When They Iron Your Underwear

 

I firmly believe that a sense of humour and a whimsy for fun are essential qualities in a pastor. That's important to this story.

First, we have to state that a feature of our time at Hot Springs is that we are treated as honoured guests and very definitely not invited into the domestics of things. When it comes to laundry, I'm not allowed to do any of the hanging on the line (we have no clothes dryers at Hot Springs), and it all comes back to me so neatly folded. Anything cotton or wrinkly is ironed. Ironed? I don't even do that for myself at home. Sigh.

I sneak in as much as I can when no one's looking, but truly, they really don't like it when I help clear the table, try to wash dishes, or clean my own bathroom. Believe me, I've offered countless times, all with adamant refusals. Which leads to the sneaking I've mentioned, and a little bit of family fun.

One easy sneak is taking in laundry, because, well usually no one is looking. I was making such an attempt on a day when Wara caught me. Mind you, this was my own laundry, my own underwear that I was gathering. But Wara came around from behind the hedge, saw what was happening, and made the usual fuss.

'No! Ajahn Ruth, please let me do that for you!' I protested, clutching my underwear protectively. "Chan ow chewy." I want to help. You all do so much for me all the time. This is a small thing.

'But don't you want us to iron those first?' she asked pointing to my underpants. Full stop. I think my mouth gaped open just a little.

Iron our underpants? What!!!!??? I'm somewhat horrified that all this time, all these visits, they've been - gasp - ironing our underwear! This is so not how I would want them to spend their precious free time. There's taking care of us, but -- this is ridiculous!

I convince Wara that my underwear is just fine as it is, thank you so much, and I come back into the guest house.

"I just found out they iron our underwear!" I announce to the Team. Everyone is equal measures impressed and distressed. I'm just shaking my head as I put my clothes away.

Later, when the first opportunity comes, I pull Yupa aside and express very sincerely that, while we so appreciate all the excellent care we are given when we are here, please, please let's not iron underwear anymore.

Yupa looks confused. I say it again, and I look up a few words in Thai to be sure I've got it right. Then from Yupa a sudden big smile.

'Oh Ahjahn Ruth. We don't iron underwear!! I think Wara was making a joke.'

Yup. She got me good. We laughed hard at this one.

And this is the young lady who is now in her final year at Bangkok Bible College. Currently she is serving in a 9 month internship before heading back to the classroom in the last leg of her journey towards becoming a pastor. And we couldn't be more delighted to support her in this.

As well as having a sense of humour and whimsy, Wara has proven to be full of warmth, insight, integrity and kindness - exactly the kind of pastor anyone would wish for. Her biblical competency is also apparent in the brief but well-spoken devotional she shared with the children one morning when Ken and I were there this summer.

Our Garage Sale on Saturday is all part of this.

Raising money for our Student Fund, so that Wara, and others like her who would not have this opportunity, can continue their studies past high school. A rarity in some parts of the world where the education of girls especially, is still a 'thing'.

From 8 to 1 Saturday, September 23
at Highview Community Church
295 Highview Drive, Kitchener

Who knows? You might find a treasure.
You'll certainly be helping a treasure. :)

A Beautiful Mess

The visit when I first met Da she was only 8 years old. She'd just come to Hot Springs and was that winsome combination of quite shy but also full of questions.

I needed an interpreter back then, and I remember a particularly unhurried evening by the fire, near to the end of my visit, where there were only a few of us. Da was right up against me, my arm around her. We were quiet for a bit. Then she took advantage of the moment, and, through the interpreter, I answered a number of her questions, mostly about snow, and other strange things in Canada.

There was a pause. She snuggled in a bit closer and asked, "Ahjahn Ruth, will you ever come back to us?"

Oh honey. What's the Thai equivalent for 'wild horses couldn't keep me away?'

And now Da is studying to be a nurse.

And this is partly the reason my front room is one big fat mess. Sort of like this explosion of wild weed that reminds me on my morning walk how beauty can be chaotic sometimes.

I'm talking of course about the Garage Sale on Saturday, and what a great opportunity it's been to clear away so much that I don't need anymore but might be useful to someone else. And at the same time, it's all raising funds to make sure Da can pursue her full potential.

