Normally, around this time of the year, what I write about here is easier to read. It's all about the kids and what special Christmas celebrations we're planning. Usually I would have some updated pictures from my latest trip. I'd be wrapping and delivering thank yous for our Sponsors brought back from the markets. It would be all happy and encouraging and could even include a fun story about large bugs or language faux pas.
But there's a lot going on in the world right now. Nothings' normal.
The pandemic and politics play into our newsfeeds in ways that seem very focused on Western concerns, or even all that's transpiring in Europe. Yet on the other side of the planet, where ironically the virus has been kept under much better control, unrest and violence are not.
I'll make no attempt to explain the issues facing Thailand right now. I do know that there are layers of cultural complexities and a long history of military rule in play. It's not hard to find articles online if you're so inclined. And I'll include one link here as a quick reference.
These are disturbing images.
I want to be quick to reassure you that our children at Hot Springs are far removed from the direct effects of anything that's going on on the streets of Bangkok. Even should issues arise in Chiang Mai, our more remote location about 45 minutes away provide something of a protective buffer from the immediacy.
Still, the ripple effects of a country ill at ease do not bide well for the economy and overall stability. Both the pandemic and the politics in Thailand are taking a toll on the tourist industry. And all of it is taking its toll on the people.
It's important, I think, to understand the broader environment in which we at New Family Foundation are carrying out our mission 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.
Without any economic or political unrest, this is no small task. But faced with a changing cultural landscape, with uncertain times ahead, what Suradet and Yupa, and our Staff, and all of you who support us are attempting is enormous.
So here's where I do want to say thank you to all our Supporters. That you have remained faithful during a year when you have been dealing with your own anxieties and pressures is amazing! Our gratitude for your ongoing love and care for our kids, even during a year when travel has been restricted and the fresh first hand reports from my physical presence there are missing, is beyond what I can properly express.
I will be sending along a Christmas report very soon. There's a Christmas tree up at Hot Springs. A little party is planned for December 25th, Friday night, after the kids get home from school (no school holiday in Thailand for Christmas). We've even done an actual card exchange where, back in October I collected cards from our Sponsors to go to our kids and...the kids did the same and now I have some fun envelopes to deliver this way!
But for now I felt it was important to make us just a little more aware of all that we're dealing with as we partner with our precious ones half a world away.
It's precarious, for sure. AND we know we do not stand on the shifting sands of political unrest or global disease. Psalm 27:13 provides a solid reminder.
I would have despaired unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
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