For those who were unable to join us for this trip, here are some photos of what you've missed !
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About Me
- Eugene Wee
- Join us as we embark on this journey of faith. Journey with us by praying alongside & supporting us every step of the way. May this journal and our lives be a testament of God's love in a hurting world.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011
Try Again : Part 3 : Caring For Children The World Has Given Up On
The 3 young boys sat there on the cement floor tearing, they knew they have disappointed not only me, but all the staff that put in their heart and soul into caring for them.
I asked the boys "Can you remember how it was like when you guys were on the streets ? when people looked down on you as the trash of society?" The boys nodded and teared more.
"By going back to the addiction, you'll telling the people who jeered at you that they were right all these while, that you guys are not worth helping." The boys teared in silence, head holding their heads down.
I told them how every staff who cared for the streetkids have been criticized by others in the community, saying how silly they are, giving up higher paying salaries to give hope to "useless kids".
"Useless people may say, but to us, you are all precious and we have never given up on you guys."
The 3 boys into sobs.
Kuak looked up and broke the silence.
Under the moonlight, you can see his whole face red and stained with tears. Tears were still rolling down his cheek as he mustered his strength to speak. He was sobbing between words, but his few words brought more tears rolling down my cheek.
"Pii Eugene....*voice breaks*... I'm sorry we disappointed you....*breaks into more tears*"
The rest of the boys broke into sobs as a prayed for them. Holding their little heads up. I told them... "Lets try again."
I asked the boys "Can you remember how it was like when you guys were on the streets ? when people looked down on you as the trash of society?" The boys nodded and teared more.
"By going back to the addiction, you'll telling the people who jeered at you that they were right all these while, that you guys are not worth helping." The boys teared in silence, head holding their heads down.
I told them how every staff who cared for the streetkids have been criticized by others in the community, saying how silly they are, giving up higher paying salaries to give hope to "useless kids".
"Useless people may say, but to us, you are all precious and we have never given up on you guys."
The 3 boys into sobs.
Kuak looked up and broke the silence.
Under the moonlight, you can see his whole face red and stained with tears. Tears were still rolling down his cheek as he mustered his strength to speak. He was sobbing between words, but his few words brought more tears rolling down my cheek.
"Pii Eugene....*voice breaks*... I'm sorry we disappointed you....*breaks into more tears*"
The rest of the boys broke into sobs as a prayed for them. Holding their little heads up. I told them... "Lets try again."
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Try Again : Part 2 : Tears On The Cement Floor
The 3 boys knew that they have been caught red handed. They knew no amount of excuses will get them out of the situation. They knew the effort we put in to ensure that each child stays clean from drugs and substance abuse and they knew they breached a major rule.
When i arrived at the home that evening, the children were having their usual activity and as I stood there at the corner of the room. Seeing the 3 boys, sadness just filled my heart. I knew it was important to discipline them, but yet i know it was hard for these kids to be absolutely cleaned from drugs. But working with street kids, we know that a clear line must be drawn in order for the kids to learn the difference between right and wrong.
As i stood there, the 3 boys held their heads down in shame. We spent some time to use this incident to educate the rest of the kid and each of the offenders were given 6 strokes of the cane. My heart ached each time a stoke landed on these kids and I had to stop a couple of times to hold back my tears.
The 3 boys took the punishment bravely and tried to pretend it did not hurt that much. They just bravely took the punishment and went back to their seats.
Now here is the turning point, after the punishment, I took the 3 boys outside and sat them down. I explained to them why drug use was harmful and how the whole episode disappointed the staff and me. - people who loved them deeply.
I told them of the high hopes I had in them, dreams that they can live to their fullest and crumble their lives under drugs. They knew I loved them and wanted the best for their lives. As they sat there, they realised that they have let down the people who really loved them. That was more painful than the physical punishment they received.
Drops of tears rolled down each of their faces and dripped on the cement floor. As I hugged and prayed for the boys, they broke into tears and they were just sobbing, knowing that they have failed yet again..
