Christmas Lights

 It's not a holiday in Thailand.

Come Christmas morning, our kids at New Family Foundation will not be waking early and heading down to the Christmas tree.  They won't spend the day in their pjs playing with new toys, or having a special Christmas breakfast, or watching a Christmas movie, or playing board games.

Come Christmas morning, December 25th, they'll wake up early, yes.  They do that every day.  They'll gather for what I expect will be a special Christmas morning time of worship.  Then they'll head out to do their chores, get dressed, eat breakfast, and head off to school.

Christmas Day is not a holiday in Thailand.

Before you feel too sorry for our kids, please know that they have already been enjoying Christmas treats, special meals and extra fun throughout the month, as is the way of celebration for Christians in Thailand.  The church has been decorated since December 3rd.  Christmas songs have long been incorporated into their twice daily times of singing together.  An Sunday, December 24 will be a special service indeed, including the lunch afterwards for everyone in attendance.

As well, we have collected cards from each child's Sponsor and that will be given to them at a moment over the holidays when they can read and enjoy them.  We've made sure there will be some funds to buy a few extra 'presents', to be opened likely at the same time the cards are given.  But this will be in keeping with the fact that our family is big, and gift exchange is not really a 'thing' at Christmas, even among Christians.  Not in the simpler way of living that is the reality of our children's homes of origins, or even the surrounding culture.  

It's interesting to me how much of my own cultural expectations I can still place on what I hope for my Thai family.  I actually can't help but wish all my happy Christmas morning rituals into their reality.  

And yet.  It strikes me that our children have a different kind of Christmas opportunity.  While not a holiday, Christmas Day will still be acknowledged.  Sometimes Christian pastors are invited to speak to a school assembly to tell the Christmas story.  And whether or not that happens for our kids this year, they still get to be Christmas lights, shining the goodness of Jesus into their world.

We want to take this moment now to thank every one of you who has been with us on our journey through the year, 

and many for much longer.

Your love and support mean everything to us.

We wish you a most meaningful Christmas season

and a New Year filled with the blessings of God.

Fun Factor Plus

 

"Bai teo" means 'out for fun', or a little getaway or outing. That was us yesterday.

With an early start, a stop along the way to pick up our lunch for later, and at least one bathroom stop, it took us the better part of the morning to get where we were going. Even before that, you can only imagine what it would be like to prep 17 kids and 7 adults for a day trip. And even before that, the girls had to get all dressed up. Best not-school-not-church clothes. Make up even.

When you're in such a big family, these times are rare. Better make the best of them.

But finally we were off on our rollercoaster adventure.

The word 'rollercoaster' probably conjures up something of an amusement park environment for most of us, at least it did for me when Yupa suggested this for our 'bai teo' this visit.

In actuality, we ended up riding more of a jungle coaster, with some fast turns yes, but more just coasting along the tracks that took every advantage of the gravitational pull down the side of the mountain. Appropriate amount of nervous laughing in the line. Pairing off of the smaller ones with an adult of one of the older girls. Happy screaming around the first fast corner, and big smiles coming up the track at the very end.

Next to lunch, where we found a restaurant willing to let us bring to the tables the chicken and sticky rice meal we had packed, while we ordered several plates of 'som tum', a spicy papaya salad that almost every Thai child will tell you is their favourite food.

From there off to the Queen's Botanical Garden for a magical 'canopy walk' under the tropical rain forest, some happy browsing through the greenhouses, and a visit to the display of tribal villages. Some of the children gave little cries of recognition at the familiar, jumping on the riding card, or climbing up into the huts. Beemai even 'played' at making a meal around the fire pit - just like how she remembers from her village.

Last stop was the Museum of Science, still on the grounds of the Royal Garden. But it was getting later in the day, we zipped through, truth be told. But I was still glad we could expose them to the excellent interactive learning stations, and even just enjoy the wonder of God's creation in the displays of flowers, forests and minerals.

So much fun. All of it. And so much more.

We talked about it at supper. The whole picture of the benefits of these kinds of trips. Fun, yes. And all by itself, that's worth it. To bring joy and lifted spirits and a sense of wonder at how great life can be to this family of gathered children...yes. Fun, yes.

And.

Think of everything else that happened.

