January 10th, 2007 - No Satisfaction
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Lao Quick Facts:
-Population of 3.3 Million in Laos  and over 17 Million in N.E. Thailand
-Animist with a veneer of syncretistic,  folk Buddhism
-Daniel McGillvary was the first  missionary to the Lao in the late 1800's
No Satisfaction
“What brings you joy and satisfaction?”

Mrs. Waterlily thought a minute and answered, “Nothing. I do not have any satisfaction. I spend all my time trying to get enough food for my family and when I am not working, I am thinking and thinking, wondering and worrying how to make ends meet, how to care for my daughter and how my husband can get a job that pays enough for us to live on.”

Many Lao women feel the same. Most Lao families are subsistence farmers, living in fertile, green valleys where they cultivate wet-rice. Some Lao, especially in villages along trade routes, have specialized in occupations other than farming. Mrs. Waterlily lives along one of these trade routes. She has a sewing machine and makes a little money by sewing.

Within the villages, the wealthier Lao live in sturdy, teak or mahogany paneled house that are raised off the ground and have a plank floor and tile roof. Mrs. Waterlily lives with her husband and daughter in a borrowed, single story – 2 room house. She dreams of one day having her own home.
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