Life in a Covid world is nothing if not unplannable. That's true in Canada and true in Thailand. Things can change quickly, so it's important for everyone to stay open for what each day brings.
When Thailand originally went into lockdown it was the beginning of a two month summer holiday. The government plan at that time was to push back the beginning of the school year by six weeks, with the hope that the pandemic phase would be complete and it would be safe for them to call everyone back to school by July 1.
On Tuesday of this week (May 12) we received a phone call from our children's schools (elementary and high school) informing us that online learning would begin on Monday, May 18, which would be the normal first day of school. Children are expected to be ready to 'go back to school' but just not in the building, a way of learning that our own Canadian kids have been participating in for several weeks already.
Because our Hot Springs children are registered in the local school district, and because most of them have no internet access or devices up in the mountains where they are, it's now necessary for them to come back 'on time'.
What this means for us at Hot Springs.
One, we have to get the children back from their living relatives sooner than expected. Most of them are being fetched (as we speak) back from the mountain villages. This is usually at least a day long journey, with many stops for bathroom breaks and food along the way. Our first prayer is for their safety, not just from the normal travel risks prevalent on mountain roads, but also from increased exposure to the virus as they make their way back.
Two, we have been forced to purchase at least two more computers in order to facilitate the online learning required. Currently there are seventeen sponsored children, plus two staff children, plus two Bible school students all vying for one computer, which is sufficient when it's just shared for homework purposes, but won't be enough for online learning. Our prayer here is for good prices and availability, both of which can be affected due to increased demand.
Three, Suradet and Yupa will add this schooling component to their already abundant responsibilities in overseeing New Family Foundation overall and the care of the children in particular. Our prayer here is for consistent internet connection (not always the case at Hot Springs), loving cooperation (older students already help younger students with homework), wisdom and stamina for all Staff, and of course protection for the health of all as everyone comes back from variously exposed environments.
For a general idea of the overall Covid situation in Thailand I would direct you to the WHO report at this link. I am currently researching other articles and in conversation with Suradet and Yupa for a more fleshed out understanding of the economic and social impacts of the months of lockdown. I am uncertain what, if any, government emergency funds have been made available to folks struggling.
Meanwhile, for the valiant Team at Hot Springs right now, there is a sense of urgency for sure, and a wondering at how all of this will translate into a new way of being a family. But with typical resilience and deep faith, Suradet and Yupa just keep on doing what God's called them to do with grace and humility....and a deep appreciation for all the care and encouragement of all our Sponsors and Supporters.
Anyone interested in helping out with some of the extra costs for computers or any other ongoing educational needs during this unusual time, please feel free to email me at rabreithaupt@hcc.kw and I will be happy to direct your inquiries.
And while I've been careful to keep saying that this whole online learning thing is "NOT HOMESCHOOLING" because it isn't, the homeschooling Mom in me would so love to be there with them right now!!!
I'm sure I could find another reason to use a live goat as a lesson illustration!!!
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