The world is extremely rich with history. I may be stating the obvious, but I so easily forget. Any country visited or any interaction with a human can reveal information that occurred in their past. These historical circumstances can help us understand why present situations are a certain way. It has been some time coming to write about the trip, but I recently had the privilege to learn about the culture and history of two, beautiful countries.
Surrounding Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are geographically close to one another, yet they are significantly different. They each have their own unique systems in place for politics, employment, transportation, communication, entertainment, and fashion. These diverse countries do happen to share one thing in common. They each have endured a nationwide tragedy. One experienced a mass genocide while the other faced a fatal war. As I toured historical locations in a famous city of each country, I was reminded to keep incorporating history in my perspective as I go through life.   
It is easy to look from the outside and draw a conclusion about the condition of another country. Once I stepped inside the other countries' territory, I began to see from a new angle. Especially when I entered Cambodia, I was expecting that I would be exposed to more poverty than Thailand. This expectation wasn't wrong, but I was thrown off at first when many of the people spoke fluent English, used US currency, and drove like Americans. While traveling to the RNhu home and the floating villages, this first impression changed as the Western (and French) influences in the city quickly diminished. Then, the poverty screamed loudly.
In the late 1970s, the people of Cambodia suffered from the Khmer Rouge. The reigning authority at the time claimed he wanted to create all people equal and to do so he needed to start from ground zero. He tortured and killed off the educated, suspected spies, families, a few foreigners, and many others. At prisons and work fields, thousands throughout the country unexpectedly faced an early death. The results of the genocide are still clearly visible as the country continues to struggle in developing from square one.
The results of major events in history help me better understand why homes like RNhu are needed in places like Cambodia. In Cambodia's situation, the children are essentially the third generation in their country. The first generation were their grandparents who were lost in the genocide, and the second generation were their parents who were just children themselves during the tragic event. Resources and energy since the event have been spent trying to survive and develop that not much is left to support a family or an education. Children are left vulnerable.
The trip also brought to my attention the importance for people to learn a skill or trade. Education is important, but people who survived the prison headquarters of the Khmer Rouge were the ones who possessed a skill in art or had a trade in mechanics. Their skills created a way out. When there is not an opportunity to earn an education that will provide a future career, what else is available to be used as a source of income? I would hope the chance to learn a skill or trade would be available before people think the last option is to be sold or to sell their child.
     I know I've written most about Cambodia, but my visit there just reaffirmed why I joined a ministry like RNhu. Children and families are aided with resources to provide an alternative way to life. Remembering history will unlock ideas in knowhow to help others. 
What will you do with the history you know? 
Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand
https://remembernhu.org/

To support Megan's work in the field go to:
Note Megan B. - Thailand in the notes section.


My story currently intertwines with fifty other stories concealed behind the eyes of Asian girls. Although the English is limited to communicate their stories, the bits and pieces revealed are like treasured jewels. Their stories may even have common themes, but each one is unique. Since my tongue is fluent in English, I would like to give an insight to a few of their stories.

 One girl in particular, Noy*, had a conversation with me shortly after she returned from her village. The blooming 18 year old told me, "My back hurts a lot. I had to plant corn." Can you imagine? A young woman with a tall and slender frame toiling in fields on a mountainside for hours. This would be a common scene to encounter among hill tribe families. With minimal resources and slim chances of receiving an education, most families work together in corn or rice fields for a living. Looking at the scene inside Noy's home does not improve. Her father favors a bottle of alcohol while her mother suffers with arthritis. 

As for Lyn*, she thrives in her studies at school, and she has a dream to attend a university to improve her English skills. Lyn's father implanted and encouraged this dream at a young age. He understood that vast opportunities would be available to his daughter if she learned English. While making her dream a reality, her father passed away in an accident and left his wife struggling to support three children. 


Ali* has a similar story to Lyn's in the fact that she lost a parent. The difference isthat Ali's mother did not pass away. She ran away. A child should remember a loving and caring mother but instead Ali will remember going with her father in search of her mother. They managed to find her...with another man. Ali's father is now remarried, but living with a step parent increased Ali's risks of being neglected and sold while her father was constantly at work.

 Here is where God gets the glory. Noy happened to be related to a house parent in the first Rnhu Refuge home. She was brought to the home and became one of the original, twelve girls. These girls were rescued from spending a life time working in fields or from being sold into illegal employment. Noy is about to complete high school and has a new avenue to earn a living. She is planning to continue her education at a vocational school to study about local transportation.

