Sheldon's View and a Mother's Heart

The next installment in a series highlighting folks who have visited our Thai family at Hot Springs.  Here Sheldon Connor reflects on his time there in the summer of 2019.  

Photo by Sheldon:  Saiy helps prepare a meal.

Labouring not for glory or honour to be bestowed on oneself, but purely for the cultivation and fulfilment of others' souls.

Photo by Sheldon: Saiy's baby girl Ong Ooey.

Building another up for the mission and for daily life without the promise of recognition. 
"For He has come not to be served but to serve." Matthew 20:28 

Sheldon goofing off with the kids during homework time.

The fruit of another's labour and outpouring of love feeds the next generation to do the same.  Absolute humility. I love New Family Foundation, Suradet and Yupa, the kids. They are so in tune with the things of the Spirit and they reflect Jesus so well. 

Sheldon and Min.  English reading time!

My time there was enlightening and convicting for both learning about God's character but also in areas in my soul that He is exposing to change for the betterment for His kingdom.

Sheldon


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An added element to Sheldon's visit last summer was helping to fulfill his Mother's wishes that some of her remains be brought to Thailand.

Jen Connor was part of the original team that took that first trip to Southeast Asia, where our adventure began in the winter of 2008.  Her subsequent visit about 18 months later, and her tireless work as our Sponsors' Liaison, bonded her heart to our family at Hot Springs in ways she found hard to describe.

Having Sheldon come to visit meant the world to Suradet and Yupa and the children there who remembered our beloved "Miss Jen."  Our time at the top of the hill, to celebrate her life and respectfully distribute her ashes at the foot of that simple corss, was deeply moving for all of us.  I had the humble honour of holding the container while each child came to scoop a little out with their hands and spread Jen's love over the rocks.  So gentle.  So respectful.

Jen you are deeply missed, but your love and legacy lives on.

A Family Adventure: The Gabber's Story

The next installment in a series highlighting folks who have visited our Thai family at Hot Springs (New Family Foundation). Here, Linda recounts her family's adventure with husband George and three children Johnny, Elaine and Emerson.

Georg and Johnna (back) Linda and Elaine (front) missing Emerson.

Well, we’re all living in a place we haven’t been before. I mean , this pandemic stuff.The rules are all different and I can’t make sense of what’s going on. There’s fear and there’s going to be sadness. And yet, we’ll also declare God’s goodness and listen and walk in His ways.  

When I reflect back on my family’s choice to go to Hot Springs in 2012, 13 and 15 I see some similarities. I wanted my family to experience a different part of the world, to catch a glimpse of how big it is and to see that God is bigger. I hoped by participating in our church’s involvement with "Regions Beyond" it would set us on a path of looking beyond ourselves. 

Ed:  Emerson celebrated his 11th birthday in Thailand.

We were immersed in another language and culture. We saw God’s kingdom of love in action. We were caught up in the care and teaching that resulted in devoted worship and prayer.  Seeing the opportunities that education brings means there’s hope amidst the hard work.  

My kids mixed right in with the Hot Springs kids.We worked hard on our assigned roles and tasks even if it didn’t seem natural. Playful, joyful and mischievous fun was had. We made friends.

Ed:  Classic Johnny (hope he'll forgive me)

For families who are feeling the nudge to go, I’d recommend training here. Have adventures at home, spend time exploring, read books, go to a Thai restaurant or an Asian grocery store, walk in the woods, build something, sing songs, play sports, whatever your family likes to do.

God will use your gifts and develop ones you didn’t know you had. Listen, and listen some more. In our story we readied our finances and were blessed in unexpected ways long after the trip.

Of course, my other piece of advice would be to think about and try out health and hygiene practices in a tropical setting.

With gratitude to Ruth Anne, Yupa and Suradet for making it all possible.

Blessings to all, Linda