phetchabun, thailand

 

 

 

 

After 7.5 hours of bus ride from Bangkok to Phechatchun, we were so over it and were tired and cranky. However, once we stepped into Ban Meata Phetchabun, we felt at home and were very warmly welcomed by many. Phetchabun is situated in the midst of the mountains and the scenery is beautiful. Ban Meata Phetchabun has lovely children and lovely staff. The children are very well looked after by the staff. This place is amazing. They have a farm which is used to grow produce for the children's meals. We get free and fresh produce, such as pumpkin, papaya, bananas, etc... They also have fish farms which produces the most beautiful fish we have eaten in Thailand. Ban Meata Phetchabun has also built a school to provide free education not only to the children of Ban Meata but the whole village. They currently provide free education to over 1000 children in the school. We are very thankful that God has brought us to Ban Meata Phetchabun on our trip.

What we love

LL: The beautiful people serving in this place who are truly men and women of faith.

AT: The people working their hearts out for the children. They are truly great people and people of God.

What we dislike

LL: I can't help but feel that some of the children don't have a sense of belonging in this place. The people running this place have sacrificed so much and done their best. Unfortunately the number of children and the size of the place have some negative impact.

AT: I didn't like the structured schedules of the daily lives of the children in the home. I can understand that it is necessary in a big place like that.

What we miss

LL: I miss the children but especially the staff. Got to know some great and wonderful people at this place and they have inspired me a lot.

AT: I miss the children, the staff and the environment. The environment that these children grow up in is pure bliss. They need to understand how God has blessed them and how fortunate they are.

What we don't miss

LL: Millions of mosquito bites... I ended up with atopic demertitis and had to get an injection.

AT: I don't miss the heat at Phetchabun during the hotter months of the year.

What we have accomplished

LL: Working with the staff at the school canteen was really fun. Had a chance to get to know the carers better and appreciate what they are doing.

AT: To understand the inner workings of a children's home more intimately - the successes and mistakes that have been made.

What we learnt

Dream big... don't let the circumstances around you limit what you can do. We also learnt a lot of practical things about running a children home in Thailand which will clearly help us run Samuel's House more effectively.