Today is a sad day for us here at Promise Home because our friend and companion Max, left for a little island trip before heading back to the states next week. I would like to dedicate this blog to him.
Max joined me here at Promise Home shortly after my arrival which was a lifesaver for me. You may remember my post about the feeling of complete and total isolation after I arrived and Max's arrival helped those feelings of despair. He quickly became my companion and we did a lot of things together. When the group from Charities Within Reach arrived in October, Max pitched in and worked very hard to improve the conditions at that home. He cleaned, he painted, he hung curtains and he shopped. He would do any chore I asked him to do and he often just went about fixing something he noticed needing fixing. These tasks were just the tip of the iceberg.
The most valuable thing Max did during his time with us was the relationship he established with all of the children, particularly the boys. One of the boys has been without a male role model/father figure for most of his young life and the other has never had one. Max immediately filled that role. When he helped around the house, cleaning the bathroom, clearing the table or washing the dishes, he demonstrated what a young man is capable of doing. Now I know that Thai culture treats their men differently, but we want to raise well rounded, respectful young men and Max was the perfect role model. He also helped the children by participating in their English lessons and worked with them on their math homework and extra studies with all of us. He played games with the boys, he watched Thai TV without being able to understand a word, he let the girls use his computer for games and videos. When he left, he was given a memory book and both of the boys thanked him for being their "Big Brother." His presence will be felt around here for many years to come. He left a piece of himself in everyone's hearts.
I will miss Max and his companionship Although there were some days we both worked on various projects on our computers and barely spoke, I always knew he was there and I could talk to him or ask a question whenever I wanted. He always did more than I asked him to do and often never allowed me to help. I consider him a good friend.
Max, I hope you have a great trip to Koh Samui and then a safe journey home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God Speed my friend.
Until next time……
God Bless,
Heather
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| Trying out one of the new sofas |
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| Playing |
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| The boys! |
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| New blankets |
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| Max at the Lisu Hilltribe Kindergarten |
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| Trying something new |
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| In two countries at once |
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| At church |
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| Getting into Thai pants |
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| Enjoying the water at Doi Tung |
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| Getting ready to send off our lantern on Loy Krathong |
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| Riding elephants in the rain |
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| King, Queen, Prince game at Bethany |
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| The big bird chasing the boys |
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| Strongman |
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| Cheers |
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| Our last outing with Max |
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| Help me! |
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| The gang |
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| At the waterfall |
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| A little soak |
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| His picture of us all |
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| Max and his presents |
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| Max and the family |
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| With the guitar he gave the children for Christmas |
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| Merry Christmas |
