.}

{obligatory singing for the group; more off key than usual this time.}

{the crew: medics, Partners staff, traveling friends}

{one more suture before leaving town. this one made the rest of us a little light-headed, so we went off to town to find some sweeties for the poor kiddo.}

{waterfall two: absolutely gorgeous.}

After a long day of hiking into a village, we were all pretty anxious for showers. Unfortunately, the nearby faucet and bucket designed for bathing was being cleaned.

Option two? A nearby waterfall. Sounds beautiful, right? An experience, yes?

As gentleman, Stephen & Chris encouraged Jenn & I to go first. We put on our sarongs and headed to the waterfall with about five locals.

Take note of our get up: our sarongs are a simple tube of Karen material pulled around us and tucked in at the top. We have towels over our shoulders, flip flops on, and shampoo in hand. I also brought my razor, which I realized later was much too ambitious.

This waterfall was relatively nearby–about half a kilometer. A little further than anticipated for a shower. This short distance also included a hike through the jungle, crossing about six smallish waterfalls with a decent current, a steep vertical climb of mossy rock, and crossing a hydropower engine for the village.

It was hilarious in many ways.

Our first challenge was to simply keep our sarongs up. It’s easier said than done while standing, but hiking in a loose robe wouldn’t be my first choice. There is something about stretching out to step over rushing water and sharp rocks without underclothes that feels very vulnerable. It’s also quite challenging to climb up a vertical rock with one hand on your falling sarong and the other grasping the shampoo & razor you’re questioning was worth bringing. Let’s just say there were some close calls, and I definitely was wishing we had decided to just share shampoo for this one!

There was also the challenge of keeping on flipflops in rushing waters. I laughed at Jenn when she lost hers down a waterfall (to be recovered by a competent local), but then lost mine three times following–all to be recovered by someone more competent than I.

By the time we were on our way back, now in very wet, heavy sarongs, we had someone carrying our shoes, another someone carrying our shampoos, and someone else in charge of lending a hand when needed.  They had picked up on our inadequacies.

The actual bath was lovely. Having just finished rainy season, the water was forcefully coming off the mountain, so rather than attempting to hold tree roots in a pool of deep, swirling water, we sat on the rocks. We let this beautiful, fresh water flow over us, while we desperately grasped our sarongs. It was clumsy, and it encouraged stares and laughs.

It was funny enough that we did a re-creation for Chris & Stephen when we went to visit the waterfall the next afternoon.

And after hiking back from the “shower”, we had dirty hands from bracing on trees and dirty feet from trekking through dirt and mud. I had begun to sweat again.

The bathing faucet had been fixed by this time, and we could quickly rinse off. Again.

And hey, at least it was funny.

I’m celebrating two years of being married to this boy today.

And I’m still loving it, to say the least.

Our first [successful] cheese-making endeavor!

This is our latest endeavor: making cheese.

Jenn and I gave it a go today. I can’t say it went splendidly, and Chris would say it was much more ear wax-like than he would have liked. But we laughed, and we bought more milk this afternoon, so we obviously aren’t too discouraged.

With help from our Karen teacher, we now know where to find fresh milk in the market. She showed us the good shop where they don’t add water to stretch it further. Despite the unattractive presentation in the bags, it tastes really wonderful. And in the end, its actually cheaper than purchasing milk at the local Tescos.

After sorting out a new, freshly scented fridge, our second project since Chris & Jenn arrived has been at hand: provide Christmas in October to a whole lot of kiddos.

It’s been fun.

Chris’ mom has been hard at work at her school, helping the students there to raise money to purchase toys for the children here. While sharing our blog and about the neighbor children, she raised a whole lot of funds and sent over a lovely stash of toys.

They were in such abundance, we delivered to two locations. Our first stop was Heavenly Home, this incredible orphanage in town. It’s run by one the loveliest, most generous people I know.

Thant Zin & Lilly started the orphanage about seven years ago, simply because his spiritual leader encouraged him too. Thant Zin told us yesterday that his mentor loved children and wanted him to open the home, but he himself didn’t have a heart for children. He said he first the children were too loud, he didn’t have enough patience, and he “could not learn wisdom from them”; but now, they have clearly won his heart. They love a home of forty three kids with all they have.

I’m amazed how much I learn each time we go. And how much I’m refreshed and restored in being there. I never thought a room full of orphaned children could bring such deep rest and encouragement for my soul.

And today, we spent some time outside with our neighborhood kids. We’ll be keeping these toys with us in the house rather than giving them away, with hopes that time will enable us to communicate how to return things and treat them well.

They absolutely loved them!