More exposure to urban life for children who've never seen a city before coming to live with us. So important if we want to encourage them to become influencers in their own country.

Making good memories to hold on to, balancing out early childhood experiences that would not be so happy. And making them together with our family. Forging relationships that can last a lifetime.

Allowing them to observe various occupations along the way, allowing them to add to their repertoire of 'what I might want to be when I grow up'. As Karen pointed out, maybe some of them will be curious and want to study more science when they get the chance to choose. Or engineering, as in 'how do you get a coaster track to stay in place on the side of a very steep hill/' or 'how did that canopy walk bridge get built?' And so much more.



And the encouragement that they are loved and important. That their Sponsors would make sure they didn't just have the basics, but the fun extras as well. That God would have written this incredible story to connect us from the other side of the world.

You are seen. You are loved. You matter. Let's go have some fun. and then some.

Our thanks, our gratitude is enormous for this.
I know many of our beloved supporters might never be able to come in person. But yesterday - and every day of course - your presence was very much with us. Your love was tangible.

You were very much the PLUS factor for our day of Fun.

All the Moving Parts of All the Things

 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."
Romans 8:28

A cooler, clouded sky hangs over the morning, and it seems fitting somehow. We are welcoming this day with faith for God's leading in all that is presenting itself to us.

For one thing, it's a day of comings and goings. I've mentioned this before, I think, that a unique feature of our time together as a Team is that we haven't really spent the whole time together as a Team. Roger and Karen will return from Phuket this afternoon. Norma and Angela will return to Canada later this evening. Flight times and vehicle capacities make two trips necessary. There's a fair bit of packing, texting, and synchronizing of watches going on.

Of course, this means a time of goodbyes this evening. Bitter sweet in that we come here willing to give our hearts away, and end up leaving pieces of it behind. Every. Time. Angela and Norma are already expressing their feelings about it all. And truth be told, as we've said around the table, if something doesn't hurt about leaving maybe one shouldn't have come in the first place.

A harder thing. Yesterday we had the sad and difficult task of informing one of our girls that her father had passed away. She had already lost her mother three years ago, and had found the grieving difficult. This has hit her hard. We're only into day one of the mourning process, and she has stayed home from school today to regain her composure a bit, and just shadow Dtu in some every day chores, slowly, as she's able. The circumstances of the death were difficult enough that I will respect the privacy and not include the details here. But it is just an added layer to the weight of it all.

Travel stress, grieving, health concerns. All coming together on this day. I have in mind a scene from a movie, I think it's from one of the Dr. Strange episodes, where all the buildings, the streets, everything is heaving and moving at odd and impossible angles, while the characters battle for their lives. At any moment the ground gives way and a new stance is needed to keep your balance and keep the danger at bay.

And while I don't want to portray any sense of real danger or inflate anyone's experience of disorientation - mostly we are staying calm and going with the flow as best we can - there's a certain theological picture in the movie reference that reminds me of something essential.

When so many moving parts are in play, and it seems rather confusing and disrupting to me, there's a God at the helm, controlling the levers, orchestrating everything according to His plans and purposes. And even as we face what we cannot control, we trust in the One who's in charge.

"All things" include, well all the things. And while Romans 8:28 has sometimes been given a bad rap for its glib recitation to people in pain, it's still true. Either I believe it or not. And I do believe it. With my whole being.

So, if you are so inclined, prayers are welcome.
For comfort for one young girl.
For travel safety for four Team members.
For wisdom in caring for and leading our family here through a time of support in mourning.
For all the comings and goings and moving parts of a day that hold so much potential to see what God will do.

Amen and amen.

"Only A Boy Named David" and Other Clips from the Highlight Reel

 

We’re all saying it today.  How have these first few days gone by so fast?

That weird sense of time is only made more ‘warpy’ because of a transition we’re experiencing as Roger, Karen and Norma head south to Phuket for a visit with Esther.  As well as being one of our own from Highview, and Norma’s niece to boot, Esther has been serving with For Freedom International in Thailand for over a year. 

It will be a fun excursion for them, and a perhaps quieter dynamic for Angela and I who will remain at Hot Springs, and it’s all good.  But it’s also a little sad because, well, we were all really enjoying each other’s company so much.

