Rice Fields, Handmade Beds, and the Book of Luke

September 2024 shows the mission in its settled farm-and-family rhythm. Between monsoon bursts Philip and the boys raced the weather to get rice and maize into the ground — planting in the single dry day the rain allowed, then watching the paddies come up green. With a little saved money the household built its own wooden beds, every house-boy helping treat and paint the timber; after years of sleeping on the floor it felt like luxury (still no mattresses — too hot). The informal school reached exam time again, with daily English classes paying off: Meak asked to be taught again and was doing well, Laam wobbled, and Tine faced his big what-next decision with six months of school left. A Bangkok friend, Chowaliet, sent gifts for the village children — capped by an internet TV for watching soccer. And the Bible translation pressed forward: the team aimed to finish Luke by the end of October, funds permitting, before Wud — newly engaged — left for military service, with John, Acts and ten Bible stories planned next and new translators needing training.