Before We Ask

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask."

Matthew 6:8

We're all excited at Hot Springs right now.  

New guitars!

Unless you are really into buying top of the line instruments, 

which we aren't, guitars in Thailand are actually quite reasonable.  

These ones, of decent quality, were only about $175 CDN each.

It's not like we didn't already have some.  

Of course we did.

Guitars are used every day in morning and evening worship.

And as well on Sundays when everyone gathers for church.

And at the beginning of every meeting.

And just any given afternoon when work is done

 and you just feel like singing.

But when a number of the children

all suddenly expressed a desire to learn,

and since making music is just an important element of an abundant life,

and when the guitars you've got have a lot of mileage on them,

we thought it would be good to increase our collection.

But here's the thing.

We run a tight budget.

New guitars,

as reasonable as they are, 

were not in the budget.

And that's where a surprise 'extra' gift,

an unforeseen little donation,

made available without asking,

was channeled toward the guitars.

I'm thinking there could be a new line in the budget for next year.

But already this year, right now, we're making some music.

It's like this a lot.

God just keeps being specific like this.

But I guess, after all, 

these are His kids.

Let's Make Some Noise!

Colour on the Cajon and Anu on the Guitar

You turned my wailing into dancing;

You removed my mourning rags and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing your praises

and not be silent.

LORD my God, I will praise you forever.  

Psalm 30:11-12

Children make noise.  Although, it could be argued that Thai children make considerably less noise than Western children, but I'll leave that to another discussion.  In general, the truth is, when kids are around you'll know it.

And while Hot Springs is unquestionably a peaceful place, out in the country as it is, a family that has gathered 25 children will have a certain decibel level to it.  And honestly?  We encourage every sound bite.

Sometimes I can forget that our kids have come from harsher realities that often make children grow silent.  Malnourishment has certainly been the experience of most of the children who come to us, and it's one of the first differences we see in their development after a few months of three solid meals.  And it's not just physically.  Emotionally and cognitively, there's more spark, more life, more noise.

Worship is enhanced when we all participate.

Certainly there's crying sometimes.  And, while rare, is a bawling snitch on a brother or sister from time to time.  Running too fast can result in a fall with appropriate expressions of injury to knees and pride.  But I'm pretty sure most everyone who's visited would say it's the singing that we hear the most.

The boys' turn.

Of course, there's lots of opportunity.  Morning and evening worship times begin with two to three songs, accompanied by the guitar and the cajon.  Sundays are full of music, and participation is highly valued, giving the children the chance to gain confidence and share their voices with their church community.

But it's the singing and laughing and happy sounds that happen in between, spontaneously, candidly that strike me the most.  This is when no one is looking, no one has a camera.  Just making a joyful noise just because.

Singing while doing some hand washing is common.

Dogs also bark.  Roosters also crow.  Wild parakeets and other bird calls I don't recognize punctuate the air.  Sometimes a very large truck rumbles down the road.  And sometimes there's karaoke happening from the resort next store.  

But mostly, always, someone somewhere is singing.   And sometimes I hear them repeating something we've learned together when I'm there.  Like Lukmee, intently colouring while clearly lilting, "The Lord has a will, and I have a need, to follow that will, to humbly be still.  To rest in it, nest in it, fully be blessed in it, following my Father's will."  (Amy Grant)

Lukmee

Sing it, girl.  Sing it.

This is the first summer in a long time I'm not heading to Thailand.

Missing me some certain children and their music-to-my-heart songs.

 

We All Have a Sponsor and Couldn't Be More Grateful!

When your after school snack grows on a tree in your yard.

Papaya, sweet and juicy.

We are over the top grateful to report that every single one of our children have now been connected with a Sponsor who has partnered with NFF to make a difference in these precious lives.

Three new girls arrived in May.  Three new girls are now well on their way to new opportunities.

Thank you!  To the three specific Sponsors who have stepped up, may blessings be poured down on you in equal measure to your kindness towards us.  For all our Sponsors, especially those who have been faithfully involved since the beginning, but also those who are just stepping up now and/or have along the way, we cannot express enough how much your faithfulness and love nurtures us.

To Supporters in general, we couldn't do this without you either.  Your contributions to NFF general operations, special appeals, annual fundraisers, and 'extra' donations all come together to provide for our needs.  This is so helpful not just in the pragmatics of caring for our large family, but in providing encouragement and inspiration for the daily interactions between our Staff and our kids.  

People in Canada are behind us!  

Pastor Suradet often reminds the children, "God must love you very much to have arranged for people all the way in Canada to come alongside you in your journey."

Yeah.  Wow.  That's just amazing!

I hope we say it enough, in broader communications like this, in one on one conversations, with words and hugs and little gifts brought home from the market.  In fact, it's actually my goal to have said it so much you might be tempted to give a little eye roll.  Yeah, we know already!