  Lyn has received educational support from Rnhu for the past five years, and her dreams to study English are becoming a reality. Perhaps one day, she will be found serving her community as an English teacher. Ali is now receiving love and care in the Refuge Home as she enters her teenage years. She is also hearing about the Agape love extended to her by a Heavenly Father. May she come to have a special relationship with her Savior.

 In my "coffee shop" reading, I also came across a quote by Beth Moore. She said, "You cannot amputate your history from your destiny." God can redeem past events to shape futures, and He is doing so through Rnhu. I can testify to that. 
Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand

https://remembernhu.org/
To support Megan's work in the field go to:
Note Megan B. - Thailand in the notes section.


We are beginning to “settle in” and a “routine” is evolving slowly. Routine is in quotes because, of course, there is no such thing here! We are still dealing with some bureaucratic details…we need permanent resident cards and it is time consuming, not to mention frustrating, to jump through all the hoops! Meanwhile school has started. It was delayed until last week because of Tobaski and the first week children go to school but spend the day “weeding” the school grounds. This week classes have begun. Each school requires a different uniform and students must buy “exercise books” (notebooks) and other school supplies. It is quite daunting to prepare approximately 50 children with uniforms, shoes and supplies. I am so impressed with the rather efficient way all of the children at three different homes, with different uniforms and requirements were outfitted and ready to go last Monday!

Last Saturday there was a birthday party for all the children in the homes who had birthdays in August, September, and October. There were eleven children celebrating birthdays and a good time was had by all. Each home brought the tables we had built but the cashew tree branches were too low so the tables were removed from the vans and carried in to the compound! “Where there’s a will there’s a way!”
The day was complete with rice benachin, cake and snacks. It was so good to see all the homes come together and develop a sense of community.
We are looking forward to the end of rainy season when we will be able to travel more freely. We are hoping to visit the first village within the next 10 days and start an English class for women. I have started working with a pastor here to do Bible study at the homes once a week and two out of three homes now have working TVs and DVD players so we can show English speaking movies, an excellent way to improve their English skills. I would like to begin each session with a game or activity. So far I am planning on some “Minute to Win It” competitions.


Written by: The Martins
https://themartinsinwestafrica.wordpress.com/
"Three, Eight" she said as her eyebrows scrunched together, her eyes searching mine, hoping to confirm her answer was correct. She knew I had the answer she was looking for and instead of being discouraged that she didn't know, she looked to me to help her figure out the question of the game we were playing, How do you say this number in English? Looking into her brown eyes, the same brown color as mine, I fell in love with a child I knew nothing about. I was overwhelmed by the strength of love and compassion I felt towards someone I had just met and all I could think about was, is this how Christ feels about me?
I sat in the local Karen village's church, with its concrete foundation and wooden walls, with its fluorescent lights bolted to the tin roof and oscillating floor fans nailed to the top of support posts throughout the room, and the conversation I just had with this little girl kept repeating in my mind like a song stuck in my head, "Almost," I replied, "this number is said thirty-eight."
Watching this little girl, sitting next to me during a game of Connect Four, trying so hard to recall the English words for numbers she knew very well in Thai and Karen, almost could have discouraged her to give up on learning or it could have given her hope to continue even though it's not easy. It all depended on who her teacher was. And as I replayed the last 20 minutes of game playing, I had no idea the intensity of self reflection that would come from something so casual. I reflected on my almost moments.
I can't even begin to list how many times I was almost there, almost had it, almost made the right choice. Sometimes it feels like my life is full of almost moments. I thought back on teachers who pushed my almosts into growing experiences and teachers who turned my almosts into moments of hopelessness and inability and I pray that this little girl has more hope than she does despair.
And in thinking about my moments of despair, my relationship with Christ came to mind. I look to him, the same way this little girl looked to me, knowing that I don't know the answer, but He does, knowing that I am trying really hard to get it right and He's there sitting next to me, guiding me. Maybe this is why the compassion and love became so overwhelming, I was allowed a glimpse of what it will feel like when things are made right. I was given an opportunity to see through the eyes of Christ and feel His love towards humanity. I've prayed countless times to see things the way the Lord does, to love like he does, to be given a concious of doing something when something can be done, and he has answered my prayers countless times. Today making it countless and one times.

Written by: Remember Nhu TESOL Teacher, Thailand
https://remembernhu.org/

To support Cristina's work in the field go to:
Note Cristina R - Thailand in the notes section.
"Vetiver grass is an important plant used around the world for erosion control. For years we've been learning about it's use and we were pretty excited to think we'd have a suggestion that might be helpful for the banks around the soccer field.  We mentioned it to Ploy, who then took us on a little field trip to the King's Royal Project Vetiver Research Center. He filled out the paperwork and then we all went back to learn from the employees at the center about it's uses, the many benefits, etc and they generously donated about 20,000 individual vetiver plants!  