It has gone fast.  Days have been full.  A lot of hopes for how we’d spend our time here have already seen fruition.  Particularly for Roger and Karen whom we have dubbed our ‘camp activity directors.’  Jenga and Dutch Blitz, both with ‘some assembly required’ energy spent.   Sneaky math games with dice.  For all of us, the reading.  For all of us, the opportunities to simply get to know the kids better.

Tonight at supper we imagined our ‘highlight’ reel so far. Being part of the worship team on our first Sunday morning.  Moments of comprehension breakthroughs with certain kids in our reading groups.  Karen, Angela and Norma giving a rousing rendition of “Only A Boy Named David” one evening at worship time.  The joy and wonder on the kids’ faces when they’ve seen themselves in a book.  Little mishaps with a plate full of rice that shouldn’t be so funny but are.  Working together with Dtu and Anu in simple, everyday tasks.  Watching the delight on faces building the Jenga tower for the first time.  Yesterday’s outing to Doi Sutep and today’s to the Thursday morning market.  All the good food.

But what we keep coming back to is how well we are navigating this experience together.  How easy the conversations are.  How much we’re able to talk about what we’re learning and experiencing.  How safe is the emotional environment, and how that’s providing a good spiritual space to simply give and receive. 

This is so good.  So good.  It’s been a long, long time since a Team has come.  Almost four years.  And since it’s so important that we keep sharing this thing we do with as many people as possible, it’s so, so good to realize that it can still happen in such gentle and redemptive ways.

Photo by Roger Bowman

 We deeply appreciate the extra work and loving care we receive from our hosts.  Suradet and Yupa, Dtu and Anu are incredible.  The same warmth and hospitality and welcome the children experience in this household benefits us greatly.  Most people who come here say that it’s been a place of healing. 

Some Team Members have been helping to do a little bit of my job for me in these first days, sending home pictures and anecdotes to Sponsors of their specific children.  I am hoping to get to more of that myself in the coming days, now that jet lag and the initial adjustments have settled down some.

Meanwhile, here’s a few shots of our ‘highlight’ reel.

Thank you and thank you for all the love and support to get us to this space.

Books and Books and Books

 

No nap today!  That’s a hurrah on two counts.  One, it means jet lag is pretty much had its way with me by now, and I’m on the other side of it.  Yay for that.

But more importantly, and much more fun was that it made for a great afternoon of sorting and culling our Hot Springs English library.  By the end, we were left with six bins with a fairly equal assortment of books, based on reading levels, subject matter, and simple variety.  This means that later this afternoon when the kids get home, we can each take a bin for a more balanced reading experience. 

By the end, I was also left with no small sense of realization as to just how beautifully our library has grown these past several years.  When we started the reading initiative here, all we had were some library discards from various and sundry sources I really know nothing about.  It was better than nothing, but in another sense, enough were in such rough shape that it sent a vastly different message than “Books are our friends,” or “Reading is fun!”

Over the years, and through the generosity of friends and Sponsors from within and outside of Highview, we have gathered quality reading material that is not only a joy to interact with but communicates a better level of respect for both reading and, quite frankly, our kids. 

Side note:  Getting something new is a ‘thing’ here. 

This trip, however, we’ve been able to up the ante one more level.  Through the generosity and expertise of Cheryl Wilton (retired English Learning Intervention consultant) and her associate Pat Harrison (of Blueberry Hill Books), we have added some first class early readers written and designed by people who really know how children learn to read.   The books donated by Cheryl and Pat were added to the bins today, and will be show-cased in this afternoon’s reading time.

But that’s not even the best of it.

Cheryl has created for us no less than four books that were written and designed to depict the life of our family here!  No kidding!  The pictures and the story lines are all about us!

Four books all about us!  And each of the nights at evening worship when I’ve pulled them out and called the kids forward to gather around, their wonder and delight at seeing themselves in the books is written on their faces just as clearly as the text on the pages. 

“Everything we need for life and godliness….”  It’s a phrase from 2 Peter 1:3 I quote often, claiming that promise for each step of the way as we raise up these sensational human beings.  And here’s just one more example.  I did not go out and seek this professional assistance for our English learning initiative at Hot Springs.  It came to us. 

