Hoay Maw

On Wednesday 27th August the Olivers and Niti made our first visit to Hoay Maw following the Summer break.

As we neared Hoay Maw, I wondered how we would find things.

I felt a whispered reassurance - “You don't have to worry about a thing.”

On arrival it was good to be greeted by Paul and Rattanapon as well as Pastor Joseph and his wife. We had brought hygiene and grocery supplies and so delivered them to the home. They welcomed these as food supplies were short. We also took used clothes donated by friends at Grace International School. Paul began to show us around.

Mosquito Nets:

Money had been raised to supply each child with an individual mosquito nets. Contributions came from St Margaret's School year 3 and from a coffee morning in Cirencester. Malaria and Dengue are real threats in the region and so it is excellent that the nets have been purchased and installed successfully.

Fish Pond Plan:

Proposed location for pond

Having taken Paul to visit the fish farm near Chiang Mai, we had heard that he was eager to move forward with plans to establish a fish pond at Hoay Maw. We were pleased that Paul had been able to approach World Vision for help. A site has been identified and a budget drawn up. The total cost will be ~£1300/$2600, 70% of which will be funded by World Vision. This equates to the building of the pond. A further 30% (~£400/$800) needs to be raised which equates to the stocking and 4 months feeding to raise a batch of 30,000 fish.

In the future there is potential to sell some of the fish (~1/3) in order to cover costs for raising the next batch. The primary value will be in providing regular nutritious food for the children as well as some income generation potential.

Crops & Vegetables:

Paul then led us on to see developments with crops and vegetables. They had been able to receive advice and training from a retired, Taiwanese agriculturalist. The agricultural area now has a screen boundary for shade and protection from animals.

Brush made from Japanese plant

A trial crop of a Japanese plant is being tested. If successful then they may be able to grow more for export to Japan. They would also invite local villagers to come to the centre to learn how to grow the crop in order to pass on vocational skills to the community as well as increase volumes co-operatively.

Long beans

Cucumbers

They have planted new crops of long beans and cucumbers that are producing well. They also have further planting of sweet potatoes. The pigs eat the over-ground foliage and the children eat the root vegetables. The mushrooms are still producing. Old mushroom compost and pig-pen litter is being used as fertilizer. The children have also been given training and are participating in the agricultural projects.

Pigs:

Nathan and Chloe (from Powerpack) check out the 6 new piglets

The small mother pig has produced a litter of 6 new piglets. Paul has arranged for the iron frame to be made and installed for the large mother pig. The large mother has not yet become pregnant again and they are going to try giving her hormones. The original piglets are continuing to grow. We are providing money for nutrient food from Links Christmas Gifts.

Finances:

Rattanapon has continued to maintain excellent accounts which have been audited to date by Niti. We have been blessed that Open Hands have been able to provide ~30,000 baht per quarter in addition to the cover of half of the staff wages. This approximately covers the market bill although with the money arriving at the end of the quarter, they tend to be 2 months in arrears at that point. If we could inject 20,000 baht (~£320/$640), this would enable them to avoid any period of arrears. Bottom line is that it is an excellent achievement that finances are being controlled and not sliding indefinitely.

The other half of the staff wages comes from an individual supporter. We thank God for this provision which enables funding of the staff. Without this, none of the development of projects or child care at Hoay Maw would have been possible.

Family Groups:

Paul reported that he is very pleased with the family groups and that they continue to be an avenue for delivering more personal care to the children as well as for equipping the older teenagers with leadership/parenting skills.

Computers:

We are very grateful to have received 3 computers for Hoay Maw that have been 'retired' from Grace International School. The intention is that these will be used for educational support for the older children. One of the computers may be used for administration on the site of the children's home.

The computers will be kept in the recently built extension to the dining area. Adrian will support the installation and set-up of these computers. Adrian is also working on enabling internet access for Paul via mobile phone so that we can email between Paul and Niti. We have liaised with the Singapore team who will be visiting Hoay Maw in December from Living Spring Fellowship and they have agreed that they can do some basic computer training at that time.

Summary:

We are extremely encouraged by the level of progress that has been made. We thank God and we thank all who have prayed, encouraged, and contributed in any way.

Future:

It was true. There was no need to worry about a thing. Hoay Maw is in safe hands. Those of a loving Father God, and of His capable servants - Paul and Rattanapon and their staff.

With the major improvements made in areas of organisation, accountability, initiative and care, we feel that it is now appropriate to encourage some further support at the same time as continuing with the emphasis on self-responsibility.

Some people have expressed a desire to support costs on a per child basis e.g. £15/$30 per month. We are also considering encouraging individuals, church, youth, children's, cell or school groups to consider supporting educational, hygiene or project costs.

We value the opportunity to build connections where people have a heart to get involved.

I lift my eyes up to the mountains, Where does my help come from? My help comes from You, Maker of heaven and earth. (View on the way home)