Thai Journal ‘24 - #15

 

This is always a most memorable day. The last day at the elementary school and the farm. It began with a

brief, but great wrap-up devotional by ShelleyB. The send-off ceremony at the school is one of the most meaningful events of our trip. The love and appreciation shown is so heartwarming. We always share a shirt with Nuny, the head of the English department. But this year we also gave one to the maintenance gentleman, Uncle. At the farm, we spent most of the time washing down the newly constructed floor. Keziah, who will be staying at Bamboo School for the next 4 month, said her tearful goodbyes to Uncle Prasarn and Auntie Nang. We then got on the road for the over 4-hour drive to Bamboo School. But

we had to stop in Kanchanaburi at Rai Khun Ying store and restaurant. For many years we have stopped there for dinner and wonderful beverages. Their Thai ice-tea is to die for. It is very difficult to put into words the experience here at Bamboo School. We drove in to a candlelight singing greeting by the kids. Catherine Riley (Momo Cat), a 75-year-old New Zealand lady who runs the care center by herself for over 20 years, is an amazing woman with amazing stories of miracles that God is doing here. The stories she tells are mind-blowing! We sat and listened in awe! Momo Cat has taken in nearly 700 such kids over the years and turned their lives around. Many are doctors, nurses, engineers, etc., etc. Last week she received a letter from the United Nations inviting her to Bangkok on September 18, 2024, to receive a very prestigious award for the work she is doing. Over the years, many of my Thailand trip team members have returned to spend extended time with her here at the school. Keziah is the latest among these precious ones.