Still In School!

   Nine years ago when I first taught school in Thailand I lived in a house with 5 other volunteers.  A local woman brought food to us and taught us some rudimentary Thai.  Her name is Gai, and she and her husband had a Tuk Tuk (taxi) business.
   I've remained in touch with Gai and her family over the years.  Gai has a big heart (jai dee) as they say in Thailand and has taken in needy children over the years.  Currently she has two daughters and one other girl living at home.  With the unrest and changes in Thailand things have not been easy for the family. About a year ago Gai took a job at a tourist site to supplement the family's income.
   Gai's oldest daughter, Mai, 18, has one year left in vocational (?) school and Perwaa, is in 5th grade.
With the help of friends and my congregation, Grace University Lutheran Church, we have provided financial support so the girls can continue their education.  Without that support they would leave school to help support the family.
   The family's circumstances became more dire recently when Gai's husband left taking the Tuk Tuk with him.  She is now the only breadwinner for the family.  Yesterday I paid the school tuition for both girls for another year.  To say they are grateful is an understatement

With Gai, Perwaa and Mai at KFC>

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