So there we spent the next half and hour and a boy with his whole face red and in tears spoke up for the first time...
When i arrived at the home that evening, the children were having their usual activity and as I stood there at the corner of the room. Seeing the 3 boys, sadness just filled my heart. I knew it was important to discipline them, but yet i know it was hard for these kids to be absolutely cleaned from drugs. But working with street kids, we know that a clear line must be drawn in order for the kids to learn the difference between right and wrong.
As i stood there, the 3 boys held their heads down in shame. We spent some time to use this incident to educate the rest of the kid and each of the offenders were given 6 strokes of the cane. My heart ached each time a stoke landed on these kids and I had to stop a couple of times to hold back my tears.
The 3 boys took the punishment bravely and tried to pretend it did not hurt that much. They just bravely took the punishment and went back to their seats.
Now here is the turning point, after the punishment, I took the 3 boys outside and sat them down. I explained to them why drug use was harmful and how the whole episode disappointed the staff and me. - people who loved them deeply.
I told them of the high hopes I had in them, dreams that they can live to their fullest and crumble their lives under drugs. They knew I loved them and wanted the best for their lives. As they sat there, they realised that they have let down the people who really loved them. That was more painful than the physical punishment they received.
Drops of tears rolled down each of their faces and dripped on the cement floor. As I hugged and prayed for the boys, they broke into tears and they were just sobbing, knowing that they have failed yet again..
So there we spent the next half and hour and a boy with his whole face red and in tears spoke up for the first time...
Monday, 18 April 2011
Try Again : Part 1 : A Bag With Rags
Working with street children can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences one can have. Of the 19 kids we have right now, every one has a heart wrenching story to tell; some were sold off by their drug addicted parents, some were victims of domestic violence, others were just abandoned by the people closest to them.
Though they come from varied backgrounds, one thing remains constant- Behind each of these innocent faces, is a shattered past. Just like David, most of these kids end up on the streets to find acceptance and love.
I have spent close to 4 years journeying with these kids and I know its not easy for them. They struggle to get past the hurts and addiction.
Just yesterday, our staff (Daa) was inspecting the boys room and felt something was amiss. The room was filled with smoke from the burning mosquito coils. The smell was overwhelming and its unusal as the kids dislike the smell of mosquito coils, so why are they litting so many up at the same time ?
She continued to check the room and found 3 boys(Tim, Kua & Kuak) huddling suspiciously in the toilet. When questioned, all 3 boys denied doing anything and were just "hanging around". Daa looked into the toiletries basket and there it was. A plastic bag with a cloth drenched in benzene.
The boys had been sniffing benzene and they know that no excuses could get them out of this mess. They just kept quiet as the news was passed to me.....
Though they come from varied backgrounds, one thing remains constant- Behind each of these innocent faces, is a shattered past. Just like David, most of these kids end up on the streets to find acceptance and love.
I have spent close to 4 years journeying with these kids and I know its not easy for them. They struggle to get past the hurts and addiction.
Just yesterday, our staff (Daa) was inspecting the boys room and felt something was amiss. The room was filled with smoke from the burning mosquito coils. The smell was overwhelming and its unusal as the kids dislike the smell of mosquito coils, so why are they litting so many up at the same time ?
She continued to check the room and found 3 boys(Tim, Kua & Kuak) huddling suspiciously in the toilet. When questioned, all 3 boys denied doing anything and were just "hanging around". Daa looked into the toiletries basket and there it was. A plastic bag with a cloth drenched in benzene.
The boys had been sniffing benzene and they know that no excuses could get them out of this mess. They just kept quiet as the news was passed to me.....
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Songkran 2011
Yesterday 5 volunteers from Singapore joined us for our annual Songkran Fund Raising Trip. This 5D4N trip is not for the faint, it involves bringing 19 highly-charged street kids out to the largest water party on earth !
This is the first time that some of these kids have been out of the village and its a great eye opener and educational trip for them. This trip we'll be heading to the night safari, elephant rides, bamboo rafting and many more.
