Another day, another life touched. Be it mine or someone I have met on this journey.
On December 4th, we went to one of my favourite schools. Agape School and Orphanage. We arrived in time to hear the children sing their morning songs. There are more kids since last time I was here, and a lot of improvements have been made to the school grounds. More proof that we are affecting the lives of these migrants and refugees.
The headmaster of Agape, David, told us his storey while we were there, as well. And all I can say is WOW! This is the least selfish man I have ever met. He truely is an incredible person. Basically, in summary, David fled Burma and came to Thailand years ago. He ended up starting a school out of a house he rented. As the school grew he moved the children around to a space that fit there needs at the time. David had applied to immigrate to the U.S. and he was accepted. He then faced the biggest decision of his life; immigrate to the U.S. and better his life, as well as his families' life, but this meant abandoning his students. He obviously chose to give up a better life for himself to help his own people. What an amazing, selfless act. And hearing David talk put even more perspective on life. He didn't make his decision to be viewed as a good person, he did it purely out of love and hope. Hope for these kids' futures, and hope that he can make a difference. He is such a humble man. And I feel blessed to have met him. The world needs more David's.
The kids at Agape are so adorable. They love going to school, and you can see it on their faces. Majority of the kids at this school come from very broken homes. At night they are often sent into the sex and drug trade by their families because they have no other way to make money to put food on the table. It is so horrible, and unfair. But David makes sure to start every day with songs and positivity. He gives light into these kids' eyes. And that is so phenomenal.
Once we left Agape we went to the farm to start working. Some people helped with the safe house kitchen, and some worked on sanding and staining the gazebo. Later in the afternoon we did a distribution at Morning Glory School. We had the chance to hang out with some of the kids. One of the girls asked me to play badminton with her. It was so much fun interacting and having fun with them.
After supper that night we went to the TPC for a presentation. Some background on the TPC: young people from all over Burma come to this school to learn how to become teachers. They learn all of the tools they need to then go back home and teach their people. All ethnic backgrounds from Burma attend the TPC, which is a tool in itself. There is a lot of unnecessary fighting within Burma between the different ethnic cultures. The TPC offers a way for these different groups of people to get to know each other in hopes that they take their new knowledge of each other home. I really believe a massive step towards peace and equality in Burma is for all of the ethnicities to unite as one.
12.07.2012
M.I.A.
Time is a funny concept. It feels like it is flying by because I hardly have time to update this blog, yet each days feels like it is 48 hours long.
We have been keeping super busy. On December 3rd we spent the majority of the day at New Light School, the first school GSHS built. We taught the kids about snow for the morning. I was teaching the kindergarteners and grade ones how to draw a snowman. And the older kids made snowflakes out of paper. It was so much fun to interact with these kids. They were so eager to learn, and did everything we did. We handed out Canadian flag pins and candy, and the kids just loved it. While we were working with the kindergarten kids one girl kept trying to talk to me. I was getting quite frustrated that I could not understand Burmese. I wanted so badly to communicate with her. If I decide to make this cause a serious committment in my life then I will have to learn Burmese.
On my last trip we did a distribution at New Light, and this year I noticed how much happier the kids look. It is so incredibly satisfying to know what I am doing is making a difference in these kids lives. And I am seeing it first hand. Their smiles are the most precious thing on this Earth.
During the afternoon we prepped for and did a distribution at New Light. That afternoon I also went to the nursery to pick out a tree that is to be the focal point of the memorial garden. It was such a surprise and such a priviledge to be able to do that. I picked a tree that will be quite large and offer shade. It has purple flowers on it. Those are what sold me on the tree. If Morgan ventured out and wore colour it was purple.
It is so hard for me to describe what it feels like to be back here. It is so amazing and so right. I want to stay forever, and adopt Burmese children. I wish there was a way I could help every child. My heart aches for every single kid I meet. I know what we are doing is helping, but I feel like it is not enough. If only I had more money and time; I would be here all of the time and be able to do bigger and better things for these people. They deserve it all.
