Developments in Thailand
What stood out immediately was how green everything around the children’s home was. Beautiful grassy fields, trees full of lush green leaves—it felt like a breath of new life after those heavy Corona years. Over the past three years, we had not been able to visit the home, but thankfully, the internet had remained patient.
This time, we felt just as happy as we did during that very first visit back in 1999, when we walked onto the grounds together. The sounds, the colors, the scents—and above all, the children. If the Corona period taught us anything, it was how deeply we could appreciate what truly matters in life. And this is certainly one of those things.
Michael and I handed over our light luggage to the older children. Carrying it ourselves was absolutely not done—it is their way of showing respect to visitors. Years ago, we felt embarrassed by this, but we learned quickly.
The welcome was just as warm as ever, and soon we were talking about how everyone had coped during the Corona period. Apart from one child who became ill, the home had barely been affected by infections, even though Northern Thailand was hit quite hard. The many buildings are open on all sides, ensuring excellent ventilation, which likely contributed positively as well.
We were also glad to see that the entire staff was still present. Everyone was still happy to help and care for the many children. However, one downside was that the small shop—where older children and additional staff design and sell handmade items—had barely sold anything, and international orders had been postponed as well.
As usual, we reviewed the well-being of all the children, the staff, and the leadership team. Thanks to the help of Balt van de Made in November 2019, there were no longer any issues with the drinking water—basic need number one. The local installer kept his promise and continues to maintain the system. An additional group of children had been accepted, and they were now also being sent to the public elementary school from the home.
The most urgent need was enough food for the 120 children. Due to declining income, this had become the home’s biggest challenge. Future for Kids decided to increase its contribution, ensuring that food supplies would be covered until the end of the school year in late February.
If Corona doesn’t make a comeback, the expectation is that the shop and new orders will start generating income again.
In recent years, we had also decided to grant scholarships to the older teenagers who were academically capable of attending university but lacked the financial means to do so. Fa was the first student to receive such support, and she has since completed her studies. Two other girls are now attending university—one in Chiang Mai and the other in Chiang Rai. The first, Busoe, is pursuing a five-year medical degree, and the second, Bumue, is studying for a four-year advanced nursing degree.
Out of gratitude, Fa invited us, along with the leadership team and the two other students, to a wonderful lunch just outside the border town of Mae Sai. It was a delightful lunch that also gave us the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with the other two students. They are working so hard. After completing their studies, they will have a chance at a good future elsewhere in Thailand. Fa was visibly happy and thankful for her scholarship and has already secured a great job at the university where she completed her studies.
After three nights, it was sadly time to say goodbye again. We expressed our hope to visit more often in the future. It was also heartwarming to see that Father Pensa, now 80 years old, still looked so healthy and has no plans to slow down. Though he has retired from priesthood and the church, he continues to radiate his optimism, care, and sense of humor. We were waved off and serenaded upon our departure. It touched us deeply—as always. Until next time.