Special thanks to the 5 volunteers & our sponsors who have made this trip possible for these 19 underprivileged children!
This is the first time that some of these kids have been out of the village and its a great eye opener and educational trip for them. This trip we'll be heading to the night safari, elephant rides, bamboo rafting and many more.
Herh getting all hyped up and ready to go ! I think herh has an awesome retro look !
Playing at the moat !
Thor our youngest girl getting all splashed !
Tim decides to use his bucket as a sprinkler. Did i mention the bucket was on his head ?
The Singaporean Volunteers having lunch !
Sunday, 10 April 2011
No Strength To Fight On
For a couple of weeks, we have been noticing that the older streetkids who have shifted to Chiang Mai started to develop a high sense of want. Yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Yesterday after church, the kids sat in the truck and was complaining how hot it was, and asked persistantly to be brought to "cool off" in the waterfall while others asked to go for a massive buffet. Somehow these kids coming from a poor background have almost forgotten everything about their humble past and decided to "live it up"
Over the past week, the staff had much difficulty trying to get them to help out with the chores with many of them running off to chill in the shade and play guitar, instead of doing their duties. So they basically ate their fill, put in their minimal effort in school, lazed around and did all the minimal to get by. There was no longer that fighting spirit in them in wanted change. Somehow something triggered that change.
We sat the kids down to speak to them, and my staff (Puu) spoke to the kids to the point of tears, how she dreamed they can reach for the skies if they only try. But this wasn't tying at all. We knew something caused the slide, but we couldn't pinpoint what it was. Till we started praying together. After prayer, it seemed apparent that they were discouraged, tired of being looked down upon by school mates, and struggling to catch up due to the differing standards. We got them all to pray for each other and before long, you can see tears flowing out of many of these kids eyes.
The beautiful part, after ministry a breakthrough happened. We did not have to tell the kids anything more, they just took up chankol and started to work. Something changed deep inside !
Yesterday after church, the kids sat in the truck and was complaining how hot it was, and asked persistantly to be brought to "cool off" in the waterfall while others asked to go for a massive buffet. Somehow these kids coming from a poor background have almost forgotten everything about their humble past and decided to "live it up"
Over the past week, the staff had much difficulty trying to get them to help out with the chores with many of them running off to chill in the shade and play guitar, instead of doing their duties. So they basically ate their fill, put in their minimal effort in school, lazed around and did all the minimal to get by. There was no longer that fighting spirit in them in wanted change. Somehow something triggered that change.
We sat the kids down to speak to them, and my staff (Puu) spoke to the kids to the point of tears, how she dreamed they can reach for the skies if they only try. But this wasn't tying at all. We knew something caused the slide, but we couldn't pinpoint what it was. Till we started praying together. After prayer, it seemed apparent that they were discouraged, tired of being looked down upon by school mates, and struggling to catch up due to the differing standards. We got them all to pray for each other and before long, you can see tears flowing out of many of these kids eyes.
The beautiful part, after ministry a breakthrough happened. We did not have to tell the kids anything more, they just took up chankol and started to work. Something changed deep inside !
Things that make you laugh
Working with street children coming from one of the roughest neighborhoods in Thailand isn't easy. But despite the heartaches, there are also some memorable moments. I've decided to blog it down so it continues to remind me of how beautiful these kids can be.
So here are the "highlights of the week"
1. Working With The Boys
Boys were tasked to shovel some sand and Kua decided to take a undeclared break. He sneakily walked to a small tree, sat right down on a nice pot. Only that this pot was one of the worst choices in his life, it was a pot of cactus !
Yes. We had to apply medicine after.
2. Children's Weekly General Knowledge Quiz
Puu asks : "What is the chat system that you use to speak with your sponsors via the internet." (Hoping that the kids will remember skype). Puu continues "it has little channel like things which you select to communicate"
Faa : Facebook !
Kig : heee heee.....Its called a notebook !
Jong : Scratching her head....."megahertz ?"
