Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Simple Gifts



 
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
'Twill be the valley of love and delight
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
"Simple Gifts" - Shaker* folk song


The gift of simplicity is very pervasive at Hot Springs.  Any time I remember this Shaker folk song with its lilting tune and reorienting lyrics (link to the song if you'd like to hear it), I can't help but long to be there.

Less is more.  

It's a common reflection of people who come with me, especially those for the first time.  How little these children have, compared to children back in Canada, and yet, how happy they are.  It's as if our more materialistic Western sensibilities are messed with in all the good and disturbing ways they should be.  




Wait, what?  "Stuff" doesn't make you happy?  
You can play cool games with stones?
You can have fun just standing in a circle with friends, clapping in rhythm while singing a song?
You don't need electronics, or even store-bought toys to enjoy a Saturday?

Yup.  And seed pods (similar to but not Maple keys), held by the stem make for good spinning if you run with them.  Large, slow-moving beetles make good pets.  Gardening and tending the goats is good fun all on its own.

So when we arrive with Sponsors' packets full of trinkets and toys, it's like Christmas morning!
And when someone brings an idea for Jenga blocks or "Thai Blitz", what a bonus!
Still, no one has a bike.


Just a simple life out in the country where it's good.

Less is more.
Until less isn't quite enough.

And here's where I just put out an ask.

In crunching the numbers for this fiscal year's 2024 budget, we, like everyone else on the planet, are experiencing some sticker shock.  Electricity has gone up.  Gas has gone up.  Rice has gone up.

It's like this every year, for sure.  Cost of living increases are hardly a new thing.  And in the six years we've been operating as New Family Foundation we've actually been able to move forward in closing the gap between what we receive and what we need.

Mostly this has happened in three ways:
Increasing the monthly amount for individually sponsored Children.
One time and/or regular donations from generous Supporters.
Specifically designated fundraisers.

But looking ahead to the next 12 months, due to the unusual economic factors in play everywhere, we are looking at a need in our daily operations budget of $11,000.00 over the year, or approximately $1,000.00 per month.

As the Canadian Representative for New Family Foundation, it is in my job description to address this.  And over this next year, fundraising and adjusting our donor base will take a top level priority, beginning with the formation of a strategic plan directed at finances.  

So, I'm just letting you know.

Ways you can help.

Give
What you can, when you can.
Without a sense of obligation or stress, because we truly do believe there's enough to go around, and are in no way in competition with any of the other beautiful causes out there.
To give to NFF through Highview check out the options laid out on Highview's webpage at www.hcckw.ca/giving.  
And, for every gift, thank you.

Refer
I am currently scoping out educational opportunities towards non-profit fundraising and have found several good sources.  However, I'm open to more, especially ones that don't require high fees up front (which I have to admit I find somewhat ironic).  If you have good experience with this and can make a referral, please email me separately at rabreithaup@hcckw.ca.  
And, for every referral, thank you.

Pray
For God's provision, creativity, increased frugality and budgeting on our part.
For joy in the asking, in the giving, in the learning.
That our children will have all their needs met as they grow into all God created them to be.
And for every prayer, thank you.





*I do not mean to make comparisons to doctrines or worship practices between this 18th century Christian sect and New Family Foundation, other than the comparison of simplicity.  With an interesting history all on their own, the Shakers were a sect associated with the Quaker movement in both Britain and the United States.  They are/were known for their industry, innovation, and devotion to simplicity.  Hence the style of furniture named for them.   Also, they liked to dance, which they did a lot, and very obviously, by the folk dance directions in lyrics, to this song.  


Monday, April 8, 2024

How Little Does it Take to Make a Huge Difference? Educating Girls in Thailand

I'll start with the bottom line.

Right now, we need $3,000 to send some girls to school.

Now let me give you the (much) bigger picture.

==============

When Tae arrived at Hot Springs she was twelve years old.

We asked her to give a bit of a bio about herself.


This is what she told us.

My name is Kratae and I am from the Shaw Karen Tribe.  I am the youngest of two children and we live high on a mountain.  My parents separated.  

I have nowhere to attend school nearby and there is no one who can send me to any other school.  The nearest school is a 4 hour walk from my village.  It is too far for me to attend school regularly.  My mother has to work to provide for me and my older sibling which is very hard for her.  

But now I am able to come to live at Hot Springs I can attend school like other children.  I also have the opportunity to learn about worshipping God.  Even though I don't know how to sing or understand the Bible, now that I am at Hot Springs I am learning more and more about God!

Everything in this bio speaks to a pervasive reality in Southeast Asia.  Poverty prevents possibility.  And it's especially true for young girls.

Remember that she is 12 when she is gathered into our family.  Look at the chilling comment from an article by The Borgen Project.

"To conclude, girls in Thailand do have equal access to education but there are often other obstacles in their way. Girls who do not attend school are at a higher risk of being human trafficked."  (Emphasis added)  Girls' Education in Thailand 

Today, Tae has completed her high school education and is attending Rajabaht Univeristy in Chiang Mai, studying horticulture and business.  She hopes to own and operate her own produce garden one day.  An independent business woman.



This is a good time to thank Tae's Sponsors, George and Linda Gabber, who have supported her all the way through.

Here's the thing though.

Our students are financially supported through a separate fund than how we manage daily operations. And while the monthly amount Sponsors donate does indeed cover the cost of their elementary school education, we do not expect our Sponsors to foot the bill for post secondary school fees.  

The good news is that it costs roughly $1,000.00 Canadian dollars per year per student to provide the educational opportunities they choose to pursue.  You read that right.  

Just $1,000 for tuition AND board to make the all the difference in the world for Tae.

It's April so, it's time again to make the appeal.

We have three students and right now we need $3,000 to set them up for their next run of studies.

Want to help make a HUGE difference?  A few ways to do this.

Contact me via email, rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.

E-transfer your donation to donations@hcckw.ca and designated it for Student Fund.

Send a check payable to Highview Community Church
with "NFF Student Fund" in the memo line to:
Pauline McAughey
Highview Community Church
295 Highview Drive KIT ON N2N 2K7

All contributions over $20 will be receipted for tax purposes.

Thanks for letting me ask.
Thanks for considering!

Blessings all,

Ruth Anne

Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.
Missionary in Residence/Canadian Representative
Highview Community Church/New Family Foundation
Logo update.png
The mission of New Family Foundation is to provide a loving home
for at risk and orphan children in Northern Thailand
to help them achieve their best potential in
education, vocation and service to society.