Words can not describe our visit here.

When we first arrived, the villagers seemed a bit shy. I can imagine it would be strange to have white people schlepping through your home every few days to take pictures of you living your everyday life. We were as respectful as possible, often asking if it was ok to take photos. They knew no English and we don’t speak any Hmong or Lao, but we still managed to communicate.
Jesse joined in a crazy game of soccer/volleyball. When they served the ball, they would kick higher than their heads. Jesse held his own and there was a lot of laughing. They called him “You.” Crap talking is universal- they made fun of each other on bad plays. It was fun to watch a game bring everyone together.
Lennon got out his UNO and had a little buddy join him in organizing the cards. Maddux and Em gave the kids an animal book. We told them the English names of animals and they told us how to say it in their language.
At night, we played tag and watched a group of 3 and 4 year olds make a fire. Most families have about 6 children. They usually get married in their teens. The roosters start crowing at around 4am. That’s when everyone starts waking up to start their work. People seem to be doing something from morning until sunset. There is only electricity in one or two huts. All other huts are lit by candles or a small fire pit. We slept in a hut with five partitions that could hold between 10-15 people.
In the morning, we walked to the school. All grades are taught in one room. The little kids were outside doing cartwheels and playing with rocks and sticks. We saw many siblings (about 5 years old or so) carrying their infant brother or sister in a sling on their back. All the children seemed amazingly happy.