As we move full on into July, I will admit, that it's kind of strange for me to be staying in Canada for the whole summer.  Usually about this time I am neck deep in collecting packets, preparing sermons and Bible lessons, packing for ministry and packing for myself.  

To help me stay connected with the children, I've been sending along light and little mailings (Canada Day tattoos, their names 'doodled' with prayer) and making short videos with a quick hello and little encouragement.  [Side note on the video:  The last one I did included chipmunks!]

Still, it's already feeling like a long, long time between being there face to face.  

The "Next Visit" Team is still in the works, aiming for November (probably), making progress but no firm date quite yet.  Trusting God will provide the guidance we need (and a good price on our tickets).  We'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile...have I mentioned how grateful we are for all you?

(You wanted to roll your eyes just now, didn't you?)

 Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

 https://newfamilythailand.org

 

https://www.adventive.ca

   https://www.hcckw.ca      

Different Ways to Be a Sponsor

Somjeet 

First, to celebrate, since the last Sponsors' Appeal update, I can joyfully say that another Sponsor has stepped forward for Luk-Nam.  That's two out of three, for the new children who have joined our family as of last month.  I am not surprised at how quickly this happened.  It's totally been our experience that Sponsors are there in the waiting.  Plus, we pray fairly diligently that God would pair up the right Sponsors with each Child, so there's that.

Somjeet, aged 9, will also find her Sponsor, of this I am certain.

And I also thought it might be good to say that there is more than one way to step up to this kind of partnership.

Sponsor Partnerships

Several of our children over the years have had more than one Sponsor who, together, share both the financial responsibility and the relationship connection piece.  If there is a good understanding between both Sponsors and a true sense of sharing this, the Sponsored Child receives an added benefit of getting to know more than one Canadian family or household.  

Group Sponsorships

A little less personal perhaps, but allowing more to become involved, there is room for a slightly larger group of folks to combine their resources and help ensure that an at-risk or orphan child is offered a completely different trajectory of life.  Examples of groups who might consider this are:  Bible Study or Community Life Groups, Youth Groups, people in communal living spaces, neighbourhood associations, fitness groups, sports clubs, etc.  The financial piece is spread out further, which may be helpful to Sponsors in this current economy.  In this scenario, every Sponsor would receive pictures and updates, be kept equally in the loop regarding all things happening in New Family Foundation, and also receive separate tax receipts according to their portion of the support.  It would require someone to take the responsibility to keep the connection as personal as possible, and be the liaison between the group and NFF.

Traditional Sponsorship

This is what we most normally operate under, when one person, couple or family contribute their monthly donation, and keep their connection with their Child strong through sending the once or twice a year packets along with any visiting Team.  

And here a shout out to ALL our Sponsors, no matter what the 'scenario' and connection!!

I can't understate the truly enormous impact you have on these young lives.  Especially with the girls, but also with the boys, the connection between poverty and the sex trade in Southeast Asia is strong.  Yes, Sponsors make that much of a difference, no question.

As already expressed, I am fully convinced of God's faithfulness and care.  These three girls have come into our family for a reason.  And in the sixteen years I've been doing this, He hasn't let us down ever.  Plus, I also fully believe there's enough in the world to go around.  The myth of scarcity can sometimes make people come across as needy and desperate.  But an understanding of the abundance of God's love and provision brings deep reassurances and a whole lot of peace. 

So with all of that, if there's any interest at all, I welcome your inquires at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.  Happy to explain further, send our "Sponsors' Expectations" document, and see where it leads.

With confidence and gratitude,

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

 https://newfamilythailand.org

 

https://www.adventive.ca

   https://www.hcckw.ca      

New Opportunities for us All - UPDATE

Happy to announce that Darin is now being Sponsored!!!

Reposting this blog to keep these faces before us.

Please don't hesitate to contact me 

if you are at all interested.

rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca

Darin, age 6

With the new school year most usually comes the arrival of new children to New Family Foundation.

I am happy to introduce you to Darin (Da-RIN) age 6, Somjit (Som-JIT) age 9, and Luk-Nam age 13.  All are precious young girls whose families' circumstances are such that they reached out to ask us to help provide for their daughters.

Somjit, age 9

These were three of twelve applications, so you can be assured that they represent children with the greatest risk factors, chosen after a difficult process of discernment and consideration.

Luk-Nam, age 13

And now we need Sponsors.  So I'm putting this out there.  Casting the net wide.  If you are at all connected with NFF in any way, you'll be hearing about these three young girls for the next little while, until we are able to match the right Sponsor with the right child.  

