"The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs To Such As These"

God has been so faithful to answer our prayer of meeting new contacts once touching down in Thailand. Last Sunday we met a couple that has lived her for 3 years who works with orphanages and children's homes around Chaing Mia. This past Saturday the couple took us to one of the orphanages they've been working with. I'm not sure if any of you have ever visited an orphanage in another country before but it is an experience one could NEVER forget.

I'm so glad that these little one's have a special place in God's heart. Matthew 19:14 " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

It has taken me a few days of processing to be able to write about what we saw and got to be apart of. To be honest, it was emotionally and spiritually exhausting but also wonderful and intoxicating at the same time. We met children that ranged in ages from 6-16 who were absolutely a joy. When we arrived they greeted us with big smiles and hugs. They immediately brought us water and chairs to sit on. Their hospitality caught me off guard a little. Paxton of course loved it because he had playmates. This particular home houses 30 children. When you see the picture of the outside you will wonder how so many people live in this home. Well, they have segregated the bedrooms and have put at least 7 to each room. Some rooms have more. Their beds are mere mats that lay on a concrete floor right next to each other. They have a few sets of clothing a piece and are given shoes. Every child goes to school and works in the rice fields that provide the home with food and income. This particular home houses only tribal children. This is important because the Thai government doesn't recognize tribal people as citizens. They are given NO rights which means they are given no government funding. This home depends on what it can grow itself and what outside donors contribute. The house mom and dad are christian and have been teaching the children about Christ. They get some donations from second hand clothing stores and recycling shops but other than that they are on their own.

After visiting the children that were at the home the house dad took us to see the other children working out in the rice fields harvesting the grain. I know that before this journey, when I thought of rice, I thought of white pre-packaged grain but these kids grow it start to finish. They plant it, cut it, harvest it, separate it and haul it at least half a mile down a dirt trail to be taken to the home where they live. The house dad told us that each bag of rice weighs 50lbs. They do all of this through out the heat of the day. The part that surprised me the most was how much joy radiated from these children as they worked. They seemed healthy and happy to be working. They sang and laughed as they rhythmically went about their job.

I hope that through these photo's you can see and understand the raw emotions we felt as we witnessed these children in their day to day.