By 7 a.m. they're ready.
They've spent the first 30 minutes singing softly in their pjs and reciting words of hope, affirmation and inspiration from the Bible. Chores are next, while it's still cool, and then getting dressed for school. It's Tuesday, so regular uniforms are donned. Then breakfast. And then last minute gathering of backpacks, and everyone piles on.
Two reasons to mention this.
One is to remind us that our kids do attend the government run schools in our district. We do not run a school here. Their education is set by the education standards of the country, and it includes the practices of the Buddhist faith. Neither their Buddhist teachers, nor ourselves find this to be a problem. The Christian faith of our family is respected. No child is required to participate in the Buddhist morning prayers, only to remain respectfully quiet and still. Works for everyone. We learn respect for one another, and no one is threatened by this.
I say this so that we all understand the broader scope of the opportunities we are providing for the children who come to us. That while the basics of what it means to follow Jesus are clearly taught and practiced in our home, we understand that we live here in a culture that adheres to Buddhism at the statistical rate of 97%. We do not attempt to shelter our kids from the world they are growing up in. Rather, we want to prepare them for it.
The other reason to mention anything about heading off to school is the fact that our truck is getting a tad too small for us.
Sure we fit, kinda. But it's getting a little squishy.
So when we had our New Family Foundation Management Committee meeting (required by Canada's joint venture agreement for 2 to 3 time per year, and obviously fundamental to keeping us working and planning together anyways), we put 'new truck' on our wish list. Suradet has a make and model in mind, so we'll see.
Meanwhile, off they go with P'Anu at the wheel, whose integrity and faithfulness is evident in so many ways, but always in how carefully he carries this precious cargo.
Wishing you all a fabulous Tuesday, wherever you're off to.
Rev. Ruth Anne Breithaupt, MDiv.
Canadian Representative/Missionary in Residence
New Family Foundation/Highview Community Church
The mission of New Family Foundation is 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.
