I have found over the past few days that one may experience Thai culture, see Thai customs and know the beauty of the people. I have experienced warmth and friendship, loving and giving in a way that I have seldom been privileged to see.
However..
To feel the spirit of a people is to truly be moved. To know that one has undergone a very special moment in life is indeed a special event.
For myself and I suspect many others, today was such an event. We were in a small basic tribal hut deep in the hills in western Phayao with a family whose young boy is a PPJ resident. The family had not seen the boy for a long time. We witnessed the love that the family has for their son and the agony of having only a few minutes to spend with him. Love and yet agony... how do you cope with those contradicting emotions? Perhaps the answer is knowing that the young boy will have a better life as a result of his time at PPJ. Perhaps the boy will be the one who makes a difference in his extended family's life. One person can change the world,, whether their world is large or small.
I am unashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears. It was a moment I will never forget and a moment I truly felt God's love even though it was agonising for the family.
Lets put this into perspective.
The Forest people have been relocated by the government as a result of recent logging and deforestation of their natural habitat. The result is that the army controls the area and has to protect the small settlements from raiders. Indeed we witnessed the army outpost with guns ready. Photos will be added tomorrow. Sunday will be a free afternoon so watch out for some very moving scenes.
In the settlement there were many children. Originally five were selected to apply for care at PPJ. Due to financial and space restrictions only one boy was able to make the move. We visited one settlement but passed many more small villages and settlements. Imagine if you will the huge problem that these people face. A wholesale change in their life, a forced move from their native land, and no real hope for many.
Think about our lives in Auckland... what we do have what we complain about and what we strive for. Today we experienced something that one does not see, one does not do, but one feels. Surely... surely that puts our troubles in their true perspective. God is a miracle worker, but we are his channel through which the miracles can happen.
My life will not be the same... and I sincerely doubt anyone who was there today was unmoved. Indeed I believe that lives were changed... for both the so-called rich and the so-called poor.
Here are some of the photos of the trip to see just how they live and who they are. Whilst nothing replaces the experience of being there, these photos tell a story. There are many more photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/pakpingjainz , To see larger images please left click on the photo below.
Regards and in God's love
Peter (the blogger) Chatteris
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