The boys got up early the next Saturday and helped plant all the way around the field. Since it did not take all 20,000 plants, the visiting World Race Team helped to plant all around the property where erosion is a problem."

 Do you have any dreams? Does it seem like we dream big but then our dreams are hard to reach? I know for me, I often find myself thinking that I won't be joyful or content until these dreams are attained. Sure, there will be joy beyond compare when these dreams are fulfilled. However, I have to remember that many moments in the present bring joy and create special memories. These small moments may even play a role in shaping future dreams.
       According to Google dictionary(I know; a credible source ;) joy as a noun is "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." I have experienced this form of joy in many ways over the last eight months. Building relationships, zip lining, attending graduations, and seeing children welcomed into a safe home are a few among many. I never thought these words would come out of my mouth but, joy has come from doing homework. When girls in my home approach me with a good grade on their English homework after we've worked through language barriers, we share in a moment of great happiness. We also have joy from misunderstanding one another.
       Just the other night, I was helping a girl spell a word and she got stuck on which vowel to use. So, I gave her the vowel options, "A,E,I,O,U." She didn't pick up to only select one, and she started writing all the vowels. An abrupt noise came out of her mouth as she realized she wasn't suppose to write them all. We just looked at each other and started laughing. As we kept doing homework, we continued joking about proper spelling. She'd look at me and say,"P'Megan, is that how it's really spelled?" with a grin on her face.
      I didn't expect how much joy could come from simply helping with homework. Homework has provided opportunities to learn about the girls' families and hill tribes. It has given me a glimpse into their lives, their interests, and their dreams.
     Homework is also an area that could use prayer. There are a few girls who lack the motivation to do homework. As a result, they do not have the skills to read and write Thai. As it comes to mind, please pray that these girls will grow a desire to learn especially since their future depends heavily on their education.
     This past week, Thailand celebrated Mother's Day which coincides with the Queen's birthday. Our house mom decided to have a fun day by taking our girls swimming. It really is amazing how much pleasure can come from watching excitement in children. Their joy of going out for a day at the pool was very contagious. Even the process of getting ready was an adventure. It included packing a change of clothes, putting on sunscreen, blowing up a beach ball, and....waiting. The house only had one truck to transport people to the pool. The anticipation of swimming increased for those who were left behind. As one who was left waiting, I realized there were still happy moments during the wait. The waiting moments also quickly vanished from memory as the truck arrived at the desired destination.
     Life presents many moments where we have to wait for dreams and desires to be fulfilled. I encourage you to look for joy in small moments throughout the journey. Perhaps, these small moments will build relationships that will last a lifetime or will point you in the direction where God is leading you.
     On a final note, the dictionary also provided the definition of the verb form of "joy" which is "rejoice." Rejoicing can come easily in accomplishments, holidays, vacations, answered prayers, and worship. There are also times, like when we wait, that we have to be intentional about rejoicing. God has beautiful plans to fulfill our desires, and he rejoices when his children are joyful. Even if the journey takes us where we didn't expect, knowing God's love creates enough joy to last for eternity.
Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand
https://remembernhu.org/

To support Megan's work in the field go to:
Note Megan B. - Thailand in the notes section.

We stood together watching a dozen girls playing volleyball with a few American short-term team members mixed in. As the ball volleyed back and forth, the girls freely moved around the makeshift volleyball court, chattering and laughing with each pass and successful return over the net. Some of the younger girls played around the perimeter of the field, dancing and flipping with their new American friends and excitedly showing them the badminton net and their bikes.

“They look so much like just normal little girls.” 
The American mission team leader made the observation, as we stood watching the girls play all around us. In that moment they laughed, they ran, they chatted, they hopped, skipped, and jumped just like normal girls.

            In these beautiful and frequent moments in our home, it’s easy to forget where these girls come from or why they are a part of our home. In the day to day they are just normal little girls living normal lives, but the harsh reality of the “what ifs” doesn’t lie to far below the surface.

            As we sat taking in the girls and their activities, one of our youngest caught my eye in her bright-multicolored pants and safety orange t-shirt. Always filled with bundles of energy and always ready for a new friend, she danced and hopped around with a few of the American team members. A totally normal moment for her and her new friends, but I was taken back to the fear I had a few short weeks ago that I would never get to meet her or see her and her three sisters safely back in our home.