So a huge thank you to Cheryl Wilton, who is our primary contact and enthusiastic source of learning materials.  And also to Pat Harrison and Blueberry Hill Books, which you can check out for yourselves at this link.

We’ll be hearing more about all of this as the days go by, for sure.

Especially since we just found out today that the younger kids won’t be going to school tomorrow (something about a sports tournament happening on their campus that they are not involved in), so we’ll have the whole day with them.

Yay and yay!

 

 

A More Settled Saturday

 

As a whole the Team agrees that our jet lag is lessening day by day.  Personally, I have had the best sleep yet last night, and wake to the happy joy that is any Saturday morning anywhere.  We have no plans but to invite the children to the table in the guest house and begin the creative work that will be a little something-something for our Sponsors this Christmas. 

A pink sky covers the early morning chores of the children.  Yes, they are singing.  Yes, they are laughing.  And we comment on this as we stand together down on the driveway to welcome the day. 

At breakfast plans are only slightly altered to add a quick visit to the new property, and to excuse Roger from the card making so he and Suradet and visit a hardware store for supplies that will aid in a little building project they have in mind.  Roger is disappointed to miss the card making, but never mind.

A few pictures here for now, because the trip to the new property is a thing unto itself, to be highlighted in its own posting over the next few days.  But wow!  So much work has been done, and it looks great!

Back to Hot Springs and the happy chaos of pulling out all the paper, scissors, and glue, along with special card-making cutters courtesy of Norma.  It’s messy and sparkly and imaginative.  More singing.  More laughing.  And, wow, do we ever have some good creations to bring home with us!

I still need a nap, and it’s lovely.  We won’t read to the children on Saturdays and Sundays.  It’s okay for everyone to have a little break, even as we want to encourage the eager start we’ve had.

Soon will be supper.  Then our evening time of worship and continuing our learnings about David.  Got a good video lined up about a dog waiting for the signal to gulp down the treat perched on his nose.  Waiting is hard.  David knows this.  We can learn from this.

It would be easy to forget the significance of this particular November 11^th.  There is no historical involvement in Thailand with the World Wars that inform our Remembrance Day.  No one is wearing a poppy, no 11 a.m. moments of silence, no gathering around a memorial to hear a bugle played.

Still, for of our freedoms to come and go, because as Canadians we have a global presence and the means to travel, we are grateful.   

May peace prevail in all the places of the earth where war still ravages humanity.  

And Praise to the Father who has gathered this precious ones together in such a safe place.

Still Unpacking

 

For me it’s Friday morning and with the delay in the arrival of our luggage we are still not fully unpacked.

This is messing with the ‘what day is it’ deal even more than usual.  Last Sunday in Ontario we lost an hour.  But I’m sort of feeling like I’ve misplaced a couple of days.  Friday?  How can the week have already gone by and our stuff is still in such disarray?

With a Team of five, it meant we could bring more.  So, when I say ‘our stuff’ it’s not just our clothes and personal items, but five large suitcases full of teaching supplies for Bible lessons, prizes for our English reading program, and an array of crafts for both some fun and also a little special something for our Sponsors (shhhh).

As an added bonus we’ve also been able to bring along significant material to teach both reading and writing skills, courtesy of some generous hearts with professional expertise who will be named, but later.  I have yet to fully unpack all of it, as I said.  And their contribution is worthy of a separate posting complete with pictures of the children interacting with what they’ve sent.  So, stay tuned.

Today we should have the space and perhaps even less-spinny heads to sort and organize.  Yesterday we headed to Chiang Mai to exchange our Canadian dollars into Thai baht, and visit Yupa’s Mom in hospital.  Our timing was perfect as we got to pray with her just before her surgery.  To respect her privacy, I’ll just say that this is a welcome outcome after several months of health issues, and she is expected to be home and on the mend very soon. 

Also of note, is that this was at McCormick Hospital which I referenced in last Sunday’s (was that just last Sunday?) online sermon at Highview on Daniel McGilvary.   It was an additional bit of historical interest for the Team, and another moment of respect and awe for me towards this truly inspirational pioneer missionary to Northern Thailand.