We have been keeping super busy. On December 3rd we spent the majority of the day at New Light School, the first school GSHS built. We taught the kids about snow for the morning. I was teaching the kindergarteners and grade ones how to draw a snowman. And the older kids made snowflakes out of paper. It was so much fun to interact with these kids. They were so eager to learn, and did everything we did. We handed out Canadian flag pins and candy, and the kids just loved it. While we were working with the kindergarten kids one girl kept trying to talk to me. I was getting quite frustrated that I could not understand Burmese. I wanted so badly to communicate with her. If I decide to make this cause a serious committment in my life then I will have to learn Burmese.
On my last trip we did a distribution at New Light, and this year I noticed how much happier the kids look. It is so incredibly satisfying to know what I am doing is making a difference in these kids lives. And I am seeing it first hand. Their smiles are the most precious thing on this Earth.
During the afternoon we prepped for and did a distribution at New Light. That afternoon I also went to the nursery to pick out a tree that is to be the focal point of the memorial garden. It was such a surprise and such a priviledge to be able to do that. I picked a tree that will be quite large and offer shade. It has purple flowers on it. Those are what sold me on the tree. If Morgan ventured out and wore colour it was purple.
It is so hard for me to describe what it feels like to be back here. It is so amazing and so right. I want to stay forever, and adopt Burmese children. I wish there was a way I could help every child. My heart aches for every single kid I meet. I know what we are doing is helping, but I feel like it is not enough. If only I had more money and time; I would be here all of the time and be able to do bigger and better things for these people. They deserve it all.
12.02.2012
Home Sweet Home
We are now in Mae Sot. And it feels so much like home. I didn't realize how much I needed to come here. As soon as we pull onto a road I know where we are going. I know this place now. I love it here. It just confirms how much I need to make this trip a regular occurance in my life. The only way I can really explain it is that it is so good for my soul.
One of the things we did today was walk through a migrant village. It hit home with me, once again. We have so much, and these people have so little. The contrast is stark. And I will admit,the lines had started to blur after being away so long. It is day one and already I am so emotional. The kids are so amazing. I want to take them all home.
We also took a quick tour of Global Neighbors farm. So much has changed in two years. They have built three new building on their land, which are dedicated to the teacher prepardness centre. This is a place where young adults can prepare themselves to become teachers. The TPC allows people to receive the proper training needed to be successul.
We got to see the Safe House site too. Our building, the one we raised money for, is going to be the kitchen and laundry area. There will also be dorms built and more. The skeleton of our building has been finished up until now
We will most likely be working on the roof and infill walls.
The garden has been started as well. The soil has been laid and levelled. The gazebo has also been built, with a rock path leading up to it. The gazebo is huge and so much more beautiful than I imagined it could be. As I walked up to it, I couldn't hold back the tears. It is already so much more than I expected it to be. I am so thankful that Global Neighbors has given me the opportunity to dedicate these gardens to Morgan. The emotions today have been overwhelming.
Much love,
Kacey
One of the things we did today was walk through a migrant village. It hit home with me, once again. We have so much, and these people have so little. The contrast is stark. And I will admit,the lines had started to blur after being away so long. It is day one and already I am so emotional. The kids are so amazing. I want to take them all home.
We also took a quick tour of Global Neighbors farm. So much has changed in two years. They have built three new building on their land, which are dedicated to the teacher prepardness centre. This is a place where young adults can prepare themselves to become teachers. The TPC allows people to receive the proper training needed to be successul.
We got to see the Safe House site too. Our building, the one we raised money for, is going to be the kitchen and laundry area. There will also be dorms built and more. The skeleton of our building has been finished up until now
We will most likely be working on the roof and infill walls.
The garden has been started as well. The soil has been laid and levelled. The gazebo has also been built, with a rock path leading up to it. The gazebo is huge and so much more beautiful than I imagined it could be. As I walked up to it, I couldn't hold back the tears. It is already so much more than I expected it to be. I am so thankful that Global Neighbors has given me the opportunity to dedicate these gardens to Morgan. The emotions today have been overwhelming.
Much love,
Kacey
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