Soap Making, Worms & Mushrooms

Dorothy instructing about soap

Sadness, having not posted for several days, I spent time writing up another long blog to let you know what has been happening the last few days.  I completed it all but the pictures and had to figure out how to transfer some that were not available to pick from.  By the time it was all done, it was time to go to bed. When I got up this morning, "Oh, no", I could not locate the blog that was ready to go anywhere! So here is version #2.  I tend to be to detailed anyway!

Wednesday was the first day of the seminars put on by ECHO Asia, that we have been waiting here in Chiang Mai to attend. Laren went for this first day which was on Moringa, and all the benefits of growing it and Grafting & Propagation.  Thursday morning was about soap making and I went with Laren so as to learn all I could as I research and learn what areas or courses would be good for the vocational training center.

Stirring until it "traces"

I was hoping that this would be a natural soap making class, but it did use sodium hydroxide which was disappointing. Several people asked about that very thought I had and the answer given was that there is no other way to make what is classified as "soap". Glycerine "soaps" are technically not a soap and I also learned, that it is not

Moringa Soap 

very good for you.  Not sure about the correctness of this info, but I believe they believe it, will have to look some things up on the internet.  If any of you have info regarding this I would be very happy if you would pass it on to me.  Thank you!

After instruction on how to make it, warnings, etc, we watched a demonstration on how to do it.  Then they separated us up into groups with one person from each group as the leader who would lead out in making another batch of soap just like we had been shown.  It was a really effective way to teach.  We were in the English speaking group, of course. In our group was a missionary from Indonesia, a lady who is originally from Billings, MT who is now leading out in an International College Program here in Chiang Mai.  She had a biology major student with her.  Also a lady from Chiang Mai who works in another orphanage with different tribe children of Thailand.

Participants came from all over the local countries to attend these 3 days of workshops, to learn and strengthen the various programs they are involved in.  People from: Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Burma and the USA. Some of the people originated from countries like, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and of course many were from the very country they are helping as mentioned previously. We were able to network and learn valuable info from the participants themselves which is a priceless tool.

Feeding the worms

Mushroom growing

Laren went on Friday alone, although I was planning on going all along, but I could tell I was fighting the same "bug" that my whole family had had and I didn't want to succumb, so I laid low both Friday and Sabbath and PTL! I was over all the symptoms I had been fighting.

On Friday the seminars were on Vermiculture and Growing Mushrooms.  Laren took my camera and took pictures.  It looks and sounds very interesting.  This conference was well worth the money it cost to attend.  I am so thankful that the Lord lead us to learn of it and it was at a time that we were going to be here in Thailand to attend.  God works in miraculous was for his children.

Myself, Leah, Thersa and Onong

Thursday was my last day to work with Leah and Onong doing Thai Massage.  I was sad to say good bye, but we had some warm friendship times beside just the time of learning.  Leah told me that if ever I should come and visit France that we would have a place to stay.  Very sweet!  We have each others email addresses so now to be faithful in staying in touch.

The Adams came up to Chiang Mai on Wednesday evening to pick up some things needed at the school.  So on Thursday they took

Eating supper together and planning

our children with them as they ran their errands. That evening when I was finished with massage, I ran over to Blue Diamond, a Vegan/Vegetarian Thai restaurant very near us and saw the Habercams, Gayle, Bradley, and Micah.  What joy to visit with old friends once again.  We caught up on the many, many things they have been through in the last few months. Bradley is healing, but still casted and wrapped up as he ambulates on crutches. Please keep them in your prayers and listen if the Lord impresses you to support them in any way as they have been so much but God is still very present to them. Gayle's faith is strong, but, oh, what a blessing when others surround you with love and support when the trials have been many.  Please remember to pray for the workers in the field.

Adams left that evening for the 7 hour trip back to the school with our children and Micah who is going back to teach as he loves to do.  He teaches English for grades 1 - 7.  We called the Adams Friday and they made it back home safely!  We also heard that our children, plus Anna, Josiah, Will and Jason all went camping at some caves a ways away from the school.  What fun memories they will make, what experiences they will have that will draw their hearts more and more to these people and helping them learn of God's love for them. It is a double blessing, you cannot give without being blessed yourself.

The ECHO Asia Group