Hi friends and family, 

One of the greater challenges of living and working in S.E. Asia is that things don’t always go as planned. This month we had several situations that didn’t work out as we’d hoped. We made a plan, we did our best, and some things just didn’t happen the way that we envisioned. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 

A few months ago I shared the exciting news that a missions organization had invited us to go to Sri Lanka and install water filters. Unfortunately there wasn’t any followthrough on the local leadership level. We reached out several times to the Sri Lankan leadership team and never got a reply. We were disappointed, naturally, but perhaps it’s for the best. It’s difficult to maintain filters long distance.

We’re working on another new partnership with an organization that drills wells. A few weeks ago we tested a well that they dug in a remote location. Unfortunately, we had to tell them the well tested positive for high levels of Manganese. 😢 Our filters don’t remove Manganese, and it can cause delayed cognitive development in children and is especially dangerous for babies. But it was still good to make the trip and meet the staff, and we aren’t giving up. We hope to find another project that we can do together in the future.

Speaking of water testing, we have once again expanded our laboratory. We can now test for a wider variety of pollutants including Manganese, which is a common problem here. While we were in the USA we contacted a company that sells laboratory equipment and told them about our work in Cambodia, and they gave us a very generous discount. Sometimes all you need to do is ask. ❤️ We also made an Amazon “wish list” that sponsors could buy from and it was crazy how many items people bought. My nephews even used some of their own money to buy bacteria tests.🤩 In the end, we were able to fill two suitcases with laboratory equipment and hygiene supplies for the children in Cambodia.

This week Lukas was at Safe Place Mission repairing their water filter system. Safe Place is a home for children who were trafficked or at risk of being trafficked. We are so glad that our organization (Warm Blankets Switzerland) can help support this special home, not only with a water filter but also with financial support from our donors.

https://www.safeplacemission.com 

Family news: Benjamin has started playing soccer (fussball). He LOVES it and counts down the days of the week until Saturday morning. He’s meeting a lot of new children, many of whom he will go to school with next year. It’s fun for Lukas and me to watch him grow and develop into the little man that he is becoming. ❤️

A few weekends ago we joined in a kitesurfing event, and there was a kitesurfing race. Lukas came in 2nd place! 🎉 I didn’t join the race, but I did enjoy some time on the water, too.

Well that’s it for this month, have a great start into your fall season!

Here’s the photo link:

Photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/1NneHXXT2jXVxYTJ7