Chomphet, Nam Khong, and Tad Se

We ventured across the river to a very isolated village this morning where absolutely no roads were paved and the only habitable structures were hunts. We could really get a feel for how hard the families worked to survive in parts of Laos and how every single member played a vital role, it was quite amazing.

As we enjoyed coffee and baguettes at our favorite bakery along Sisavangvong Road this afternoon we watched two boys, around 7 years old, hauling huge bags of recycling down the street. We couldn’t help but stare in amazement knowing that this was the only life they knew, just working away without complaint. We were fortunate enough to witness something endearing occur along their way. They happened to stumble upon a wrapped lollipop in the middle of the sidewalk and immediately dropped their bags. As one of them hurried to open it, the other shrieked in enjoyment. They smiled from ear to ear as they took a short break and snatched the lollipop out of each other’s mouths relishing every lick until it was gone. It was almost too adorable to watch.