Chaing Mai

Tim and I have successfully met up with Arthur here in Chaing Mai. We will attend church together tonight with Arthur. Tuesday we will head out to Chaing Rai and stay with Arthur's brother before heading out to a few of the Akha Hill Tribes outside Chaing Rai. Sorry no pictures yet, so far we have just been running around and have not had much opportunity to get any photo's.

Today at lunch Arthur, Tim and I bumped into 3 people that are here in Chaing Mai volunteering at a nearby orphanage that houses children from the hill tribes. They were commenting on how many of the children in the orphanage were sent there because there parents could not afford to take care of them. These kids can only stay in the orphanage until they are 18 and then for most, unless educated, it means a life on the street, prostitution, drugs, and no real opportunity for a future. If you ask them what they want most they say education. For them education means a chance for a better life. When we shared with them that Arthur was one of those hill tribe kids who's parents could not afford to care for him, and how Arthur not only graduated college but also attends graduate school, they were encouraged. They invited Arthur to speak to the children to encourage them and give them hope. Most of the children feel there is not a lot of hope and Arthur is a living example of the hope that comes from Jesus Christ, and against all odds succeeding and living a life of purpose and provision. Today Arthur lives his life to serve God and to help the people of his Akha tribe. Is there anyone who could be encouraged by your story? What obstacles have you overcome that could help someone else to succeed in an area that appears to be a no win situation?