est. 2009
Namwan, 14
From day one, Namwan has blessed us in ways we could never have anticipated. Mature beyond her years, with a composure even many adults lack, she is steadfast and determined and she sets the bar high for those around her.
Her Story
Each child's story is their own to tell so we share only the parts that are appropriate. In time, we believe the testimony that God is giving them is something they'll share to help and encourage others. Until that time, we will share those things which aren't too deeply personal but will still give you insight into the hearts and minds of these young people God has sent to us.
October 2024 Update
Namwan arrived at the doorstep of our home in August of 2020. We'd been in Thailand less than a year and she took us to the threshold of the number of Thai children (6) would could take in legally, without a license. She came speaking Thai and also Hmong, but not English. Today, 4 years later, she is one of our main translators and she has helped us through countless communication crises over the years.
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School is out and Namwan is awaiting her father's arrival to pick her up for a short visit. Her grades are always near perfection, and this term was no exception. She has an uncanny gift for art in various forms, which is actually very common in this culture. She recently sat down to draw a portrait of one of her teachers who was retiring so she could present it to him as a gift. When she showed us what she'd whipped up, we couldn't believe the detail. I'll include a picture of it below.
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When God gave us the opportunity to purchase instruments recently, Namwan chose to learn piano. As is her habit, she has put the effort necessary into practicing and is progressing nicely. She takes turns with Kwan (16) to translate our sermons into Thai and she's always willing to help us communicate with people when the conversations take us beyond the scope of our vocabulary. In many ways, our inefficiencies have given her an opportunity to grow in ways she likely wouldn't if we were better equipped for life here. Sometimes it's a gift to others when we have to rely on them. Most of us balk at that feeling of dependency but God uses all things for good!
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As I type this, Namwan is headed over to help cook the evening meal as she often does. Have I mentioned how grateful we are for this sweet girl?
translating a sermon in front of a mural she painted for the church
The portrait she sketched of her teacher as a retirement gift