I was reflecting while sitting on our beautiful second floor balcony area trying to eat a fresh-from-the-groves orange without making a mess getting the seeds out. I haven't mastered that skill yet...
This is our last evening in Fang! We are looking forward to dinner and celebrations with the Agape girls, staff and new friends from church. Yesterday was full of meaningful connections with the sponsor children and friends from the area. Selina did a great job of capturing the day!
Called to Arise: Planting Seeds of Compassion
by Selina Mudavanhu
Friday was Teacher’s Day in Thailand, which meant students across the country were celebrating a well-earned day off. At Agape Home, the girls were especially grateful, any unexpected break from routine is cause for joy, and this one arrived with smiles all around.
For me, the day carried added excitement. I had the privilege of travelling with Mighty Oaks staff to Rapacha Boarding School to pick up Aomsin. The trip meant she would spend two full days with us before returning to school, two days to rest, reconnect, and be part of something special. Best of all, she would attend the Mighty Oaks Day Camp on Saturday alongside other sponsored children and kids from nearby churches.
This year’s camp theme, “Arise,” grew out of prayer and careful thought by Carolyn Hudson. She shared how the Lord impressed on her heart a desire to challenge children not just to hear about Jesus, but to live like Him, choosing compassion, mercy, and love in their everyday lives. It was a simple word with deep meaning, perfectly suited for young hearts.
After weeks of preparation by our staff and the Canadian team, camp day finally arrived. We anticipated sixty students, but ninety attended. A pleasant “problem” to have! Dressed in our “Arise” T-shirts, the Agape Home girls, Mighty Oaks staff, and the Canadian team gathered at Good News Church early on Saturday morning. Children arrived in groups, filling the space with chatter and a sense of curiosity. Volunteers hurried about, registering campers, handing out name tags, and distributing colour-coordinated white, grey, blue, and green t-shirts, while the MOT staff and Canadian team stood out in black. The room buzzed with anticipation.
As registration continued, the Good News Church band took the stage and introduced the Arise theme song, written just days earlier by Tum, a gifted Mighty Oaks alumni who works part time at Good News church as worship leader and a part time with our Mighty Oaks staff. Sung in Thai with the word “Arise” woven throughout, the song called children to live for the Lord. It was recorded and replayed throughout the day, becoming the joyful soundtrack of the camp.
Steve Hudson officially opened the program by reading Isaiah 60:1:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
With those words, the day’s purpose was clearly set.
Throughout the morning, the children rotated through four activity stations led by Carolyn, Peggy, Tum, and me, with the help of wonderfully patient interpreters, Gan, David, Mook, Kookik and Noi. Each station offered a blend of learning and fun, including English lessons, music, experiential learning games, and Bible teaching. At my station, the children heard the story of the Good Samaritan and then worked together to create short skits centred on compassion. Later in the day, the groups performed their skits in plenary, proving that Bible stories stick best when they’re acted out boldly, energetically, and with just a little dramatic flair.
After a delicious lunch prepared by members of the Good News Church, the afternoon continued with lively games led by MOT staff. The church building echoed with laughter, running feet, and joyful noise. Worship followed, beginning once again with the Arise song, now sung confidently and with gusto, accompanied by actions that fully matched the lyrics.
Peggy shared an encouraging message and a song (Fear is Not My Future), inviting the children to embrace their identity in Christ and to live lives shaped by God's purpose, community and compassion. A skit performed by Nabosi, Rachel, Run, and Beaulah vividly illustrated the contrast between a self-focused life and one centred on Christ and community. The message was clear, accessible, and deeply impactful.
The day ended with prayer for the children, full plates of food, and hearts overflowing with gratitude. It was more than just a fun day; it was an invitation. An invitation for these children to arise, shine, and carry the love of Jesus into their homes, schools, and communities."
Today Mom preached at Good News church and the agape girls handed me a banner to wave during worship. I loved having a physical vehicle for my heart's overflow since I can't often join the singing in Thai. The joy runs deep here as an undercurrent for all circumstances. Generosity flows naturally from such depths and we have been impressed time and again at how lightly people hold on to things and are eager to share what they have.
My food restrictions have been tricky to navigate at times, but once they found a few dishes I can eat, those foods showed up again and again at the table to make sure I was included. I even have my own signature smoothie from the local coffee shop. I appreciate the steady care and affection the staff team shows for all of us. We have felt very at home here.
