The Olivers In Thailand

On Friday, 21st September, we made our first visit back to Hoay Maw following our summer in England.

Before the summer there had been a number of situations where projects had been started without planning or available finances. We did not become involved in funding these projects, however, there is the knock on impact that even less money is available to underwrite the basic running costs of the home, i.e. food for the children.

Extension on boy's dorm with drying area

We had also received the disappointing news that all 14 piglets of a new litter had died and so it raised the question as to how effective our efforts have been and what potential there is for future development.

It was with some nervousness that we embarked on this visit knowing that we needed to have some frank discussion.

Thankfully, our friend and co-worker, Niti, is a good communicator and without his insight as well as language skills, we would be at a loss.

We stopped on the way to obtain some hygiene supplies for the home as these can be bought at discount from the wholesaler.

We were aware that the children had not had meat for some time. We decided that we would take chicken as although they prefer and traditionally eat pork, it is more expensive. We also wanted to make the point that from now on, its up to them to 'grow' their own pork through the pig farm.

We also took some vegetables.

New office under construction

When we arrived, we were welcomed by Pastor Joseph. The first thing that we couldn't fail to notice was that yet another building project has been started. Office facilities for the staff. Again without planning or available funds.

We proceeded to have a 3 hour meeting with Pastor Joseph. We tried to communicate that we would not be able to encourage people to support the work unless spending is planned and agreed in advance. It was a profitable talk but there is still more to be done in order to come to a more thorough mutual understanding.

We learned that the reason that the piglets had died was that Joseph's wife had been away in Taiwan. She was the only person with the expertise to manage the new litter. We have proposed that the other staff receive training when the next litter arrives. The 2 mother pigs are both pregnant - watch this space ...

We noticed that again, the pigs water was turned off. This was because of leaks. We impressed on them to glue the pipes (not usually done in Thai plumbing) and again stressed the importance of the pigs having free access to water at all times.

Thirsty pigs

We were able to meet with some members of the staff team. At present, the house-parents are in Bangkok where unfortunately the house-father is needing treatment for TB. We will need to establish the liklehood of them being able to return to work with the children. Meanwhile, another couple and 3 ladies have been working at the home in exchange for 'basic' food and board.

Staff team meeting

We were impressed and encouraged by the progress that the staff have made. They have completed the recording of child details with photographs. Beforehand they had only the barest details of the children at the home. Looking through the file at the individual photos and reports gave a new sense of the individual needs and value of each child.

"Special Child"

Another area that they have made significant progress is with the development of the small 'family' groups. The children have been divided into groups of 10 (single-sex, mixed-age). Each group has an older child leader and an assistant. Initially they had done their chores in the groups. They have now progressed to have times of sharing, fellowship and prayer and also activities i.e. 'fun' - a new concept!

The staff spend time with the group leaders in advance, helping them to prepare for the group time. They report that the group leaders are being developed and that the children are benefiting from the more personal attention provided within the group.

We were very proud of the staff and what they have achieved.

We plan to use some money that has been given towards games and crafts in order to provide resources for indoor and outdoor activities for the groups. - A big thank you to Ron & Doris's cell group (ACC) and Deborah & Clare (Cirencester).

The accounts of all money that has been directed through us towards staff support and basic running of the home are in excellent shape.

Accounts

Finally we were treated to a delicious Chinese noodle supper before setting off on the journey home. We arrived back in Chiang Mai at half past midnight.