If you're nearby, come see the mess at

Highview Community Church,

295 Highview Drive, Kitchener

between 8 and 1.
Saturday, September 23.

Wild weeds and wild horses and little girls who grow up to be strong and tender women.

Beautiful.

Worth a Thousand Words - Sponsor's Appreciation Dessert Night - Thursday, October 19th 7:00 p.m.

We cannot possible say it enough.

Thank You!

While they are here

Suradet and Yupa want to say it in person.

Sponsors (and Supporters) Appreciation Dessert Night

Thursday, October 19, 2023

7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Drop In

79 Blythwood Road Waterloo ON N2L 4A1

Casual, come and go

with a word from our honoured visitors at 8 p.m.

For everyone who has contributed anything to New Family Foundation's work with at-risk and orphan children through our connection with Highview Community Church....

Here's what you've made possible.

Since we cannot possibly express it properly in words, 

a few pictures to show what happens when you love us.

One child at a time, I think.

Today, here's May, three pictures from her arrival until this past July.

(Thank you Martin and Lillian.)

I'm Baking Cookies!!! New Family Foundation Garage Sale Saturday September 23 8 am to 2 pm

I'm baking some cookies!

Because every little bit counts.

Because everyone like a Bake Sale.

Because cookies are about the only thing I bake that turns out well.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Garage Sale (and Baked Goods)

Supporting New Family Foundation's Student Fund

Specifically

Wara

Finishing her theological studies hoping to become a (increasingly less rare) female pastor in Thailand.

Tae

Working on a degree in horticulture and business with the goal in mind to become an independent business woman.

Da

Studying hard in her first year at nursing school.

These young women are forging ahead against no end of odds that have been stacked against them.  We applaud their tenacity and support their individual efforts that ultimately come together to make a better world for us all.  

For an interesting read about some of what Wara, Tae and Da have faced in their pursuit of higher education, check out Facts About Girls Education in Thailand.  Fact #5 really applies here.

Got items to donate?

Drop off at Highview Community Church 295 Highview Drive Kitchener

Monday, September 18 9 - 5

Tuesday, September 19 9 - 8

Wednesday, September 20 9 - 5

Thursday, September 21 9 - 5

Friday, September 22 9 - 2

Or contact me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.   

Straight up donations to "Student Fund" also gratefully accepted at donate@hcckw.ca.

They're Coming to Canada and We Can't Wait

First Visit 2013 where they quickly learned how to place their Tim's order!

Excitement is building!

Pastors Suradet and Yupa, and their daughter Bell are coming to Canada!!

From October 7th to 30th Highview Community Church will have the great joy and privilege of having this remarkable couple come all the way to visit with us.

Our Thai Directors of New Family Foundation, and currently parents to no less than 22 orphan and at-risk children, Suradet and Yupa are very much looking forward to spending some time with us, sharing their vision for the important work being done in Northern Thailand, and getting in on some Canadian culture while they are here.

Two Highlights of their visit will be:

"A New Home for our New Family" Fundraising Event - Saturday, October 14, 2023 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Highview Community Church, 295 Highview Drive, Kitchener ON N2N 2K7.  Come hear our story, and get in on some exciting new plans to house our children on the new property.

"One Can of Tuna" Sermon by Pastor Suradet - Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Highview Community Church.  The story of Suradet's own childhood and how God has redeemed his experience of poverty to break the cycle for other children.

Everyone's welcome.

We will also be hosting a time for our Sponsors and Supporters to come meet them in person in a more intimate atmosphere, meeting together with the Team that is heading there in November, and enjoying a few day trips to Niagara Falls among other things.  Those details will be communicated in various ways, so watch your inboxes and stay connected to The Friday Update (Highviewers).

For more information feel free to email me at rabreithaupt@hcckw.ca.

Watching Bruce O. play hockey, 2015 visit.

 

How A Garage Sale Changes Lives, Literally - Saturday, September 23 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I didn't know they would be there.

Both Da and Tae are now studying at a post secondary level, living and learning on their respective campuses.  Tae is into horticulture and business, hoping to run her own garden one day.  Da is just in her first year of nursing school and says she finds the workload quite heavy.

But neither of them were at Hot Springs when we first got there.

Then one evening when we came into the room to get ready for our worship and ESL, Suradet had to nudge me.

"Did you see who's here?"

