3L Foundation

Baseball spring training continues. I now have 2 jammed fingers and for some reason each day I take a line drive hit to the same spot on my right thigh. Otherwise the kids have taken to understanding fielding and keeping their eye on the ball ..or as is said in Thai: ‘ Hen bon’. Some of the kids have emerged having some good talent for the sport. It is unfortunate that the only place it’s being played in Thailand is in our motley village. Our two baseballs are shredded so the other day I bought some pink duct tape and I will try to repair as best as I can.

One of the ways to support the 3L foundation is to give a birthday to a child. We have a list of every child’s birthday and they are allowed to ask for one special thing. This can range from wanting an alarm clock to a pair of Nike soccer cleats. We give to every child. If we are not in Thailand when their birthday arrives they know we will celebrate upon our return. For this spring trip we have many to celebrate. For those who help us to continue this giving we are thankful. In their birthday bag contains their special gift, some new clothes, and their favorite candy. All the other kids gather around and sing happy birthday as that child is essentially king or queen for a few moments. It is some of the greatest joy that we experience here.

There is a school located in central Pattaya called the Fountain of Life. Each day children from the slums arrive to be fed, taught, and given a safe place to spend the day. We try to arrive there during the week by 3 pm as school let’s out so that we can see some of our kids that we help in the Thepprasit slum . We slide milk and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into their hands so that they have full belies when they get home just in case there is no supper to eat.

 

The other day we had the honor to meet Sister Joan. She is the director of the school and has been involved with helping the poorest of the poor for many years. For those of you who ever make it here to spend time with us we will certainly introduce you to this amazing and kind woman.

We are realizing that most of our kids do not know how to swim. This fact however, does not prevent them from spending time in the water. The other day a couple kids jumped into the pond to try and find a piece of the radio controlled boat that flew off during it’s maiden voyage. The pond water is dark green from all the algae, water plants, and who knows what else. It’s about 13 feet at it’s deepest point.

We stood on the banks taking photos of the great search and I made some comment about what it would take for me to ever enter that water. Just then the soccer ball that Gang had tucked under his shirt to keep him afloat popped out. He immediately began to struggle to keep his head above water. All the other kids looked on in panic. Before I knew it, I saw Ashley launching into the pond to rescue him. Her instincts only allowed her to do whatever it took to save him. It was a somber few minutes afterward, everyone taking in what had just happened. Gang was scared and exhausted. He went to his room and slept. Ash went home to change and shower of the pond.

News traveled quickly about the near drowning, and Ashley became hero for the rest of the day

Yesterday the entire village as well as a dozen children from the slums gathered for a day hike into the cow pastures and woods.We were told it was a simple hour long walk to a nice spot for a picnic. Two and a half hours later we arrived to the cool cover of the largest willow tree I have ever seen but not before we crossed the same stream many times at different points, hunted for buried treasure and navigated some carefully crafted obstacles laid out by the staff the night before. I will also mention it was probably the hottest day since we arrived 2 weeks ago.I wasn’t sure if it was being enjoyed by the kids, but when it was all over they said they hoped they could do it again soon. The joy of children is something I learn from every day I am here.

Thanks for taking the time to read our words. We look forward to your continued support.
All donations go directly to supporting the Sala and our children.

1 COMMENT

1. Heather Crack Curtis says:

   June 14, 2011 at 6:14 PM

   LOVE THIS BLOG ENTRY, and thank you ASH for saving Gang. I guess next visit is swimming lessons for the kids??
   My love to all