As you may have
already gathered from the photographs, we had a great visit with Kevin (who works in the mines) his sister Judith
(who works in Health Care in Brisbane) and
Natthew, his Thai friend (who spoke very good English and Dutch, having lived
in Holland for
7 years).
Since there was
a bit of a mix up at the school when they went to pick up Sarawut (the teacher
had brought the wrong brother, I understand), Paphawee hadn't gone to school
(but no-one had thought to tell us) and horrendous traffic conditions due to it
being International Fireworks weekend and market day...we were somewhat later
than we had intended in picking up the sponsors. That said, they were
very understanding, since we had tried unsuccessfully to call and text them.
They had tried calling me, but unfortunately I'd left my phone at home.
However, as we were in the van which has no MERCY sign on the side, Boonying
ran foul of the guard at the Venue who hassled him about being a private taxi
driver. (Clearly, it was one of those days!)
Since we were
running a bit behind we decided to divide and conquer, so after a delicious
lunch in Maes Y Ruen we went into Tesco Lotus and do some shopping. Suky
went off with Sarawut and Kevin, and Judith and I went along with Paphawee and
Natthew. It was quite funny really; everything was fine when she was
looking at frocks, T-shirts and jeans, but thinking she might be embarrassed
when it came to underwear Judith and I tried to head Natthew in a different
direction. However, try as we would, he was a lovely time choosing pretty
patterned undies - and making sure Yea went along to try everything on.
She took it all in her stride, shyly listening to everyone's suggestions,
but clearly appreciating his comments and sense of style. Judith and I were
totally surprised, but it seems he has sisters with whom he's very close, so it
was all very mundane for him.
When we met up
it was obvious that Yea hadn't as many clothes as Dean, so Kevin insisted she
go back for another look before we headed to the grocery department. In
addition to his nice new wardrobe, Sarawut had chosen the ever popular remote
controlled car to while away his leisure time, which brought a big beam to his
face, bless him.
Surprisingly,
neither of the children went for Dunkin' Donuts to take home with them, but
everyone except Yea was so happy when Kevin suggested ice cream, so it was very
quiet on the journey back, as we all tucked into Dairy Queen delights of
various kinds.
After dropping
Yea at home (she was collecting a bag and Grandma was dropping her back at
school) we took Sarawut home, as Kevin had expressed his desire to know what
the family circumstances were and if they needed any help.
They were very
happy to receive all the groceries, and we asked if Suky might go inside the
house to check what else, might be needed. Back she came with the reply that
they needed mattresses, bedding and a fan.
As Kevin is
leaving today and it was already late in the afternoon, we decided that we'd
take he and Judith to the mattress shop for him to see what was available, and
he paid for 3 single mattresses, and bedding, which Suky and Boonying have
delivered. Then he and Suky went to Big C to look at fans, and he bought
two, which are also on the van with Suky today.
It was a great
pleasure to meet such lovely and generous people, and I hope they'll come back
and see us again one day (Kevin certainly will).
Registered Charity No. 1104335
100 Years From Today
It will not matter how big your bank account
was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the
world may be a little better because your help touched the life of one child.
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