Pure Joy!
I am excitedly looking forward to returning to the Agape Home for my 7th consecutive self-funded mission trip. I am so happy to have been granted extra luggage allowance from Sydney to Chiang Mai; to have received confirmation of meal vouchers to take the nannies and teenagers out for a meal at Sizzlers; to have received a bulk supply of metal nit combs, a box of leather thonging off cuts to make leather key rings and to have been given 175 new, cloth fitted nappies for the babies and toddlers at the Agape Home. Any home needs new items and treats.
I keep returning to this home of 102 children as it is so rewarding and so fulfilling to be able to help keep the 50 plus school children occupied for seven weeks. The first week of their long summer school holidays, the children clear out their school bags, clean and tidy their rooms and get the nits out of their hair. Then week two, 2 other ladies and I arrive to receive a warm welcome from the children and weather!
My connection with Agape started in 2009. I was with a like minded friend Robyn, who had heard about Agape from a young lady at her church. This lady had volunteered at Agape for 6 months. As the teenagers at Agape were living, they needed to learn skills for daily living. So Robyn and I flew to Chiang Mai and spent two weeks, setting up the sewing center on the third floor. Robyn and I both had 50 years of sewing experience each.
While we were there, Mae Avis commented “where were you ladies two months ago?” I asked “Why?” Avis replied “we need committed, consistent Christians to help with the school children”. Being a teacher, I prayed about returning. The door opened for Robyn and I to return the following consecutive years, with a third lady joining our team.
I just love spending seven weeks with the school children. Each year, we take up new, fun activities, like farm animals, a wooden train set, cars and a road floor map, jigsaw puzzles, Where’s Wally books, and magnetic puzzles to name a few.
I will be sharing as our weeks progress. Agape Home! It’s count down days until the Australian Senior Team arrives.
Do you happen to have knowledge of sewing or anything along those lines? Do you know of sewing techniques that we might teach the children that can help them become self-sustaining as adults? Any words of encouragement would be most welcome. Ka! 🙂
