Dear friend,

We're having a party at Namthip's house this Saturday night, and you're invited!

Our original idea was not to make a big deal upon the completion of each "Shawnee House"- the houses we are building for tsunami survivors in Kamala village. However, true to Thai form and despite the wrenching losses each of these families has suffered this year, these folks will not pass up a chance to have some fun. They wanted to have a party to mark the occasion and to celebrate the completion of the first Shawnee Houses (we will also hand over symbolic keys to the rest of the houses- all are under construction and will finish over the coming months).

We thought this was a great idea and thought of renting a restaurant, which could also provide the food. Our beneficiaries would have none of that- they are so eager to express their appreciation, and so thrilled with their new homes, that they insisted not only on providing the food themselves, but also on having the party in one of the brand new Shawnee Houses.

This being Thailand, you can be sure the food will be excellent, the smiles abundant, and the good cheer infectious. You can also be sure that each and every one of you, our generous donors, is warmly invited to the table. We know that for most of you Phuket is a world away, and we know that probably few of you will make it to the party this weekend. But Liz and I will be there representing you, and if you listen really hard, you just might hear the sound of sincere appreciation whispering across the waves to you, wherever you are.

And just in case you are on the island- the party's at Khun Namthip Thonghorm's house (it's pink, it's new, and it's on the main road just as you leave Kamala on the way to Surin- it's the house with the "Thank You Shawnee Institute" billboard out front!). The party starts at 5pm.

Best Regards,

Pete and Liz Kirkwood and Rin Thamrongkiatikul

The Shawnee Institute (Thailand)