Women Changing the World

"The benefits of girls' education are jaw-dropping:  child marriage could decrease by 66% and teen pregnancies could decrease by 60% globally (http://m-gates.es/1x8Yiuc).  

What are we waiting for?"   

Melinda Gates

"The education and empowerment of women 

throughout the world cannot fail to result 

in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all."   

Aung San Suu Kyi

 
I would like to introduce you to an up and coming world changer.  Her name is Miki and she's a 5 foot powerhouse of intellect, creativity and compassion.  Currently she is in her last year of engineering at Chiang Mai University, which is commendable on a few levels.  It's not an easy school to get into, and the requirements for entrance into the engineering program itself are rigorous.  Add to that the fact that, as a woman, Miki is definitely a minority among her academic peers.  

Never mind all that.  Miki is on her way to big things.  

 With both parents deceased and no school available in her village, Miki was an orphan in the truest sense of the word.  She came to Hot Springs as a 10 year old in 2007, by way of recommendation by her village pastor who no doubt saw her potential.  And it wasn't long before her abilities and self-confidence began to unfold in the care of this loving family environment.  Notable skills in art, music, math and language only enhanced her thoughtful, caring and fun-loving demeanor.  She became a 'connector' of sorts within the larger family at Hot Springs, falling quite naturally into the role of older sister to the newer, younger girls.  Whether braiding hair, helping with homework, learning bass guitar to play in the worship band, preparing and serving meals, or carrying out the many other shared domestic tasks a big family requires, it seemed that whatever Miki put herself to, she excelled.  This was quite naturally reflected in her solid school performance, earning good grades and the accolades of her teachers until, here she is, on her way to being a change agent in her world.


I didn't know all this that first visit in 2008.  Not at the airport when it was time to go and she was the one most visibly upset by my departure.  All I knew was that somehow I had made a surprisingly deep and quick connection with this little girl, and all her brothers and sisters, in spite of the fact that we could barely speak a word of each other's language.   All I knew was that this little child trembling in my arms was a treasure to be loved recklessly into whatever God was calling her to be, even if it broke my heart to leave her now.

Two heroes need to be recognized in this story.  One is no longer with us, but both have made an unmistakable difference in Miki's life, and share in the great things she's about to do in the world.  George and Joan Duff have been Miki's Sponsors from the beginning, contributing to her education, sending small packets and gifts regularly over the past ten years, including pictures and letters of love and encouragement.  When given the opportunity to sign up as Miki's Sponsors, they didn't hesitate.  As Melinda Gates so accurately asks in the above quote, "What are we waiting for?"

When asked what she wants to do with her degree when she's finished school, Miki simply replies, "I want to help my people."  She has a mountain perspective, knowing first hand the kinds of poverty that keep so many hungry and oppressed. 

Regular Sponsorship of our Hot Springs Children cover all living and educational costs up to the end of high school.  All of our children are encouraged to continue in their education as far as they can and desire.  Like here, that costs extra, but not at all to the same extent as university fees in North America.  Right now it costs approximately $2,000 Canadian dollars per year per student to both house and educate a post secondary student.  

Student Sponsorship Fund is a new designation that has developed in response to this need.  It might be that you would be interested in sponsoring the education of one particular student.  It might be that you would be interested in make a general, regular or one time donation specifically towards sponsoring the continuing education of Hot Springs students.  If so, we would welcome you into the adventure, keep you updated on the student's progress, and even invite you to come for a visit if you are able.

Easy payment options can be arranged through emailing me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca or contacting Highview Community Church directly at info@hcckw.ca.  

On this International Women's Day, why not go international and make a difference in the life of a young woman half a world away?  Thailand needs their women to succeed.  When that happens, everyone wins.