So here are the "highlights of the week"
1. Working With The Boys
Boys were tasked to shovel some sand and Kua decided to take a undeclared break. He sneakily walked to a small tree, sat right down on a nice pot. Only that this pot was one of the worst choices in his life, it was a pot of cactus !
Yes. We had to apply medicine after.
2. Children's Weekly General Knowledge Quiz
Puu asks : "What is the chat system that you use to speak with your sponsors via the internet." (Hoping that the kids will remember skype). Puu continues "it has little channel like things which you select to communicate"
Faa : Facebook !
Kig : heee heee.....Its called a notebook !
Jong : Scratching her head....."megahertz ?"
Saturday, 9 April 2011
A Beautiful First Quarter
Quite a lot of things have happened in this first quarter. There are 4 things which I want to share with you.
First, we received a small grant from Lee foundation, enabling us to invest into having proper caregivers for our children and dedicated staff to continue ministry outreach. Its a blessing ! The first STK home in Phetchabun rescues, rebuilds and help tribal children get back on their feet. The second center continues the rehabilitation process by giving them access to quality education, christian care & guidence. This is extremely important as these kids reach their teenage years.
Secondly, after 3 years of working on the mission field, this year our work is started to break new ground, having more village leaders, government officials and tribal people coming alongside us in this work. As a result of the influx of people coming to us, we too have started monthly food & relief distribution missions. This brought in more needy elderly at their last laps of their lives coming forward to ask to know about Christ. So we'll need a lot of prayer and help here.
Thirdly, we converted our internet cafe into a low cost education centre providing low cost internet access to poor and needy students. 1 hour of usage costs less than 50cents (SGD) ! Just to tell the villagers that we care and our doors are always open to help. Of course with more trust build, we also seen an influx of people bringing their kids to us, many addicted to drugs, glue or from special needs backgrounds. Right now we only have expertise to handle drug kids, but please pray with us that we'll one day be able to handle special needs children as well.
Lastly, I want to thank our givers who have journeyed with us. YOU. Without you, we would not have made it so far and your financial partnership with us has enabled literally thousands of lives to be reached, touched for Christ. But please continue to spread the word, we are still surviving on very minimal funds but we're trusting the Lord to provide as we continue this work.
Some pictures of this first quarter !
Nong Plaa receives certificate for coming up first in art competition. Not just any art competition, but across all the northern provinces in Thailand !
First, we received a small grant from Lee foundation, enabling us to invest into having proper caregivers for our children and dedicated staff to continue ministry outreach. Its a blessing ! The first STK home in Phetchabun rescues, rebuilds and help tribal children get back on their feet. The second center continues the rehabilitation process by giving them access to quality education, christian care & guidence. This is extremely important as these kids reach their teenage years.
Secondly, after 3 years of working on the mission field, this year our work is started to break new ground, having more village leaders, government officials and tribal people coming alongside us in this work. As a result of the influx of people coming to us, we too have started monthly food & relief distribution missions. This brought in more needy elderly at their last laps of their lives coming forward to ask to know about Christ. So we'll need a lot of prayer and help here.
Thirdly, we converted our internet cafe into a low cost education centre providing low cost internet access to poor and needy students. 1 hour of usage costs less than 50cents (SGD) ! Just to tell the villagers that we care and our doors are always open to help. Of course with more trust build, we also seen an influx of people bringing their kids to us, many addicted to drugs, glue or from special needs backgrounds. Right now we only have expertise to handle drug kids, but please pray with us that we'll one day be able to handle special needs children as well.
Lastly, I want to thank our givers who have journeyed with us. YOU. Without you, we would not have made it so far and your financial partnership with us has enabled literally thousands of lives to be reached, touched for Christ. But please continue to spread the word, we are still surviving on very minimal funds but we're trusting the Lord to provide as we continue this work.
Some pictures of this first quarter !
2 young girls were rescued from the black market after a tip off. Both girls are now safely on the streetkids programme.
More open hearts and more villagers coming to our centre to seek help.
