Arung has moved out of the refugee camp!

It was very wet and cold there in the tents, not to mention crowded with unpleasant smells. He has moved into a house with his friend. The house was formerly the home of his friend's parents, but sadly they perished in the disasters.

It is just the two of them. The house is mostly okay, but it is missing some of the back of it and the kitchen. But it is an improvement over the camp and they are very fortunate to have this place to live.

Clean water is still scarce. He's been experiencing frequent bouts of diarrhea. But they are expecting rain soon and have placed various buckets and other containers to collect the rain water to drink.

Using some of the money you have donated, he was able to purchase food. Nothing fancy - some rice and canned goods - but they feasted like kings!

Most days when we talk he tells me two things. The first is that he is sad and misses his father very much. The second is that he is so very thankful. He's grateful for the money we have sent so that he can live better than most right now. There is a roof over his head and food in his belly. And he's extremely thankful to be able to continue to purchase cell phone data and keep in contact with us all. More than the money, this is what has given him comfort and hope.

And without fail, it is still his daily mission to make us all smile and laugh.