Oh yay, and happy hugs and asking how long they can stay.  For the weekend only, and since it's Friday night, that's all good.  They both made the effort to come for a visit while Ken and I were there.

Neither of these young women would have ever finished high school if it weren't for the generous and faithful support of their Sponsors who made it possible for them to be here in the first place. Then, how it works for us, whenever one of our kids wants to continue into post secondary education, we make it happen for them in a similar way we might do with our own young adults at home.  There's conversation and guidance and assistance in the application process.  There's consideration of living accommodations and transportation needs.  There's the encouragement to seek some part time employment whenever possible.

But the bulk of the money comes from New Family Foundation's Student Fund.   

Same goes for Wara who is finishing up her theological education, hoping to serve as a pastor in Thailand.  A difficult but rewarding calling for a young Thai woman, for sure.  For more on her story, see a posting from just a few weeks back here.

Here's where I insert the commercial.

NEW FAMILY FOUNDATION STUDENT FUND

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

8:00 TO 1:00 PM

Rain or Shine

at Highview Community Church

279 Highview Drive

Kitchener ON N2N 2K7

Anyone in Kitchener or the surrounding area is invited to donate gently used items, dropping them off at the Church building, lower doors, beginning Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22.

On Saturday, September 23 a Team of passionate volunteers will be there to help you browse for treasures, and explain more about New Family Foundation, our work with at risk and orphaned children, and the excitement of seeing them take full advantage of the opportunities they've been given.  

Hope to see you, if you are anywhere nearby.

Next up.

Suradet, Yupa and their daughter Bell visit Canada this October!!!!

Stay tuned.

 

Complex Simplicities

 

These first days back have been so good.  I’m mostly unpacked, have thank yous ready for Sponsors, and am ready for and looking forward to Sunday at Highview.  It’s been great to get out on my morning walks, which makes my travel weary body very happy.

Also.

Some unexpected complexities in scheduling, social expectations, and ‘just life’ realities are messing a little with my ‘jai yen yen’ (stay chill) hopes for this week.  Just sayiin’.

Jet lag doesn’t help, since one of the ways it presents for me is a diminished cognitive ability for problem solving and/or processing too much new information all at once.

Having been away for most of the summer doesn’t help, making these few days here in the city rather concentrated in what I can and cannot be available for.

In the overall summer plan, this was supposed to be an ‘under the radar’ kind of week.  Unrealistically, I think I didn’t expect any ‘new things’ to crop up; that everything would just stay in slow summer mode.

But no. 

I want to have the capacity to accommodate all the things.  To have the compassion required.  To be fully present with each person.  To answer questions thoughtfully.  To respond and not react.  But I realize with some dismay that I actually don’t have too much to offer right now.  Which makes me keenly aware of who I’m disappointing right now, which is really awkward and uncomfortable for me.

So I just think about the shoes.

In Thai culture you absolutely always leave your shoes at the door.  So, it was a notable thing while we were at Hot Springs just how big Ken’s sandals are.  Side by side with Jua’s flip flops, the contrast was amusing and sweet.  I just had to take this picture.

The sermon for this coming Sunday at Highview is about saying yes and saying no.  About a practice of faith that ‘makes space’ for the work of God in our lives.  About discerning where and when our energies and time are to be spent.  About have a clarity of purpose and the willingness to sacrifice.

Ironic.

I’ve been rehearsing it this week almost as a prayer, doing that preacher’s heart-check thing where ‘every sermon I preach, I first preach to myself’, making sure it’s as authentic as it can humanly be. 

And these shoes, this picture, the beautiful ordinariness of sandals parked at the door, reminds me of all God has brought into focus for me in these past five years especially.  And all that I’ve sacrificed to get that focus.

Simplicity. 

These little shoes pretty much represent ‘the main thing’ for me.  They’re why I say yes and hurl my body half way around the world and back again.  They’re why I’m foggy and unable to engage and a tad withdrawn right now.  They’re why I say no to other things, both during jet lag week, and also all the time.

So I look at the shoes and I can focus a bit and let things go a bit and ask for grace.

I’ll get to the new stuff when I can,

and hopefully there’ll be enough grace and gentleness for that,

from everyone else,

and also from myself.

Day three. 

Getting there. 

Letting God do His job.