It's been a little over a year since hubs and I had our last international adventure... now life has opened another door. Life has brought me to Thailand. The Land of Smiles is another familiar name. It describes the people exactly. I wanted to share a little of the reason why I am here.
Why am I here?
About two months after hubs and I returned from Russia, I was offered a position at Orphanage Support Services (OSSO).
For the past 15 years, OSSO has provided the opportunity for short term and long term volunteers to work in orphanages in Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador.
As an organization, OSSO provides monetary support to many orphanages throughout Ecuador. The OSSO staff in Ecuador assess current and critical needs. Donations made to the children go to provide food, medical care, and education. While OSSO is not an adoption agency, the children have the ability to be adopted through provided resources, such as staff, to make this reality possible.
The same methodology that is held to in Ecuador is now being spread to Thailand.
Primarily in Chiang Mai; home to many children from the Northern countries of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and of course throughout Thailand.
OSSO has chosen to open a short term summer program to provide volunteers the opportunity to work with the sweet children of Thailand.
As in the other orphanages we serve, it is important for consistency through volunteers. We hope to eventually have a more continual presence of people ready to serve. Through this, more donations can be made to meet the immediate needs of the children. Through small steps is when greater things can come. We are doing what we can with the time we are here.
Just a little taste of what OSSO does and the importance of this work.
Learn More: http://www.orphanagesupport.org
A little over 6 months ago I met the children here for the first time. I am grateful for the opportunity to see OSSO volunteers forget themselves and show their love and focus to these children. One group has come and gone, but I look forward to the following weeks. A few children have already stolen my heart. As has this country.
I've been able to see how children show their love no matter who you are or your background. They are teaching me so much.
This country is full of opportunity for all walks of life. I will be writing of those experiences of the last two weeks and those that come. While I will not be posting pictures of the children, to maintain their privacy, I will be sharing some tidbits of the children and the work we have be doing with them. I will also be showing the beauty and culture of this country. The people are amazing! I have already met so many lovely people both Thai and other volunteers.
For now, how about a picture of the wonderful group who just left? They were a thrill to work with and see them put in their all to work with the children. Until we meet again!