If you are at all interested I am happy to send all the information, Sponsors Expectations, and details regarding what's needed financially and what's encouraged relationally.  I will say, that it's a big commitment and not to be undertaken lightly.  For that reason, we are happy to hear a 'no', if after receiving the information and giving consideration you feel this is not for you.  Not kidding.  

I won't hold back in explaining the need.  I won't sugar coat the challenges we have as an organization.  And I won't undersell the truly enormous impact Sponsors can have on these young lives.  Especially with the girls, but also with the boys, the connection between poverty and the sex trade in Southeast Asia is strong.  Yes, Sponsors make that much of a difference, no question.

But I will graciously receive a 'no,' because it is a big commitment, and also because I am fully convinced of God's faithfulness and care.  These three girls have come into our family for a reason.  And in the sixteen years I've been doing this, He hasn't let us down ever.  Plus, I also fully believe there's enough in the world to go around.  The myth of scarcity can sometimes make people come across as needy and desperate.  But an understanding of the abundance of God's love and provision brings deep reassurances and a whole lot of peace. 

So with all of that, if there's any interest at all, at least to explore the idea, you can contact me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.

Man! I can't wait to meet these girls!!!!

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

 https://newfamilythailand.org

 

https://www.adventive.ca

   https://www.hcckw.ca                                                                    

Seeds of Dedication

Bell

Because Bell is the daughter of our on site Directors, Pastors Suradet and Yupa, and because our ministry journey together began seventeen years ago already, I have had the personal joy of watching this young woman grow up since she was only two.  And that's just been a lot of fun!

She has grown to be a strong, competent young woman, with a love for Jesus and a great deal of ministry experience already.  She is now exploring further education in science and medicine, focused on a nursing degree at Chiang Mai University.

She says:

I want to study Nursing.  

After I graduate from nursing school, 

I hope to become a nurse and work in a hospital.  

My dream is to help people and take care of them with compassion and dedication.

This is a good time to explain that our Staff children are included in the benefits we offer the others who come to us from the villages.  They are full members of the family, and given the same opportunities. In some way, they share in the sacrifices their parents have made to serve at New Family Foundation.

The lifestyle tow which all our Staff have committed is demanding, and no one is in it for the big bucks.  Our approach is to offer as much support in all the ways we can so that no child, even our Staff children, go without.  While we no longer connect Staff children to specific Sponsors, we help make sure they are given all the benefits of our large family.

Like our other students, we are confident, given the drive, studiousness and academic results we have already seen, that Bell will take every advantage of our investment in her future, and succeed in her goals. 

 If you'd like to be a part of it, for Bell and the four other young women you've been hearing about this week, please take a moment to respond to the SEEDS Fundraiser mailing, that you may have received recently.

And if you are not on our mailing list, you can still donate by sending an e-transfer to donations@hcckw.ca (Memo: NFF Seeds, Password Foundation).

Thank you!

NOTE:  In Canadian Dollars it takes approximately $2,000 per year to send one student to post secondary education in Thailand.  We currently have five students.  

With deep gratitude for all the love, support and care from all those who faithfully help make these stories possible!

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

https://newfamilythailand.org

                                            

     https://www.hcckw.ca                                                                    https://www.adventive.ca

Seeds of Curiosity

 

Da

When Da first came to us at only eight years of age, it was clear that she was struggling academically.  Such is the case with many of the children who come to us from more remote mountain villages.  They just don't have the early years learning advantages that most Canadian children have access to.  Nutrition and other stresses of poverty play a part.

It's a good moment here to pause and say that recognizing each individual child's potential, and encouraging them towards developing their innate gifts and abilities also includes the sensitivity not to expect the same achievements from all of them.  Of course!  New Family Foundation celebrates and affirms children as the unique human beings God created them to be.

Da is also a good reminder not to underestimate the effects of good nutrition, a stable environment, and personal diligence toward study.  Here's what she says are her plans.

I want to study nursing. 

My hope for the future is to graduate as a nurse 

and become a good nurse for the people. 

However, I think that if I work for a while, 

I want to continue my studies to become 

a Master's degree and become a nursing teacher.

Even with her first struggles in school, that Da would be considering Master's level education should have been my guess when I first met the sweet little girl who asked so many questions.  About Canada, about snow, about whether or not people die where I come from, and about whether or not I would ever, ever come back to see her.  That was the first time she'd met me and I hadn't had the opportunity to gain her trust yet.  But oh so many questions.

Now now...nursing.  

If you'd like to be a part of helping Da accomplish her goals, or any of the other four young women we're featuring this week, please take a moment to respond to the SEEDS Fundraiser mailing that you may have received recently.

And if you are not on our mailing list, you can still donate by sending an e-transfer to donations@hcckw.ca (Memo: NFF Seeds, Password Foundation).

Thank you!

NOTE:  In Canadian Dollars it takes approximately $2,000 per year to send one student to post secondary education in Thailand.  We currently have five students.  

