Return Trip
These are a few highlights of our trip to Thailand in July and August. Our main goal was to complete the mission house, and the house is now ready for visitors. It was also great to reconnect with the children at Gethsemane Home and our staff.
A Pleasant Surprise
There is a man from the Ahka tribe who regularly comes to our Bible Seminars at Antioch Church. A few years ago he started brewing coffee at the seminars that he shared with the rest of the men. I soon learned that he grew his own coffee, so I told him I would be interested in buying some from him. At that time he didn’t have any but said he had more at his village. I wanted to learn more about his coffee so one Friday in August, Titus took his dad and I north into the mountains to the “coffee man’s” village.
Before we left Gethsemane home, Titus said he had been told they were having a swing festival that day in the Ahka village. After a three and a half hour journey, we made it to the village. Upon our arrival we were greeted by the playing of music, women dressed in festive attire, and a handmade Ferris wheel. It was all really quite interesting. And by the way, after lunch I did get to see where his coffee was grown. Sad to say he was out of coffee for me to buy. Oh well, maybe next time! – Steve
Maintenance Mode
The new addition at Gethsemane Home was built back in 2012. At that time, we also purchased new beds and wardrobes for the kids. Over the years several upgrades have been made to the home. The tile roofs were replaced with metal back in 2000, and earlier this year all the ceilings were replaced with a better gypsum board.
Arriving back in Thailand in July, we were eager to see the new ceilings. When we went into the girls’ and boy’s rooms, it became very apparent that we had more upgrades to do. The wardrobes, which were made of particle board, were damaged and some of the beds needed repair. We made the decision to purchase seven new beds and replace all the wardrobes with new metal ones. We also purchased a locker system and storage cabinet. We also purchased new irons and ironing boards.
We know the maintenance will continue to be a part of our budget for next year. Just this week, we had to purchase a new refrigerator for the home. Thank you to everyone who supplied the funds to make the updates possible.
It’s the Little Things
Being in Thailand for longer periods of time, we get to see the little things in life that make our connection to Gethsemane Home more personal. Whether it’s getting ice cream or giving 20 baht to the child who can catch a chicken, all of these experiences bring us so much joy!
Upcoming Fundraising Events
This time of year is the busiest for us with fundraising events. Proceeds from all of these events are used to support our Under the Son Ministries Educational Fund.
We will be holding Pop-up Shops in October and November. Watch our Wonderfully Made Facebook page for details. On October 11th, we are participating in the Windy Hill Fall Flea Market. The Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair at the Community Center in Maryville will be held on Saturday, November 15th.
The 9th Annual Christmas Homes Tour will take place on Sunday, December 7th. We will be revealing one of the four homes in this year’s event each Friday in October. Tickets will then be available beginning November 1st. We hope you can join us at each of these events.