Later in the day we got to do our first reading time with the kids.  Honestly, there’s something pretty rewarding when they asked already for us to do this on Wednesday, our first day.  And when we asked for another day to recover from the trip, they were understanding but clearly disappointed.  So when we finally did bring out the books and the little ones came running, well…  It’s one of those pictures I keep in my heart to remind me why we do this.

It's not lost on me, as we sit and work out the difference between “chick” and “chuck”, or “goat” and “toad”, that these two eager young lads in front of me are not lethargic from hunger.  They were when they got here.  In fact, one of them had to be lovingly coached not to overeat to the point of vomiting, a response sometimes seen in children who still don’t trust that there will be enough to eat tomorrow.

Our jet lag has settled down into mostly being just about not sleeping through the night.  And it’s hot, so there’s that to add to the late afternoon sense of hitting a wall.  But we remain in good spirits, taking care of each other, curious to seek what God’s got in mind for our time here.

Have I mentioned how great this Team is?  Have I mentioned it’s not the same without Megan?

I think I promised more pictures in yesterday’s posting.  Let’s see if we can do better today.

 

First Days Daze

 

 

Jet lag and travel recovery become the priority every time.  But this time, with my own health issues being a thing in the final week of preparation, then a last minute cancellation by one of our Team members due to COVID, a delay in Toronto right at the start of our trip, a consequential Hollywood-style sprint through the airport to catch our connecting flight, and then not having our bags arrive with us, these first 48 hours in Thailand have been just a tad more disorienting than usual for me.

Except, while I’m certainly feeling the physicality of it, what’s been lovely is how quickly we’ve been enfolded into the gentleness of this place, and how that’s helped everyone be so chill about it all. 

 This is a good Team.

 And we miss Megan so I’ll mention that here, and probably a few times over the next little bit.  For those who don’t know, Megan had been preparing with us for months to join in this adventure.  But she got in on a ‘sharing’ of COVID that happened amongst our community of faith just before we were set to go.

Timing is everything, as they say.  So, we miss her, and continue to wish her a speedy recovery.

Yesterday we laid low.  Took a little walking tour of the garden and animal pens.  Named a baby pig.  Visited Hot Springs Park where we had lunch.  Slept in the afternoon.  Greeted the kids when they got home from school.  Prepared the little gift bags to be ready for evening worship.

Here’s a fun thing.  Only one out of ten of our checked bags arrived in Chiang Mai when we did.  And just to give some background, five of our checked bags were dedicated to gifts and books and reading incentives etc.  The rest were our own person clothing and such.  The one bag that came with?  It was the one that held the arrival gift bags and goodies we had hoped to be able to give out the first night we were here.  So, we were able to do that!  So happy we were able to do that!

Evening worship was lovely.  Happy dancing moments.  Glad words of welcome and greeting.  Introducing everyone to everyone.  A few words about missing Megan and trusting God’s goodness.  Then handing out the bags.  Then being done but not done with getting-to-know-you conversations happening for Sponsors meeting their special kids for the first time, and generally trying to remember names.

Around the table afterwards we just simply talked about the goodness of this day.  And just after that – out bags arrived!

So, for today we’ll be ready to keep going with the flow, only feeling a tad fresher I should think.

Thinking about heading into Chiang Mai to exchange our money at the banks at Big C.  But we’ll see where the day takes.

Hopefully more pictures. 

For everyone who’s supported us in any way whatsoever, our grateful thanks over and over again.

Bibles and Broccoli Stems and Bai Teos.

One of my first mentors in cross cultural ministry told me that just like I'll always speak Thai with an accent, I will also 'do culture' with an accent. I am finding this to be true.

And one of the more 'accented' bits is the difference between the perspectives of privilege and poverty.

A trip to Niagara Falls can really bring this forward.

In Thai 'bai teo' means 'out for fun,' or more simply, 'an outing'. Saturday was that for a group of us from Highview, and we had a great day. Ken and I were responsible for the cost for eight of us (ourselves, our guests, and three of our grandchildren), which we'd budgeted for, of course. But it's no surprise that this adds up.

Suradet often asks how much something costs. This is not impolite, just a matter of curiosity and comparison, and trying to understand Canadian economics. And inevitably, when told, his response is one of shock.

The shock is more than just that between the value of the Canadian dollar and the Thai baht. Much more.

