My trip to Thailand, specifically Samuel's House in Payak, has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I can't begin to summarise how richer my life has been from my travel, so I wanted to share with you my experience of meeting the fine young boy I sponsor, Aek. He was initially shy in meeting me, as I was him, but we couldn't stop starring at each other. As communication was difficult, our interactions were based on a smile, a look, a touch and time together. On the first day, he walked along side me as we were shown around Samuel's House. At afternoon tea, I watched him make kites and play with his brothers and sisters. On the second day, he came up to me to wish me a “good morning,” which was so lovely as it was as though he had practiced it all morning until I had arrived.

On the second day, a Sunday, we participated in Sunday School and played team dominoes (Aek and I vs. Da and Jung, we won). Afterwards, we went into Church where he pulled up a chair for me next to him and together we prayed, danced and sung. He gave me his offering, 1 baht, which he had worked extra chores for, to put in the offering bag. To share in spirituality with a child is such a powerful experience and I will continue to pray for him daily.

On our final day, we brought the children food to cook on little fires; a treat that they love. Aek pulled up a mat for us to sit on and together we shared in a meal that he had cooked. I am humbled by Aek and his fine qualities of gentleness, his generous spirt and his quiet sense of confidence. He also has an amazing gift of creativity and I'm really excited to continue to encourage these qualities and many more that he will develop.

I miss our time together and wished I wasn't so shy initially so I could have ceased every opportunity with him and the other children but hopefully there will be another opportunity to visit again, and hopefully for a longer time. You can't help but come away feeling overwhelmed with love for the children and God.

Kirby