The Sponsor Experience

One of the best surprises of our connection with Hot Springs Children's Home has been the personal nature of our sponsorships.  

Members of the 2008 Team at our first ever visit to Hot Springs. Six girls shared this bedroom.

 

Initially, it was all about an urgent need.  That first Team came back from our time there in 2008 with pictures and stories of (at that time) eleven children who desperately needed to be housed, fed and clothed, as well as be given the opportunity to go to school.  It didn't take long.  Within seven days every one of the children had someone who had promised to provide monthly donations and occasional gift packets that said, "We love you and we believe in you and you are not alone!"

It just seemed like the right thing to do.

But along the way this wonderful surprise happened.  We'll call it 'personal'.  We'll call it 'real time'.  We'll call it 'family'.

I asked some of our Sponsors to describe in their own words what this surprising connection has meant to them.

Megan Ogilvie (who jointly sponsors one of our most recent graduates, Apple) writes: 

Apple, on her way to University.

Heidi and I initially decided to become sponsors because we wanted to help the place both our hearts had become attached to. I'd gone once on my own, and once with Heidi, and after seeing how wonderful and loving Hot Springs was, we couldn't NOT help! We wanted to be a part of such a loving family, and help in any way we could. Hot Springs is a special place. 

Being a sponsor is so rewarding! A couple times a year we get updates on how our sponsor child is doing, and it's really nice to feel like you've had a hand in that progress. It's also just nice being able to see them grow into their own person. You want them to do well. You're rooting for them. With everything going on in the world, it's nice to have someone on the other side of the world to cheer on and help in whatever small ways possible. 

I've met my sponsor child twice. It's strengthened the connection so thoroughly. Before, when we'd send packets, I was never entirely sure that what I was sending was what she wanted. After having met her, I got a good sense of her likes and dislikes, and could tailor the packet to be things I knew she wanted and needed. Meeting her also made a stronger bond between the two of us. I now have great memories of swimming at Tutu's pool on a sunny day, or singing poorly translated Taylor Swift lyrics in the back of the truck. And those are memories that the two of us will always share. Meeting them makes them feel real. It's not just sending money and items somewhere in the world - they're going to a real person with real dreams and struggles. 

Heidi Mullins (Megan's partner Sponsor) writes:

Opening a Sponsor's Packet

My sister, Starr, went on a mission trip to Hot Springs in Thailand, so I got to hear directly from her about what she experienced. Knowing exactly who my money would be going to and who it would be benefiting was really intriguing, so I looked into it more and decided to sponsor a child jointly with Megan.  

Seeing how the money is being used in a personal and direct way - knowing my money is going to the child I am sponsoring to suit their immediate needs. It's also fun making personalized care packages specifically for my sponsor child. My sponsor child, Apple, has now graduated and knowing that my financial contribution helped her achieve her goal of being a nursing assistant is very rewarding. 

I've had the privileged of meeting my sponsor child, Apple, twice (2012 and 2014). Seeing how much she grew in those two years was incredible. Even seeing how much she changed from the first picture we received from when she arrived at Hot Springs, to when I first met her in 2012 - she looked so much healthier and happier! It was fun getting to meet her, hug her, and get to know her more (finding out her favourite colour, bible verse, subject in school, etc). It makes sponsoring so much more personal. As sponsors, we've been told that the Kids have devotions twice a day (morning and night) and that they pray for their sponsors every day - but being able to participate in those daily devotions and being there is life changing. I also feel like for those who haven't had a chance to meet their sponsor child personally, just having the connection through Highview with Hot Springs makes it so much more intimate than possible through other large organizations. When Suradet and Yupa have a need, we're able to pray specifically for that need. We get to see pictures and hear stores of the kids we sponsor.

 Emily Inthof sponsors a young guy named Bang (who hilariously plays the drums!).  She writes:

Bang, sporting his "I take my drumming seriously" look.

I decided to become a sponsor when I became a bit more financially stable after I graduated university. Sponsoring a child is a very simple way to give back and it can make a huge difference in that child's life. 

Knowing that I'm helping a specific child have a home at Hot Springs is a big deal to me. But it's also cool to see pictures and real stories/drawings from my sponsor child; it's a bit closer of a connection than other sponsorship programs.

Our soon-to-be Senior Pastor Erin and her husband Dave recently came alongside to sponsor Laywee, one of the children of our staff couple Pastors Jaroen and Dtu. Here's some of their thoughts.

Laywee

Our family found ourselves with more than we needed and were looking for a way to give back. When Laywee's sponsorship came up, he was God's answer to our prayers.

Knowing that Laywee is "a ministry kid" much like our own boys, whose parents are working hard for God's kingdom, makes us feel like there is a connection. It's hard being a PK. As parents, we appreciate when others love on our boys, and pay attention to what they need or want. We wanted to give that gift to another ministry family.

We haven't met Laywee yet, but the fact that this is a possibility is very exciting for us.

