Not unlike the fact that three new children have arrived at Hot Springs to begin the school year and their life among us.
Pancake (not pictured), Poo-ey and Wee-a were chosen from many more whose living parents, widows and widowers, or grandmothers, or other guardians, are in contact with us all the time, asking if we could please help provide better nutrition, safety and a solid education for their kids, as these things are not available up in the remote mountain villages.
I've been there. I've seen it. It's truly a primitive way of life that might even look appealing for its simplicity or even a little adventurous in its novelty. But underneath is a prevailing poverty that keeps hundreds of thousands of hilltribe children locked in its grip.
I forget this sometimes. I'm so involved in the 'after' story of their life with us, when they are well fed and have a stable environment and a loving community surrounding their physical, mental and spiritual formation. I forget that so many are from families plagued with drug abuse or jail convictions or abandonment or death. I forget that daily children in Thailand, particularly in the remote areas, are being recruited for armed conflict (see article from the UN and Thai Embassy) and child prostitution (see Wikipedia article). Yes, these are very real possible outcomes.
Because of Suradet and Yupa's own stories of childhood poverty, even though they had both parents living, we often accept children who are not truly orphans in the English meaning of the word. Yet their lives are on an uncertain trajectory that, without some intervention, would keep them spinning into the next generation of deplorable risk.
Pancake has already been spoken for by Sponsors who are eager to make a difference in her life. Thank you!
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| Poo-ey (means bringer of life) |
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| Wee-a |
Wee-a is 12, so serious-looking in this picture which was taken for official purposes where Thais are not allowed to smile. This is so not the case generally speaking in the culture, and certainly no so for life at Hot Springs. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos of Wee-a, perhaps helping out with the baby goats or playing a game with his new big family, where we see more of his life and energy.
Both needs Sponsors.
Which brings me to the weird part of all of this, during a weird time in the world. Asking folks to step up with a personal and financial commitment when the whole world's economies are in recovery (we hope), and when our instincts might be to curl in and hunker down and think of our own survival, that's just a very odd thing to do.
But I do so in great faith. Faith that there is a perfect fit out there for two full-of-potential human beings who need the support of others to make their way in the world.
Our sponsorships are a fair commitment, I won't back away from saying so. All the details can be found by checking out our web page at http://nf-foundation.org/index.php and scrolling down to the bottom of the page for "Sponsorship Info" then "More Donation Information" where you will find our Sponsor's Expectations document. Read it thoroughly. You'll want to know what you're getting into.
And let me add....what you're getting 'into' is far more than an agreement. Our Sponsors have close connection with each child, many even coming to visit. That sense that you're making a difference doesn't just change things for the child, it changes things for you!
If you think you might be a match for either Poo-ey or Wee-a, I'd love to hear from you.
rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca. And of course I'd be happy to answer any questions or clarify any of the expectations.
And everyone, hey, just thanks. Thanks for letting me ask. Thanks for being an open generous online community that allows for all the possibilities out there for us to make a difference. Right now, with everything being so unsettled all around the globe, it's so settling and hopeful to know there's all kinds of folks doing all kinds of good things with what they've been given, sharing it with those who need it most.
Blessings and joy.