Anyone who was with us on October 15 for Suradet's sermon knows that, when he was a child, one can of tuna was the entire portion of protein for a family of six for the entire day. And not every day did they have that luxury.

When I was a child, my parents brought me to Niagara Falls. Often.

New topic, same point. Broccoli stems.

Usually Ken and I eat them. Peel off the outer layer, then chop into cubes and throw them in with the tree tops. But on the day we had the reception for Sponsors and Supporters, there was so much going on in the kitchen, that in preparing the veggie tray, I just threw the stems into the compost.

Yupa fished them out. She very respectfully explained that you can eat these too, then wrapped them up and put them back in the fridge for later.

Like my Thai Bible.

A few years back, when my Thai/English Bible was falling apart, I asked if we could visit the Christian Bookstore in Chiang Mai so I could buy a new one. Yupa had another idea and brought out some duct tape, which she very artistically used to put my Bible back together again.

She, too, was raised in a very different environment than me.

And I am brought to that humble place again.
I don't like it.
Being reminded simply by example and contrast, how very privileged my life has been and how this permeates everything, hurts my heart.
But I'm glad for it.

Back to the day trip to Niagara Falls. When we talked about it afterwards, after they had stopped trying to add up how much the day has cost, I asked them.

"In 16 years of caring for the children, and all the personal sacrifices you have made, how many times have you had a holiday?"

Reluctant nods of, 'oh okay, we get it, sort of.' Because they never do, not really.

I have no problem budgeting for a one day outing to one of the seven wonders of the world to bless these incredible heroes of faith and tenacity and compassion. And to include my grandchildren and other friends in the experience of making memories together with them. No problem at all.

But I am also deeply grateful for the ways our connection presses me into places of my soul that need some attention. For how it makes me think twice about spending money on something I could do without. How it makes me realize just how much God has given me, and how much He wants to make sure hungry children have food, and what that has to do very directly with me.

This Is Not A Christmas Tree....Probably

Here's the riddle of the day:

How are this tree and Christmas connected?

Answer:

The tree is on the new property New Family Foundation is currently developing. That is the project for which we are raising funds at tonight's music and market event. And the market bit is where you can start your Christmas shopping!!!

See what I did there? :)

What you can see around this tree is the 'gift' of the excavation that has recently taken place thanks to the funds raised in the spring and summer of 2021 "Dollar for Dollar Campaign".

Again, there's a good connection if you look for it.

And connection is what it's all about tonight.
Your connection with amazing things happening for at-risk and orphan children in Thailand.

"A New Home for Our New Family"

Music, mini market and dessert night for the purposes of raising funds for the next steps

in the development of our new property.

7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

295 Highview Drive Kitchener N2N 2K7

All market items are directly from Thailand.
There's even Thai coffee!!!!!!

Come and be inspired by what Suradet and Yupa will say in their own words about what happens when we get connected in meaningful ways.

Hope to see you there.

When You Have to Move But You Don't Really Want To

 

Morning breaks or sun is setting, either way the sky over Hot Springs covers a place of healing and peace.  We are out a little ways from the big city, down a road that has built up over the years, but would still be considered "out of the way."

A long driveway sets us back from the road.  Behind all the buildings is a steep hill covered in trees.  A decent path off to the right of the kitchen takes us past a well cultivated garden to the goat pen beyond.

We're talking about 10 acres of space for kids to run and learn and live and love.

This is the property on Hot Springs Korean Methodist Church is situated, and where Pastors Suradet and Yupa have, for the past 15 years, welcomed at risk and orphaned children into a now rather larger, and always loving family.  They were at-risk themselves as children.  When they realized what God had given them in the property assigned to their new church plant, opening their arms to the children just seemed like the right thing to do.

Fast forward to today and...we're moving.

Why would we ever want to leave this place?  

We don't.  

But we have to.

Here's why.

With the onset of military rule in 2014 new requirements for children’s welfare came into play.  Rightfully so.  Previously the loose and unregulated 'understandings' around the care of at-risk and orphan children left room for far too much that would not actually be in the best interests these small vulnerable human beings.  So it was due time to tighten up the requirements.  Among these requirements was that of having children’s homes established on ‘deeded property’.  

The property on which Hot Springs currently sits is ‘crown land’, and while it is legal to build a variety of structures on it, for example a church, it is not deeded, and therefore does not fall under compliance.  

