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.