            When I first arrived in Thailand, our girls were at the tail end of a two-month-long break from school. Within the first week of my arrival, our home grew from nine girls to fifty as they returned in preparation for school. By the first day of classes, all the girls had returned when they were supposed to except for our four sisters, including our little bundle of energy. That night at our team meeting, our in country director shared his fear for the girls as they had not been brought back in time to start school and no one had heard from them. He shared that the girls’ mother was often abusive and there had been fear in the past that their uncle might try to traffic them. We just didn't know what could have transpired during their time with their family. For that moment we had to live in the reality that our girls were in possible danger and something might have happened to prevent them from returning into the safety of our home.

            It was a sobering moment, as I had to once again process the reality of the sex trafficking industry here in Thailand and how this has affected the lives of each of the girls I have come to know and love. Yes, they are normal little girls, but they come from vulnerable and sometimes harsh backgrounds that have made their lives a little bit more precarious. Though it's often hard to see on the surface of everyday life, sometimes we are startling reminded of the vulnerability of our girls and the horrific possibility of the life they may have been sold into.
            Thank God, our fours sisters did return safely, and they jumped right back into life within our home. I have gotten the privilege to know and love on these four girls over the last few weeks, and I am thankful for their safety each and everyday as I delight in their joy and their smiles. They are happy, healthy, and safe, and they get to live the life of normal little girls. This is a gift that I never want to take for granted, for these girls or any of the other children I work with at Remember Nhu. 

            This is why I believe so much in the mission of Remember Nhu, because everyday I get to be a part of little girls being normal little girls. The harsh reality is that many little girls and boys in Thailand never get the chance to live a normal life as they are trafficked into a life of horrific slavery. It breaks our hearts to know this is reality for many and to know the faces of little ones that it could have been a reality for. The issue of child sex slavery is so much larger than our small organization, but we choose to spend each and every day working to end child sex slavery through prevention. We choose to be faithful to the little ones in our care and to spend everyday giving our kids another opportunity to be normal little kids. 

  And believe me, it's worth it! 

Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand
https://remembernhu.org/

To support Kelli's work in the field go to:
Note Kelli H. - Thailand in the notes section.


 What were your emotions going into this trip?
-I was very excited to know that I was going to be serving Christ overseas and that I was going to meet the boys that our church helps fund.

How did you feel once you arrived?
-I could not wait to go and meet all of the kids and the house parents and to see what I could do for them.

What was one of your most joyful memories?
-My most joyful memory was being able to meet Jetarin, the boy that I help sponsor. I was so glad I got to see him in person, hear his voice, and hear the things he had already learned about Jesus.

What was a challenge?

-A challenge for me was definitely the humidity and the heat since we were doing a great deal of landscaping and playing with the kids.

What did God reveal/teach you throughout this process?
-God taught me how to love people in a deeper way, specifically believers. Even though I may not know much about the individual, we are bound by the Holy Spirit. Because of this great truth, I felt as if I had know these people my whole life.

Was there a child that captured your heart specifically, any stories?
-Suradet was an amazing boy and we hung out every time we were in the same area. He did whatever he could to serve those around him.

How did you feel while leaving?
-I was sad upon leaving because I knew I was going to miss all the kids I was able to play with and build relationships with.
Special thanks to Scott for sharing the sweet love of Jesus with our kids!
https://remembernhu.org/
Staring into the mirror, Malia* looks at the small little Thai girl reflecting back at her. She studies her petite frame; from her bare little toes up to her dark head of short, black hair.  She takes in her skinny little wrists and small hands that dangle at her sides. Shifting her eyes to her small, gaps-and-teeth grin, she timidly smiles. Her eyes steadily search, moving along each part of her image but as her eyes meet their own reflection, her look deepens, almost as if to ask, Who is this girl?

As I move into the reflection behind her, I wish with all my heart she could see all that I see in her. I wish she could see past her small frame and dark hair, past her skinny wrists and small hands, and past her gaps-and-teeth grin. With all my heart, I want her to see her absolute beauty and worth. I want her to see a little girl who is unconditionally loved, fully known, and always wanted. I want her to see a little girl full of potential and brimming with possibility. I want her to see a beloved daughter of the Almighty King.

Heartbreakingly at the age of five, the world has already told her otherwise, whispering lie after lie into her little heart. The world has told her she is a burden and that she is worth little. It has told her love only comes with great conditions and people will always let her down. It has transferred her from place to place, person to person, because it’s difficult to find a safe place for vulnerable children, a child like her. It has robbed her of an education and access to opportunities that will give her possibilities in the future. It has told her she is little more than a commodity that is being preyed upon by those ready to take advantage of the vulnerable.   

