Steve and Gan picked the perfect place to host our alumni in Chiang Mai last evening. The tables were set by the river with lanterns strung up all around to lend a festive flavour. The food was delicious and plentiful.
But the best part was seeing our sponsor children now so grown up and professional. Their poise and confidence was a result of their dedication and hard work built on the chance they were given to stay in school and pursue their dreams. Mom just lights up when she reunites with her girls from Mighty Oaks early days. Despite the language barrier, hugs and love communicate loudly. We kept Gan and David busy as all the Canadians wanted to have conversations around the table with our Thai friends. A few of the young women speak English well because they work in hotels or hospitals where they use it daily.
Mom took time to talk with each of the alumni and communicate her love and affection for each one. Those that could speak English allowed Mom a chance to have a meaningful conversation as she asked about their families and how life had shaped after completing school. All the alumni spoke of the difference Mighty Oaks made in allowing them to pursue their dreams and create stability and resilience. They all asked about their sponsors who they hold with fondness and honour. I love the personal relationships that have been formed over the years of exchanging letters, photos and online communication. It is special to see those bonds that unite people from Canada with Thai family.
The girls across the table from me were lively and fun. They were trying to facilitate a conversation with me using google translate when David was too busy hosting other table mates to translate for us. I was blessed by the friendly banter and funny language bloopers that made for shared laughter.
Alongside the alumni, a few special guests were added to the list. Nat, the university student I sponsor, was able to join us at the restaurant to connect! I have only met Nat a few times, but we keep up on Facebook. It was amazing to be in the same space, to hug her, take photos together, hear how she is doing and pray for her! I am so grateful to see her looking well and thriving in the big city far from Fang. Nat works at a restaurant to help with expenses while she studies accounting and loves her art courses. I pray that God will guide her steps and surround her with healthy relationships that would be mutually encouraging and support the direction God leads her to walk.
We had the chance to connect with four of our former Agape girls. Two were from early groups that lived above our rented office space with a staff Mom to care for them. Steve and I knew the other two from more recent years staying at the new property and buildings made possible by generous donations. Steve had a chance to catch up with Air while I had an opportunity with David and Gan's help to talk and pray with Dada. Moving to the city of Chiang Mai has been full of opportunities, but also can be lonely.
It was fun to hear the alumni imparting wisdom and encouragement to the younger girls. Our younger sponsor girls are new to the area and miss family and connections from Fang. It delighted my heart to hear the more established girls sharing about churches around the city that have created a sense of warm community.
The evening ended with a group photo by the water, softly lit by lantern light. While we were huddled away from the live music, Steve, Mom, Tum, Gan and David had a chance to thank the alumni for making the effort to drive in to rekindle friendships that we hope will continue to be a strength to them. Mom reminded them of how loved they are and challenged them to be all that God made them to be. Gan and David reminded them that though they no longer need support, Mighty Oaks loves to hear from them to celebrate their victories and provide a layer of protection and care when they need it. We had a circle hug and prayed Thai style for God's blessing and presence to go with them as they step into their next chapter.
Thank you for your prayers from Canada over the years that have produced such Mighty Oaks - strong, steadfast young women and men finding ways to be a shelter and shade to those around them.
Day 13:
Last night we shopped at the night market in Chiang Mai. Selena found some great 'drip' and 'bling' to bring a taste of Thailand's colour and beauty home with her. Mom and Gan bargained with the vendors as we bought in bulk more Thai goods to bring home for resale. Any profits from the sales allow us to build our emergency and development funds. Let us know if you want to host a Thai table at an event! We love to share the handicrafts that artisans from the North and Hilltribes create.
Mom was able to walk the whole time with us and we have rejoiced in her stable health after such a rough start. Thank you for praying for health for she and Steve. Thailand's sunshine has been good for all of us and we are storing it up to carry inside when we have to face the snowy grey of Canadian winter again.
This morning we played tourists as we showed Selena the umbrella factory where they hand make hand painted bamboo and paper umbrellas - a source of income for decades in the off season between crops. We did some more shopping for Thai sales and then headed to the Jewellery store where they take precious gems and inlay them while you watch.
After lunch, we had one more visit from an alumni who was working at the hospital last night and missed the dinner. She had a wonderful catch up with Mom and Gan before she had to head back to work. This young woman's work supports her and allows her to care for her family back home. She has installed cameras that allow her to keep an eye on her elderly grandmother back in Fang while her parents work. Her enthusiasm was contagious and their visit was full of hugs and photo ops. These reunions are such a joy to bear witness to.
We have our last evening in Thailand tonight and are heading off to the cultural centre for dinner. We fly out early tomorrow and will be home by late evening. Pray for travel mercies - especially since Steve is not with us to guide us around the airports and logistics. He is staying an extra week for meetings with the Mighty Oaks board here in Thailand and unrushed conversations with staff and the Agape girls.
Thank you for taking time to pray alongside us as we had this unforgettable adventure in Thailand.
We will do one final blog on our long journey home about fun travel tips we learned while we were here! Stay tuned.
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