Also, there's the fact that the Hot Springs property is owned not by Pastors Suradet and Yupa or even their local church, but by the Korean Methodist Church of Thailand, as I've already said.  

It is therefore necessary that we strive to relocate the children as soon as we can.  We do have a buffer.  Since we are in active process of becoming compliant, and also because we have a legally registered office address on deeded property, the children’s home we currently have is in no immediate danger of being shut down.  Plus the entire country, like the entire world, has had so many things put on 'pause' that it is not seen as a delay when not much has been done during the years of COVID.

But at any given time we could be served notice.  So we're moving.

That's why the development of our new property is so important.  And that's why, during this current visit to Canada, we wanted to let Suradet and Yupa speak for themselves about it all.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

7:00 to 8:30

Music, Mini-Market and Dessert

295 Highview Drive KIT ON N2N 2K7

We would love to have you join us for a mini concert upstairs, a mini market downstairs, and an opportunity to partner with us in these excited next steps for New Family Foundation.

“The mission of New Family Foundation is to provide a loving home for at-risk and orphaned children in in Northern Thailand to help them achieve their best potential in education, vocation and service to society.”

It Goes Both Ways (And So Do We)

Yupa, Bell, Suradet

The great anticipation is almost over.  

Soon, God-willing, they'll be here.

It doesn't happen very often, Suradet, Yupa and Bell coming this way.  Mostly it's us heading there.  Seems to be our first default when we think of partnerships in far away places.  We are the ones that 'go'.  

And yes, in November a Team from Highview will do exactly that.  To visit and encourage and help with English learning and go out and have some fun with the kids.  We'll take a few out trips as well, just to get a better feel for the culture.  And we'll share with each other what we've learned about following Jesus and how God's Word speaks into our Thai lives.  That's what a short-term missions trip in the context of a long-term relationship looks like.

And when that's a true partnership, and when in reality so many on this side of the planet might never get to the other, it's also a deeply good thing to bring them here.  To visit and encourage and meet the Sponsors, and help us with our understanding of what it means to be raising a family of 22.  We'll do a few out trips as well, because Niagara Falls is actually one of the seven wonders of the world.  And we'll share with each other what we've learned about following Jesus and how God's Word speak into our Canadian lives.  And they will teach us so much about living by faith.  

Over the past 15 years as we have been walking this adventure together, the development of a true reciprocity has become a hallmark of this partnership.  We have so much to learn from and give to each other.  

Anticipated arrival is October 7.  That's this Saturday!!

And then the next weekend, that's when a lot happens.

Saturday, October 14 is our night of music and market and dessert at Highview (295 Highview Drive, Kitchener ON N2N 2K7) from 7 to 9 p.m.  "A New Home for Our New Family" where they will tell us first hand what's happening on the property in preparation for the next steps in development.

Sunday, October 15 is when Suradet will tell his own story of childhood poverty in a Sunday service dedicated to highlighting the work of New Family Foundation.  "One Can of Tuna" is the title of his sermon.  And we'll hear from Yupa as well.  All this also at Highview of course.

Anyone who's met them feels it.  

Their lives are inspiring.  

Their faith is powerful.  

Can't wait to share that with everyone again.

“The mission of New Family Foundation is to provide a loving home 

for at-risk and orphaned children in in Northern Thailand 

to help them achieve their best potential in education, 

vocation and service to society.”

 

A Big Thank You For a Big Effort

Wara - Theological Studies

 So delighted to report that Saturday's Garage Sale to raise fund for these       three deserving young women was a resounding success!

Total amount raised:  $1,600.00.

And because of continued inquiries from those who could not be there, that amount could actually be more before the day is done.

Tae - Business and Horticulture

Beyond the money, however, other successes of the Garage Sale should not be overlooked.

• A raising of general awareness of the needs of at-risk and orphan children in Northern Thailand.
• The deep encouragement for Wara, Tae and Da themselves.  You have no idea what this means for them.
• The deep encouragement for their parents, raising and launching such a large family, to know we have their backs on this.
• The good connection with the immediate neighbours of Highview Community Church who came out to support our cause.  And who also received an invitation to come join us on Sundays any time.
• The comradery and bonding of the Garage Sale Team itself, as we put out good effort together for a cause we all believe in, helping to shine the hope of Jesus into a world that needs Him so badly.