RADION partnered Huay Nam Khao villagers to rebuild its only church which was invested with termites and was no longer structurally safe.
RADION STREETKIDS! Home in phetchabun hit by strong winds, dining area was at the point of collapse. In a surprise turn of events, church members from Huay Nam Khao came to help rebuild this dining area for the kids!
The completed dining area with a new zinc roof.
11 Older kids travel to Chiang Mai as the pioneer group to start the second rehabilitation shelter ! All made sacrifices to leave a family environment so they can have a shot in life.
Our main vehicle barely made it to Chiang Mai before giving way. The truck is in the worshop for the last 2 weeks and the whole engine had to be taken out to do a major overhaul.
Dr Choo teaches english to children in the Chiang Mai Home.
Kids settling into the 2nd streetkids! home in Chiang Mai & getting ready to go to school.
The children's first outing in Chiang Mai. Something they can not have enough of- waterfalls.
The daunting journey down hill. A journey one must take to have fun with the kids !
Education exposure to bring the kids out to the local animal market.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Diary : 6 Apr 2011 - A Python In Our Backyard
Yesterday, the STREETKIDS! started their first english lessons with Dr Choo Weng Chuk- a fine man who has supported our work since we started years back.
The kids were all excited to learn english and were waiting for Dr Choo's arrival when a scream came from the back of the STREETKIDS! home. It was Jai.
She ran and shouted "SNAKE!!!!!...."SNAKE IN THE BACKYARD!" Hardly being able to catch her breath, she described the snake to be black and had brownish patches all over the body, about 2 meters long. A description of a python. So we picked up what we could to see if we can spot the likely culprit that stole 3 rabbits from our farm.
The backyard wasn't big and before long we found a bloodied remnants of rabbit with no sight of the snake. We got the kids all in to quickly start their english lessons with Dr Choo, while we decided how we're going to trap the snake.....
This is probably how the culprit probably looks like.....
The kids were all excited to learn english and were waiting for Dr Choo's arrival when a scream came from the back of the STREETKIDS! home. It was Jai.
She ran and shouted "SNAKE!!!!!...."SNAKE IN THE BACKYARD!" Hardly being able to catch her breath, she described the snake to be black and had brownish patches all over the body, about 2 meters long. A description of a python. So we picked up what we could to see if we can spot the likely culprit that stole 3 rabbits from our farm.
The backyard wasn't big and before long we found a bloodied remnants of rabbit with no sight of the snake. We got the kids all in to quickly start their english lessons with Dr Choo, while we decided how we're going to trap the snake.....
This is probably how the culprit probably looks like.....
Monday, 4 April 2011
Diary : 5 Apr 2011
Right now I'm in Chiang Mai spearheading our second streetkids shelter. Everything has been going great, kids are settling in, managed to get into one of the best schools and they everything ahead of them.
As much as I feel happy for these 11 kids; knowing they have been given a shot in their lives. Despite this, I'm saddened by the fact that there are still thousands of children needing this "shot in their lives" but yet have no chance, I'm also reminded of my little boy David who never did return to the programme despite us going all the distance. I have no idea why I have such a strong affiliation to that boy, maybe he just reminds me of me. :)
I dream that on my dying bed, I'll be able to see the faces of these children all grown up- doctors, pastors, teachers, businessmen, missionaries etc. All living their lives out for God, impacting the next generation, restoring broken lives, because they were first reached through this ministry.
As much as I feel happy for these 11 kids; knowing they have been given a shot in their lives. Despite this, I'm saddened by the fact that there are still thousands of children needing this "shot in their lives" but yet have no chance, I'm also reminded of my little boy David who never did return to the programme despite us going all the distance. I have no idea why I have such a strong affiliation to that boy, maybe he just reminds me of me. :)
I dream that on my dying bed, I'll be able to see the faces of these children all grown up- doctors, pastors, teachers, businessmen, missionaries etc. All living their lives out for God, impacting the next generation, restoring broken lives, because they were first reached through this ministry.
Friday, 1 April 2011
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