WE passed limestone mountains towering over the paddy fields as we travelled to the project centre where we were welcomed by the smiling faces of excited boys and girls.

It was great to see them playing football with the younger members of the team.

After a traditional Thai lunch we had an orientation quiz; for example, it is considered rude to display the soles of your feet in Thailand.

This was followed by a tour of the boys’ and girls’ dormitories which have been built over the years by previous teams from all over the world and made possible by generous donations.

There was added excitement at tea time when a frog hopped into the dining area. There was lots of laughter as it was gently scooped up in a dustpan and placed back near the fish pond.

Everyone joined in the songs and games to round off the evening and as the children went to bed we sat on the verandah at dusk listening to the chirping of crickets and croaking of frogs.