I used to dismiss doing much in the way of humanitarian work on the grounds that one person couldn't make much of an impact. The huge problem of injustice in the world overwhelmed me. Now it is my understanding of how much one person CAN do that can sometimes overwhelm me.
Our little organization is radically impacting the lives of many here at the border of Thailand and Burma. I wish I could tell you all the changes in the lives of children that we have seen in this first year. There simply are too many to tell. Let me give you a glimpse though. Two of our students came 1st and 2nd academically in their school of 800 students. Five of our students were top in sport. Three of our students couldn't read and now can. Many of our students have started to dream about their future...something they simply didn't know how to do previously. Many of our students live safe lives away from physically abusive parents. Some students now have constant care where previously they were not in anyone's care. Our students came 2nd in the local volleyball competition. Our students are learning farming skills, personal care skills, English, Karen and cooking skills. The list goes on and on. Thanks to an excellent diet and time for rest and recreation the students are generally healthy. There are many smiles, thanks, hugs, laughter and letters every time we go out to Baan Puk Dek Nakrean. Never do Colin and I visit the school without feeling astounded at the impact that ordinary people (who join together) can have. We get that God doesn't need us.....but we do see that He has opened up an opportunity for us (and our children, family and friends) to accomplish something significant....in heaven's name...and we are deeply grateful to him for that.
We continue to be deeply moved by the support and commitment of our friends. So many people have given finances so generously. People have also raised funds. Let me tell you about Natalie. Natalie wrote to Bunnings Warehouse and asked for the opportunity to have a fundraiser BBQ. Yesterday Natalie, with her husband Ben, their 3 little girls and their team of helpers (and their children) raised $1100 for Connect. Bunnings have asked for them to come again at Easter for another fundraiser event for Connect. Last month a different family gave a large portion of their stimulus money (given by the Australian govt in Dec to families). Another family asked for donations to Connect instead of Christmas presents. One woman bought a sofa on sale and gave the money she saved to Connect. Another lady had a Tupperware party and raised $250 for Connect. Then her friend had a Tupperware party and raised another $50. One group of women made and sold craft and were able to give $500 to Connect.
Two people sold educational toys to their friends and gained credit to buy things from the company. They did just that...sending puzzles and bingo (with words and numbers) to the students. These have been a huge hit. The puzzle was (without exaggeration) put together and taken apart over 60 times in the first 5 days. Another lady hand knitted/made baby clothes and we were able to give them out to surrounding villages. A kindergarten teacher organized parents to get children's books for the students at BPDN. Others have come and volunteered. Currently we have Kerry, Rebecca and Lynley (pictured) playing with, teaching, working alongside and loving the students.
Thank you to family and friends and friends of friends who are giving financially. Thank you to those who are praying. Thank you to all who are caring about these people. In heaven's name....we are accomplishing something significant.
But...we are nowhere...nowhere...near finished. We cannot smile, settle back and relax. On the contrary....the need is greater than what we initially thought. Please keep praying. Please keep giving. Please keep telling your friends about the Karen people. Please don't let a day go by without accomplishing something....in heaven's name!