As always, Thank You seems inadequate all by itself.

But we say it anyways.

With all our hearts.

Da - Nursing.

 I will let Yupa, Director and Home Parent, have the last word: (straight from Google Translate)

Thank you so much for loving the children and we pray that God will bless and increase you in everything. I see the love of Jesus in the Highview Church brothers and sisters and family. Father Ken and Mother Ruth are honored to have everyone. People who love and care for little people like us, thank you very much.

God bless

Thank You!!

 We cannot say it enough!

Total raised today, to help Wara, Tae and Da continue their post secondary education:

$1,223.20!!!

This goes a LONG way in Thailand.
And it means the world to us!

Every person who donated items.
Every person who came to sort and clean yesterday.
Every person who helped us promote this.
Every person who showed up today to assist our shoppers.
And to all the shoppers themselves.

Thank you!!!!!
God bless you!!!!

Training Dragons

 

It was always the giggle with Tae. And a bit of held back mischief in her eyes, as if she knew an amusing secret. But then, at the smallest prompt, a big burst of laughter.

And she’s grown so tall. One of the lovelies. That’s what I like to call our teenage girls. And she is all graceful and strong and stepping out into her almost-adult life.

We all went to the movies once. It was the ‘bai teo’ (out for fun) of one particular visit. And a big deal too. You can imagine what it’s like to take a family of 23 out to the movies. Doesn’t really happen all that often. And while the overall cost is not as astronomical as it would be here, it’s still a fair bit of the budget to take into consideration. Especially if you’re getting popcorn.

Plus, there’s the logistics. Getting us all there, parking, getting out of the vehicle. Getting us all up the escalators (many for the very first time), around and around to the top floor of the mall where the theatres are. Buying the tickets. Buying the snacks. Finding our seats. Even before the movie begins, we’ve had several little adventures.

Most the of children, especially the younger ones, the ones newer to our family, are all bug-eyed and clutching. So quiet. The big city is so different from where they were born, and even from where they live now.

The lovelies, however, are over the top excited. We get to go to the movies!!! This never happens! Tae isn’t the only one with giggles and bursts of laughter on this day.

But.

At one point the lovelies realize the title we’ve chosen. “How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”. It’s the conclusion to a series from Dream Works based on the novels by Cressida Cowell. It’s animated.

Wait, what? Tae is brave enough to express a concern that is apparently causing some consternation all of a sudden. She comes to me in an unusual show of questioning an elder.

“Cah-toon?” she asks, using the Thai word borrowed from English. There is no attempt to hide her disappointment. All this hype about going to the movies, and Ahjahn Ruth has the nerve to take us grown up girls to a movie for meant for babies?

If you know the “How to Train Your Dragon” series, or anything by Dream Works for that matter, you will know that the animation is sensational and the storyline compelling. The teens in my family are all over this. But with no context, Tae isn’t so sure.

I lay my arm across her shoulders and pull her in a little. “Chorp mahk.” You will like it, I promise. She nods, and is polite, but obviously not entirely convinced.

We watch the movie. It has such a sacrifice-for-love ending that most of us are crying. Goodbye beloved dragons (spoiler alert, oh too late, never mind). Tae is crying. We file out of our seats and we catch each other’s glance. She comes to me, still weeping, and says meaningfully, somewhat dramatically, “Chorp, mai chorp” Like, not like. “Chan cojai” I understand. It really is a tear jerker, just sayin.’

Tae grows things now. She’s studying horticulture and business with the goal of being an independent business woman with her own garden selling flowers and produce. This is a common and very solid career path for Thais, who value the entrepreneurial spirit. She’s living in residence right in the city of Chiang Mai. I bet she’s seen more movies by now.

She came home to Hot Springs when Ken and I were there this summer. Just to see us. And she’s still very much one of the lovelies.

This is what all the fuss is about this Saturday at Highview.
Our Garage Sale is to raise funds for Tae, and also Da and Wara, to continue their education past high school, giving them every opportunity to follow their own path into adult life.

Highview Community Church
295 Highview Drive, Kitchener
Come see us from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.