Flukes

When I bought the breaker I immediately noticed the word "Fluke" written in red and black bold letters on it's side. I turned to Dad saying, "How can we trust a breaker with a name like that?"

A Fluke?

Laughing to ourselves we bought the breaker from the local Chinese hardware store in downtown Tha Thom. Dad and I were in the process of wiring our bathroom to accommodate our secondhand washer and spinner and preparing for a small on-demand water heater. During Mom and Dad Visness' recent visit Dad tackled many projects around our home and garden. We were all excited for the new convenience of a semi automatic washer to help curb the endless production of dirty diapers. The water heater would also be a welcomed step-up from the frigid mountain river water piped around the village in the newly finished gravity fed water system.

We quickly set up the washer and were cleaning diapers like a well greased machine. The hot water would have to wait until we found a good quality heater in Vientiane. When we travel into Vientiane to bid farewell to Mom and Dad, a water heater was purchased. I set it up and had visions of nice steamy showers..but no sooner did I turn on the unit than the 30amp breaker tripped! The heater could not run at more than half power without tripping the breaker. I did the math and even sent it to Dad to have him check. There was no way our water heater could be drawing more than 20amps.

Dad recommended pulling the breaker and trying a different one. I grabbed another breaker from the guest room and connected it to the circuit. Low and behold the breaker held even at full power. The strange thing that I still can't wrap my mind around is that the new breaker should trip at 15amps! I laughed again when I saw the name on the old breaker...breakers in Tha Thom truly are flukes!

Favorite Sights

As Moriah begins to take in the world around her there are several sights that never cease to hold her attention...at least for a while.

The first sight that interested Moriah was the vertical slats in our kitchen.

Spellbinding Slats

The second sight that vies for attention for various lengths of time and draws out smiles is this face.

Fascinating Face

The third attraction is a toy that Mom and Dad Visness brought along.

Tranquilizing Toy

The fourth sight catches Moriah's eyes on rainy and sunny days alike. While walking along the drip line of our out-door kitchen, the raged roof's edge is striking!

Enthralling Edge

Bewitched Baby

Many Arrivals

The arrival of our little daughter also brought the arrival of two other special visitors! Kaarina’s parents met us in Bangkok several weeks after Moriah was born. They arrived full of joy, greetings and hugs from friends and family, gifts from the far away land of America, energy and experience! Just what two tired new parents were in need of!

Grandma Meeting Moriah

Grampi Meeting Moriah

Night Train (Don't worry that seat turns into two bunk beds!)

After a long, but slick night train ride, we arrived back to the lovely country of Laos. During our short stay in the Capital, Stan and Dorinda were able to experience many things… eating Lao fusion food at Mak Ped Restaurant, shopping at Lao markets, and contributing to a special dedication ceremony we had for Moriah.

Lao Market Shoppers

Lao Fusion Food with Friends

Dressed for Dedication

We returned to our home in Tha Thom and were able to give mom and dad a true taste of living in the village. Life was busy as all four pairs of hands were needed in running the house, washing diapers, making food and caring for and holding the little one.

Just a Hanging Out

Visiting an MCC Irrigation Project

Visits From Neighbors

Taking a Bunny for a Stroll

Little Bunnies Draw Attention!

Bath Time!

Going to Town on the Laundry

Lao Meal in our Home

Despite the business we did have time to travel to Phonsavanh for a short vacation. We visited the beautiful Plain of Jars and another expatriate family. Our time there also fell over the beginning of Lao New Year. Following Lao tradition, we joined in some water throwing!

Visiting the Plain of Jars

Lao New Year Water Fight

The visit was over too soon, but we were so thankful for their help and advice during the tough first weeks of life with a baby.

Thank You Mom and Dad!