These are Sponsors, among others who've joined the Hot Springs family, who are making a difference.

How?

Most of our children are from rural mountain villages that exist well below the poverty line.
Children from mountain villages do not have birth certificates, therefore cannot go to school, therefore cannot break out of the cycle of poverty.
Children in the mountain villages often do not have enough to eat, poor nutrition at best.
In these rural settings there is minimal communication with the 'outside' world in that tribal languages are not the language of commerce and education in Thailand.

But...
If these children can go to school and get positions of influence within the greater society, change can happen from within.
This is not about western ideas being imposed upon Asian cultures, by the way.  This is about equipping them to be change agents within their own culture.

True, we are a Christian organization so there is clearly a faith-based world view in our raising of the children.  We make no apologies for that.  In fact, the Christian understanding that we have one and only one life to live, meaning that our choices in this life have great weight and consequences, is a effective motivator within a culture that often does not understand the cause and effect connection in the same way.

There are always children on the waiting list!

Even though Hot Springs is not accepting new children into our family right at this time, we are always seeking out new partners who want to make a difference in the life of a child in this way.

There are several ways to do that.

• Sponsor one child for $75.00 per month through our simple Pre-Authorized Withdrawal program.

• Sponsor one university student for $2,000 per year, payments arranged to your convenience.

• General contributions to Hot Springs to help cover staff salaries, repairs and upkeep to facilities.

• General contributions to the new school building project happening 'soon'.

All contributions go through Highview Community Church and are tax deductible.

Traditional school uniforms.  Must be Friday!

If becoming a Sponsor sounds like a good fit for your own passions and desires to make a difference, and if you're up for the adventure, please let us know.

Contact me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca and I we can set up a time to chat, arrange for an in person visit, and otherwise make something surprising happen once again.

For further reading about the plight of children in Thailand please see:

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/idyllic-thai-province-hides-a-dirty-secret

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0025/002527/252749e.pdf

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The Long Green Snake of Deliberate Knowing

A cobra is about as knowing as they come.

The one in question shows up one afternoon about mid way through my three month stay that fall of 2015.  I've only done it once, stay three months like that.  It was a special investment that not only helped  with the completion of two credits towards my academic goals, but also offered a richness of incarnational knowing beyond any expectation. And that's what this whole thing is all about.

Except, I really could have done without the snake.

That first time we see it, it skulks its way behind the dining shelter's half wall at the back near the kitchen, surprising Pi Dao (our cook and nanny at the time) who is minding her own business chopping vegetables for supper.  I am a little bit removed, up under the porch by Suradet and Yupa's house, working on a school report.  It's quiet just before, all the children at school, sunny and hot, even in the shade, with a fan taking care of that.  We're out in the country a little bit, and the space and pace of a Thai afternoon is quite agreeable.  Peaceful.  Restorative.

Pi Dao's terrified screams changes everything in an instant.  I stand up, alarmed not just by my understanding of what she's screaming  - "Ngu!  Ngu!"  Snake! Snake! - but by the sheer terror in her voice.   I am told very firmly to keep my distance, which I am more than happy to do.

Thai's don't like snakes, not at all.  Since most of them are poisonous, and well, they're just creepy (sorry to all you reptile lovers out there), it doesn't even take a big one to get a reaction.  But Pi Dao's terror and urgency gives me a hint that this one is probably a respectable size.

There is more screaming, and long sticks are brought out, and there's some fishing around in a nearby bush.  But the thing gets away from us.  I ask how big was it?  Where we might stretch out our arms, Thais indicate by holding their hands in a circle to demonstrate circumference.  About as wide in the middle as a good sized-orange.  O-kay. 

So now I have a riddle.  What's worse that sighting a cobra on your property?
Losing sight of the cobra on your property.

He lurks around like that, unseen, for two weeks.

I had never thought of what it means to snake-proof a room before, but Suradet reminds the children of all their snake safety that night at evening worship.  All the screens are checked over.  Towels are wrapped up and put at the bottom of the doors.  Everyone is extra cautious for days.  I find myself giving a wider birth to the bushes than I had before.

And then, to be honest, I forgot about it.  I was sure it must have gone on its slithery way by now, back up the steep hill and into the jungley forest.  But again in the afternoon about two weeks later, everyone quietly doing their own thing, soaking in the gentleness of the place, and quite without any invitation or notice, he shows up under the cabinet.

More screaming this time, louder and angrier.  There is now a fierceness in both Yupa and Pi Dao that rivals any she-warrior image one might conjure.  This snake has had it's last day threatening our kids!  I am up with my camera now, quite happy again to keep my distance, but close enough to watch.  Yupa has it pinned against the wall with a long piece of wood, about half way down its length, leaving a vicious top half spitting and hissing and striking.  Pi Dao has another long pole and is taking aim at the gyrating monster's flailing head.  I hear the 'deng, deng, deng' of her attempts against the cement, and then, finally the fatal blow.  Spontaneous cheering!  Danger is done.  The creature is dead.

