These are unusual times.
Usually, by this time of year, I am sending out invites to a meeting where we start talking about a Team visit in November. Usually, we are gathering the Team, looking at ticket prices and making sure passports are up to date. Usually, we are moving on to setting some goals and objectives for our English learning, and brainstorming ways we can make the best use of our time with the children.
But not this year.
This year I will go on my own, and I will go in September.
Because...
The global fuel crisis is affecting Thailand differently, more significantly, than it is for us here in Canada. This has led to a general sense of ill-ease in the country, demonstrated by long line ups at the gas stations, rationing, and the beginnings of panic buying not just gas but other items, in a similar kind of way as we all stocked up on toilet paper at the start of the pandemic.
And while the stress eases for a bit here and there, and perhaps right now the gas lines are shorter, there is no clear solution in sight as long as conflicts in specific regions of the world continue. The specific request from our most hospitable hosts Suradet and Yupa, is that until things are more certain, having a Team of folks come visit would be a bit more than we can handle at the moment.
And then there's the fact that our first inquiry to pricing tickets at that time of year would put a single return flight from Toronto to Chiang Mai at $5,000.00. Yes, I typed that correctly.
By contrast, our agent found a ticket for September for $2,200.00. I jumped on it.
September is not as pleasant a month, weather-wise, to be in Thailand as November is (think perpetual sauna). But it also marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic death of Suradet and Yupa's 20 year old son, Bee, due to a motorcycle accident. I have very much wanted to be with them for that.
(2008)
And so, off I go, on my own this time. From September 4 to 17.
This provides another connection point for Sponsors.
I would very much like to bring a packet from each Sponsor with me when I go. Because I will have only 2 checked bags, each packet needs to be on the lighter side. Less than 2 pounds please.
To have them ready and weighed properly in time for my departure, I will be asking for a due date of August 23.
Don't worry. I'll be sending out lots of reminders :).
A possible Team Trip in January is still on the table.
As things progress world-wide, and because we truly value the hands-on, in-person connection that's only possible when friends come to visit, we are still holding a hopeful space for a Team Trip in January. Those of you who have been before, and are hoping to return, please know that it has been a difficult decision to cancel the November trip. While we can't promise anything at this point, I will do everything I can, as soon as I can, to keep communicating about what may or may not open up for us in January.
In the meantime...
Your generous responses to the variety of fundraising initiatives has been so encouraging!
Watch for our August Tea Party mailing, in celebration of Yupa, and August 12th being Mother's Day in Thailand.
And, in the KW area, you can begin to set aside your gently used items to donate to our Garage Sale on September 26 (at Highview Community Church).
As always and ongoing, any and all donations towards New Family Foundation can be made through donations@hcckw.ca. Simply indicate "NFF" where prompted. Any questions, you can always email me directly at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.
There are time when our collective humanity is more obvious than others. In these days, it is so clear that what happens in far away places directly affects us all. Thank you for reaching beyond your own space, out into regions beyond. For caring and partnering and praying and simple being mindful of our children who, geographically are on the other side of the planet, but in every other way are very close to our hearts.
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