In February we celebrated the Grand Opening of our brand new Child Rescue Centre. We were so honoured to have so many world changers come and join us.
Having been asked to help on the photography team for the day, gave me the chance to observe this memorable occasion through the camera’s viewfinder - in a whole new light. Helping to capture this unforgettable milestone in ZOE’s history gave me the opportunity to zoom in and fix my attention on just what a significant event was actually taking place.
As each guest and VIP arrived, I was able to focus on the faces of the many incredible people who have critical roles and positions in partnering and collaborating with ZOE as we, together, fight child trafficking.
ZOE founder Michael Hart's speech exposed what our work is all about:
"Everyone here has an important role in making
this place a refuge for children in Thailand.
These beautiful buildings would be only an empty shell,
if they did not have the people who are
dedicated to rescuing and restoring child victims.
All of us here today, can turn these rooms
into 'safety' 'peace' and 'hope' for each child.
We are on the same team, playing different positions,
but we all fight for victory on behalf of the children we serve."
And while the Grand Opening felt like it was over in a flash, the real work of rescuing and caring for children is not. Thank you for joining with us in this fight and celebrating the opening of this building so crucial for the next stage in rescuing children.
You may have seen the quote, “Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives. And if things don't work out, just take another shot.”
Unlike cameras, where we can ‘just take another shot’, in life, we only get the ‘one shot’ to make a difference. Let’s continue to work together to expose child trafficking and focus on helping these precious children, one at a time.
Last January, we experienced one of the most unforgettable moments here at ZOE Children’s Home.
We celebrated the official opening of our new buildings- the House of Destiny, which was built in partnership with ‘Life Outreach International’ (LOI) and completed in 2010.
Months in the planning, the day was organised down to the last minute and every little detail had been carefully planned and thought out.
Even a film crew came to record the ceremony for ‘Life Today’ as well as a team of LOI donors. We were all very excited.
A group of us went to the airport to greet the LOI team.
Here’s how the day unfolded:
Behind the scenes, Carol Hart (founder) briefed
us on the order of service.
The ZOE children watched on excitedly as everything
was put in place ready for the big day..
The LOI team arrived at ZOE and saw the House of Destiny for the very first time.
The emotions overwhelm some of them as they see this huge project finally completed and realize the magnitude of what this home will provide.
The team made their way up the hill to a warm welcome of cheering from the missionaries waiting on the balconies.
Inside, the ZOE family wait patiently for the team to arrive.
More hugging and welcoming!
A memorable service of thanksgiving then unfolded. Some of the children had the opportunity to share their gratitude and explain what the provision of this building has meant to them... the ZOE children sang for the team (pictured above) ... and the LOI team also shared.
Pictured below is a time of honoring Mike and Carol (founders) for their commitment, integrity and dedication to the completion of this project.
Then....
...outside for the official ribbon cutting!
From our trip to see the land and the foundations in June 2009, to this special occasion a year ago I am so grateful for all that has transpired and all that will as we now focus on 2012.
Whenever we stand on the balcony of this beautiful building we are just so thankful to God for all He has provided and will continue to do here through the rescuing of orphans and children, at risk and affected by human trafficking.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! And for reading this blog and keeping up with all that's happening over here. We really value your support, interest and feedback.
I feel like it’s been so long since I blogged, that I could almost qualify as a guest blogger!
Well, I wanted to share with you one of my December highlights.
Now I know that you probably just checked your calendar and saw that it is now February 2011!! Okay, so I am a little bit behind in a few areas but I did not want to miss this opportunity.
In December the children at the ZOE Children’s Home were very blessed to receive new shoes! And everyone loved them! We’re talking bright AND colourful and because they’re slip-ons, they are the perfect shoes for Thailand.
What’s even more amazing is that Life Outreach International, who’s donors raised the money for these shoes, didn’t only just provide for the children at the ZOE Children’s Home but enough to bless hundreds of other children throughout Chiangmai.
I was involved in this exciting project, helping to deliver shoes to children outside of ZOE and seeing their smiles as they received this great gift.
In the schools that I have visited outside of ZOE, all children were required to wear school uniform. At a glance, you could be forgiven for overlooking a child in uniform and thinking that they must be “okay”.
It only took me moments though, as I helped to distribute shoes, to realize that, in fact, many of these children were actually in high need. Uniforms were discolored from several days of wear, and the majority of children also had gaping holes in their socks. Some of the kids appeared to have sores on their feet too, so I could see that this gift was of high value to them.
One of the other wonderful parts to passing out shoes was that in the afternoon, some of the ZOE children, who had finished their school day early, offered to come and help.
Without saying too much about the backgrounds of our ZOE kids, one of the girls who came with us that afternoon used to have to beg on the streets for money. For a child that is involved in a ‘begging ring’ they are required to get their nightly quota of cash to avoid mistreatment or unthinkable punishments.
We know from our work here that 9 out of 10 children that beg on the streets of Thailand will end up working in a brothel, so I can say with some surety that her opportunities in life were, at that point, pretty limited.
She sure had it tough before she came to ZOE.
But, as I observed her from a distance, she busily began to organize her peers and make sure that every shoe size was displayed in its correct position, ready to match to the children who were about to arrive and receive their precious gift.
As she slowly knelt to the ground, a position that I am sure she had been in many times, I watched a she gently placed a new pair of shoes on to one of the other little girl’s feet with large holes in her socks.
At that split second, that tender moment, I saw the transformation of a life.
A child that used to be begging, now so joyously and willingly involved in giving, by handing out shoes, to the poor children around her.
I share with you just one, of the many transformed lives of the children at ZOE. Every child has their own story and we are so glad to be involved in helping these kids to become all that they were created to be.
We exist as an organization to make a difference in children’s lives.
The way I felt that day when I saw the smiles on the children’s faces- from the ZOE kids that helped pass out the shoes, to the children receiving them, this will be imprinted in my mind for a long time to come.
As the day wore on, Andrea and Tobi met me back at ZOE to refill the trucks and head back out again, this time to a small village and children’s home.
I am not sure yet if Tobi comprehended the work that he was involved with on that special day. I don’t know if he understands the significance of giving shoes away to children that have so very little, but I hope and pray that his heart expands with love and compassion for other people and that he will grow up to be a man that loves to help and change the lives of those in need.
I have made a short clip that shows some of the photos from the day.
Note: I have removed the photo of the ZOE child who I made mention of in this article, to ensure we protect her identity.
The child mentioned in the story above is not shown in any photographs.