With deep gratitude for all the love, support and care from Da's Sponsors in particular, and all those who faithfully help make these stories possible!

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

https://newfamilythailand.org

                                            

     https://www.hcckw.ca                                                                    https://www.adventive.ca

Seeds of Dignity

Tae

If we're planting gardens this Spring, we can be thinking of Tae.  She's one of our University students and she writes:

I want to study horticulture. 

My hope for the future is to work as a civil servant. 

I hope to work to save money and support my family 

and not cause any problems for myself (i.e. be self-sufficient).

Tae has been with us at New Family Foundation since 2013, which means we have had the chance to watch her grow and learn and develop into a kind and steady young woman with hopes for the future.  

Like many of our children, Tae has a strong sense of care for family members that remain in difficult situations in her home village, wanting to use the opportunities she's been given to make life a little easier.  You can also see reflected in Tae's own words, the understanding that being successful in her studies, and then later in her chosen vocation, will provide her with a degree of dignity.  This is the meaning behind the translated words 'not cause any problems for myself,' as indirect at it might sound in English.  

This is such an important part of helping kids with early memories of trauma and poverty launch into  adult lives that allow them to stand up tall with quiet confidence.

If you'd like to be a part of it, for Tae and the four other young women you'll hear about in the next few days, please take a moment to respond to the SEEDS Fundraiser mailing, that you may have received recently.

And if you are not on our mailing list, you can still donate by sending an e-transfer to donations@hcckw.ca (Memo: NFF Seeds, Password Foundation).

Thank you!

NOTE:  In Canadian Dollars it takes approximately $2,000 per year to send one student to post secondary education in Thailand.  We currently have five students.  

With deep gratitude for all the love, support and care from Tae's Sponsor in particular, and all those who faithfully help make these stories possible!

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

https://newfamilythailand.org

                                            

     https://www.hcckw.ca                                                                    https://www.adventive.ca

Earth Day, Planting Seeds, and Sending Our Students to University

 

Chalon

On this Earth Day 2025 I'm thinking about seed-planting.

Just on a basic level, that makes sense, of course.  Doing something good for the planet is what this day is set aside for.  And in Spring aren't we all looking forward to the flowers?

But this year, right now there's an extra layer to this for us here at New Family Foundation.  I'm talking about the current efforts to raise funds for our University Students, and the recent mailing of small packets of seeds to all our Sponsors and Supporters.

Maybe you've already received yours.  At least, that was my hope, that it would arrive before Earth Day.  Maybe you're not on the mailing list, in which case, we can rectify that in a second.

But first I want to introduce you to the Students themselves, the ones we are focusing on in this particular effort.  Over the next several days I'll be posting a picture and a profile, along with some personal thoughts from the young women themselves, so you can get to know them better.  

Today, here is Chalon.

Chalon arrived to live with us at age 16, much later than the normal 6 or 7 years old.   Her life story has had its darker chapters in a series of complex events that required her to be tough and determined.  In some ways, the environment of trust and nurture we foster in our family was suspicious territory for her.  It's taken a while to build trust.  

She recently graduated from High School, and has already been accepted into her (equivalent) Humanities studies program at University, so these are new days of optimism and hope for Chalon.   On graduation day, which I had the honour of attending with Yupa and Bell, it was great how much it meant to her that we came.  And overall, as she interacted with her teachers and classmates, she was smiling and enjoying all the attention, something we hope will be more and more part of her future.

In her own words:

"I want to be a history or social studies teacher, so I thought that if I graduated, I would take the civil service exam to become a history teacher because I like this field and am interested in it. I also want to be with the children so that they can have fun and be happy."

Graduation from High School

That last statement expressing the desire to help other children 'have fun and be happy' is significant.  This was not her own childhood experience.  Yet she wants to change things for others.  And now she has that chance.

This is totally what we are about at NFF, redirecting the trajectory and affecting change for better futures.

If you'd like to be a part of it, for Chalon and the four other young women you'll hear about in the next few days, please take a moment to respond to the SEEDS Fundraiser mailing.

And if you are not on our mailing list, you can still donate by sending an e-transfer to donations@hcckw.ca (Memo: NFF Seeds, Password Foundation).

Thank you!

NOTE:  In Canadian Dollars it takes approximately $2,000 per year to send one student to post secondary education in Thailand.  We currently have five students.  

With deep gratitude for all the love, support and care from Chalon's Sponsor in particular, and all those who faithfully help make these stories possible!

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.

Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence

New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church

The mission of New Family Foundation is to

provide a loving home for at-risk and 

orphaned children in Northern Thailand to

help them achieve their best potential in 

education, vocation and service to society.

https://newfamilythailand.org

                                            

     https://www.hcckw.ca                                                                    https://www.adventive.ca