I am unsure of this, however, as I approach.  The long thin green body still writhes in slow motion, even though I can see the skull is crushed.  Pi Dao smiles at my apprehension, takes her pole one last time and strikes the head again.  There.  See?  Dead.

I take pictures.  When the kids come home they all have a look.  A neighbour drops by later and asks if we're going to eat it, and is offered to take it home himself for supper.

Yes, a cobra is about as knowing as you can get.

My husband Ken asks me why I tell these stories.  "You want people to come, don't you?" he asks.

But that's the thing.  We don't know anything if we don't live it real time with them.  We can't begin to pretend to come alongside in any kind of honest way, any kind of authentic partnership if we have no idea about the cobras.  Until we've felt the fear ourselves, or the heat, or the long discomfort of waiting six hours to see a doctor for less than a minute, or the agony of losing a son because road safety and policies are just that lax.  Unless we know this by living it with them, incarnationally, we don't know anything.

 Not everyone will stay three months.  Likely I won't be able to do that again even in the new reality that will be my more-Thai-connected life very soon.  Three months is a longer time.  Not nearly as long as the years some actual missionaries have invested, for sure. But for most of us, it's more likely to be three weeks.  I'm hoping for two six week stints in a year.  We'll see.

My point is, we need to be there.  Yup, it's expensive.  And yes, there are some risks involved, cobras being only one variety.  But it's real.

And if you can, please come.  We would be so happy, Suradet, Yupa, the kids and I, to have you visit us.  I can't promise any cobras.  But I will predict that it will change you in ways you couldn't imagine....mostly because you just showed up in person.  Which makes all the difference in the world.

To find out about the next two trips being planned contact me at rabreithaupt@hcckw,ca

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.

 

Her Name Is May and We All Want What Her Face Is Saying

Photo Credit: Esther Weatherall

For the vast majority of us, I'm thinking this Friday holds meaning.  When you woke up this morning, there was something you had to do, or perhaps wanted to do.  And it likely had a connection with how you want to make a difference on the planet, in all the big and little ways this happens. 

I'm doing a lot of that kind of thinking lately.  I am coming to a finish line of sorts, ending a time of ministry as a senior pastor to a vibrant, grace-filled, persistently loving community of faith that I cherish deeply.  It's impossible to approach the release of this kingdom assignment, which officially happens on May 27th (2018), without a heightened sense of awareness of all that I may or may not be leaving behind in my leadership wake.  (More reflections on all of that in a future blog.)

Even without the prompt of a significant life event, we don't have to go very far in a Google search to find countless articles about the spiritual and psychological importance of finding purpose and meaning through the intentionality of making a difference that matters in ways consistent with our resources, beliefs and passions.   

Whatever else I might be considering in my reflections right now, one place that provides tangible, obvious evidence to suggest this kind of difference-making, is the face of May.  And not just her, but the unique and spectacular family into which she has been embraced. 

Photo Credit Pastor Suradet

I am of course talking about Hot Springs Children's Home, about 45 minutes north east of Chiang Mai in Thailand, where orphaned and other at risk children are cared for in a family led by two super heroes of compassion and grace, Pastors Suradet and Yupa.  Prompted by their own sense of calling and desire to make a difference that matters, they began welcoming children into their home about 11 years ago.  Highview came alongside in partnership a year later.  We've never been the same. 

It's in these two pictures of May that I make my point.  With shorter hair and in pink, this shot taken soon after her arrival depicts her undernourished condition as seen in her too-thin frame and the marks of impetigo on her face.  I'm glad she's smiling in the 'before' shot, because it was hard to get her to do that at the beginning.  She was timid and uncertain and, well tired, as malnutrition will do.

I was there last in January (2018), and the contrast is remarkable.  So much confidence!  So much spunk!  The picture above speaks volumes to the kind of difference the Hot Springs family, and May's Sponsors (monthly donations, twice a year packets, and love) have made in this little life.

Education is a big piece of this.  May would not have been able to go to school in her own village.  For girls, especially, but all of the mountain children, this puts them at risk for getting stuck in the cycle of poverty, human trafficking, criminal activity, and premature death.   

But not May.  

I invite you to share in this kind of difference-making.   

This year is full of new opportunities.  Come with me to Thailand and see for yourself (July 2018, Fall 2018, January 2019 are target dates).  Sign up to have your own life changed through sponsorship.  Be part of the establishment of a fund that will help ensure May can continue post secondary education if she so chooses.  Make a one time contribution to off set some cost of living increases Hot Springs is experiencing.  Get on board with a potential building project that's developing even as I write, either with financial contributions or by coming to do some of the labour yourself.  

I want what this face is saying.  I want to have lived a life that made a difference in important ways.  Not big and flashy ways, I left that desire behind a ways back.  But in smaller more spectacular ways.  Like this face. 

If you want something like that too, email me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.  I'll even take you out for coffee.  Let's talk.

Happy Friday.