Thailand is a land of incredible color and beauty. The people are gentle and very hospitable. We are learning daily of the rich history of this place.
Terry and children at Ban Song Swang Children's Home in Thailand.
Yesterday we visited the Ban Song Swang Children's Home. Twenty eight children live in a very basic concrete block building they call home. Most of the children have lost at least one parent and are here because of abandonment or because the remaining parent cannot afford to support them.
All have had difficult backgrounds. Yesterday we spent time with a precious young girl who actually lived in a chicken coop for some time, amidst the chickens and droppings. She is amazingly sweet and loving. She told of her gratitude to live in a place that is safe and clean. Here she gets three meals a day and an education. The staff are wonderful with the children and very patient with each of them.
We were able to put a new roof on this home. It used to be thatched. You can imagine the problems during the rainy season: the children had to run for buckets to catch the leaks and grab up their mattresses before they got soaked. Now they sleep in a dry environment and their things do not get ruined by the steady rain.
The needs here are many though no one complains. Some of the needs are simple like mosquito netting and fans.
But there are bigger needs, too. The children need bunk beds and new mattresses. At the moment, they sleep on very thin mats on a concrete floor. There are no closets. Clothes hang on wire lines attached to the inner concrete wall. The walls should be plastered inside and out to keep out the dampness. Runny noses and coughs are common here. I have almost used up my travel Kleenex supply.
Please pray for our time with them again today. I will write again tomorrow. It is encouraging to know that we can touch their lives and make a difference. Thank you for caring.