Update on our team

Last month we were deeply encouraged by kind responses from many of you who received our news. We are blessed beyond measure to have each and every one of you, who partner with us, encouraging us, helping us to see these kids through. We are honoured and thrilled by your love and support.  You know, we are thrilled to have been able to be family to these precious children, most of who are now young adults. We are also grateful for our team, we value team and working in team is vital for us… Our three invaluable Thai co-workers, Kak, Narong and Supun, help us in countless ways from accounting, visa paperwork, fulfilling Gov’t requirements. They help us understand Gov’t regulations, working with social development, joining for community visits, helping us with our garden work, and so much more… all that makes up work and family life in Chiang Rai.  Plus, our other international co-worker, Colleen, who has faithfully cared for the twins, Mercy and Faith, since they were discharged from NICU, almost 12 years ago.. These twins also come under our foundation. Later this year, their family plans to move onsite to live with us, on our property. Up until now Colleen has lived nearby, in her own home, a 2 story home, but as her mum has aged, she knows she needs more help and also to have a one story home. Colleen also needs support with the twins, who are 11 yrs old. Her elderly mother, Shirley, is 91 yrs and lives full time with them.  Therefore, we wanted to share more about our desire to raise some funds to extend our 2 bedroom studio on our property to accommodate Colleen, Shirley, Faith & Mercy, so they can be on-site with us for the next 8-10 years or so, as the girls grow through their adolescent years. Would you consider giving a once-off gift toward this building project?   However, we wanted to send this letter today, March 9, 2023, in honour of Aub Dechaboon (pictured here with the twins 11yrs ago), Colleen’s dear husband, went unexpectedly to be with Jesus on this day, 10 years ago. He was so much more than our staff, our co-worker, he was a dear friend and beloved husband of Colleen, son-in-law to Shirley, father to Rosie, and foster dad to twins, Mercy and Faith.Please pray that the government will continue to issue us a visa to stay, we know of many friends and colleagues who in recent months are not being granted renewal of their annual visa. Colleen’s visa renewal is April 27, and our visa renewal is due August 7. We value prayer for these days.  Our interview process (Feb 22) in preparation for Arnie’s adoption went smoothly, now we wait in anticipation for the final step of adoption, our court date on March 22. Thanks for helping us ‘see these kids through’. It is not over yet – they are growing up so fast but they still need us as their parents even though many are young adults, university students and we are more than grateful that we can still be in Chiang Rai to fill that role. We are grateful for the times they invite us into their decision making and seek our advice.  With love, Paul & Penny