transformations

Students have come to Sunshine Orchard from a variety of backgrounds.  Many of them came in animistic fear of a multitude of spirits.  Some were chained by addictions to the betel nut and tobacco they had been using since early childhood.

I have never been to any villages in Burma to see the environment these students come from.  However, my camera has.  Naw Dah Blet was going to her village for a cousin's wedding.  As usual, she was taking a backpack loaded with medical supplies for her village.  She was willing to add my camera to her luggage, so now I understand a little more about life in Karen villages.

en route to her village

Looks like Dah Blet's village is more well-to-do-than many.  A lot of villages don't have much wood - they mostly have bamboo construction

Here comes the groom - having a little difficulty walking

the bride and maids

reception

the strings she's wearing are to keep the spirits away

Dah Blet, back from her village during school break for more medicine

I encourage you to read Gayle's article about Dah Blet at http://gayle.jesus4asia.org/wp/?p=249 if you would like a better description of how many Karen kids grow up.

The awesome news is that, like Naw Dah Blet, many students who have come to Sunshine Orchard have been freed from their vices and fears.  They now desire to share freedom in Christ with their friends and family.  This March, more than a dozen students decided to formally show their commitment to God through baptism.  Many of them did so in spit of strong pressure from their families not to.

Other blogs from people at Sunshine Orchard go into more detail about this - giving some of the students' stories - you can go to http://www.karenoutreach.org/ and explore the links to find them.

Saw Esso about to get baptized - it's rare to see him without a smile

nice backdrop - very well recorded

Inability to use her legs didn't stop Kaygee from being baptised

comfortable observer

bath time

Just after the baptism, the guys at the cattle yard next-door brought their water buffalo down to enjoy the river.  The event was finished - the results had just begun.