Our Thai family fits amazingly well inside our hearts. It's beautiful how the heart stretches to love others - especially when we are all encompassed in a Love that holds all things together.
Aomsin: A Small Girl Who Left a Big Imprint
by Selina Mudavanhu
"We bonded even more at the camp on Saturday, Aomsin and I, despite having no shared language, unless you count smiles, exaggerated hand gestures, and the internationally recognized thumbs-up. Honestly, we were fluent in joy.
She had a delightful habit of entrusting me with her treasures. Off she would dash to join the camp fun, leaving behind her jacket, a pack of playing cards, or whatever prized possession she had recently acquired at camp. Apparently, I had been promoted to official keeper of things.
Every so often, I’d hear my name floating through the air:
“Selina-a-a-a!” The people we met in Fang pronounced it in a way that felt musical and affectionate, like my name had suddenly grown extra syllables just to be friendlier. I’d look up to find Aomsin waving enthusiastically, motioning for me to take custody of yet another item. I’d nod, accept it and flash a thumbs-up. Communication: successful.
“Selina-a-a-a!” The people we met in Fang pronounced it in a way that felt musical and affectionate, like my name had suddenly grown extra syllables just to be friendlier. I’d look up to find Aomsin waving enthusiastically, motioning for me to take custody of yet another item. I’d nod, accept it and flash a thumbs-up. Communication: successful.
On Sunday morning, on our way to church, Aomsin greeted me with a hug and a cheerful “good morning.” That was the full extent of our verbal exchange, and honestly, it was more than enough.
At church, we sat side by side. When I answered a camp review question correctly and was rewarded with candy, I knew immediately who deserved it more. I handed it to Aomsin, and she responded with her signature gentle smile, followed by a graceful Thai “thank you,” hands clasped together, a small nod. It was so sincere that I briefly wondered if I should be thanking her instead.
After the service, we headed behind the church for the usual lunch. On our way, David prepared me gently: “After lunch, I’ll be taking Aomsin back to the boarding school. You’ll have a chance to say goodbye.”
Despite the difficult circumstances Aomsin had endured in her young life, in the last two days, it was beautiful to see her simply being a child, laughing, playing in the water, swinging, playing badminton, volleyball, shooting hoops, cycling, and running around without a care, at least for a while.
Like last weekend, I knew saying goodbye would be hard. Maybe because I knew it would be years before I’d see her again in person. David and Gan were there to translate, and Peggy joined to say her goodbyes and shower Aomsin with love.
“Please tell her that I love her,” I said, my voice already betraying me, “and that the Lord loves her even more.”
Aomsin began to cry. That did it. Any emotional composure I had been clinging to evaporated instantly. Normally, I would be calculating the damage to my mascara, waterproof or not? But this time, I didn’t care. Some moments are simply worth raccoon eyes.
Peggy and I hugged Aomsin while Gan and David gently comforted her, reminding her that it wouldn’t be long before she would come stay at the Agape Home with the other girls.
Aomsin walked with David toward the car as Peggy and I stood watching, emotion continuing to well up as we looked on. Then Peggy began to sing:
“The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace.
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace.
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen.”
Amen, amen, amen.”
I joined in, though calling it “singing” might be generous, determined all the same to pronounce the blessing upon Aomsin.
I am deeply grateful that the Lord allowed me to meet Aomsin, a child I will now be sponsoring.
As Peggy said so beautifully, “She will have a family at the Agape Home. She will be known and loved. And she won’t have to worry about being picked on.”
And somehow, in the midst of it all, this little girl, armed with nothing more than smiles, gestures, and a very effective system of leaving her belongings with me, ended up planting something lasting in my heart."
We spent our last evening in Fang sharing great food our favourite memories. The staff and girls had gifts and dances prepared for us! We had gifts we brought from Canada for them. They prayed for a safe journey back home. We leave for Chiang Mai in the morning and will share a few adventures in the city with the staff before we fly home on Wednesday morning. The time has gone swiftly - and yet has been so rich and full that it feels longer than two weeks. We are happy, full and blessed. Thankful for our Thai family!
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I look forward to connecting when I am back in Hamilton!
Peg
Tomorrow I start overnights with Millie then Jasmine a cat. It will be a long job haven't signed up from any volunteering at church still looking after the candles. Depending on Millie I'll try to attend Sunday service if not for at least half an hour will however listen to it on line.
Have a safe trip home, rest, I'll be happy to see you. with love, Gloria