Malia and her slightly older sister, Kaylee*, came walking through the doors of our home as the newest members of our family. As they arrived one midmorning, they tailed their mother, grandmother, and the RN Thai director P’Mam looking a little overwhelmed at all of their new surroundings. With big eyes, they took in the big room before them, the four walls that would become not only their house, but hopefully their home. Before long, it came time for their mother and grandmother to leave, and it did not come without tears. Yet, again in their short lives they were being uprooted and placed in a new place with new people. 

Malia and Kaylee came to our Remember Nhu home after facing years of being transferred from place to place, each time facing dangers that forced them to move again. They were born to an unwed couple, their father choosing to walk out on the family, leaving the young mother to care for three children, including one that was blind since birth. With the need to work and the desire to have a social life in the city, the young mother moves Malia and Kaylee in with their grandmother in the village, and rarely has time to visit the girls. This arrangement works for a time, but then the girls’ grandmother gets remarried, and the girls are often left home with her new husband while she works. With fear that the girls are not safe with this man, they are moved to live with their great-grandfather. He is in his late 80s and soon questions arise as to his ability to care for them and protect them from being trafficked. It is at this point, that one of our RN staff heard the girls’ story, and with a heavy but hopeful heart set out to find the girls and offer them another option.

Soon they were walking in our doors, arriving at our RN Home of Refuge. If only they could understand that this home is different, established to offer what their other homes didn't.  In this home they are safe. They are unconditionally loved and valued. They are wanted and sought out to grow in relationships. They are supported physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically. But when they’ve never experienced this before, how are they to understand? It's our challenge and joy as a community at Remember Nhu to strive to prove each of these things to each of our girls every single day.

Unfortunately, we never got the chance to prove it to Malia and Kaylee. Just like a reflection, Malia and Kaylee came and went. Their father heard they had been moved to RN, and decided he would rather raise the girls instead. So within a week of arriving, the girls were gone.

My heart breaks for them, because I know all that RN has to offer and I wanted them to experience the love of this home for more than a week. I'm sad that I won't get to be a part of helping them see the beautiful little girls they are and let them know they are cherished and wanted. I'm a little angry that their father just now decided he wanted them after years of being absent and uprooted them one more time. 

I also realize that I have to trust Malia and Kaylee to the One who loves them more than any of us here at RN ever could. Though I don't understand, He has a plan for their precious little lives. He will show them unconditional love and He will speak into their absolute beauty and worth. I just pray in the midst of the brokenness of the world they can recognize it. I also pray that even for the very short time they were in our home, they saw a reflection of themselves as they truly are and the impact of this experience will bring a little Light into their lives. 

Written By: Kelli H., Remember Nhu Intern
To support Kelli's work in the field go to:
Note Kelli H. - Thailand in the notes section.
We arrived at Remember Nhu on the 8th and went straight to church in the morning. It was our first meeting with the girls and the contacts and right away all of us guys connected. We instantly knew it was going to be a good month because of these wonderful people. We couldn't wait to get to know these girls. 


Most of our time at Remember Nhu was doing construction and preparing for the girls to move into their new home, but we also got to be with the girls just about every night for dinner. Typically we would play games, eat dinner, sing songs, and play more games. It was always a great night of fellowship and interacting with these wonderful girls. 
We also got to go to the zoo with them! All 60 of them!!! So we loaded up about 80 of us between 3 trucks and headed to the zoo. It was such a good time. The girls were so excited! We headed straight to the aquarium that had a sweet underwater tunnel and divers feeding the fish. 
We then headed over to other areas of the zoo that had elephants, tigers, pandas, hippos, and more. They loved every bit of it. And the whole time at the zoo the girls would hold your hand
Written by: World Race Member, Trevor C.
https://remembernhu.org/
http://www.worldrace.org/

Dear Remember Nhu Sponsor,

He/she is vibrant. They are joy filled. They are goofy. They are determined. They are challenging. They are playful. They are an over comer. They are optimistic. They are a miracle. He/she is your sponsored child, and he/she is beautiful and filled with life beyond what any words could express. 

In their short life, your child has faced many adversities: quite possibly poverty, a broken family, death, sickness, lack of resources, fear of being trafficked, etc. Yet, they are learning to stand tall in their circumstances and grab onto opportunities that offer them a chance to rise above the adversity and to live to their fullest potential. They are learning from the stories of their past, thriving in the stories of their present, and developing the stories of their future. 

We hope and pray that being a part of Remember Nhu’s Homes of Refuge can be an opportunity for your child to find a safe and loving place to live out their fullest potential. Thanks to your generous and faithful support, your sponsored child has the opportunity to be a part of the RN family and we get to partner together to play a part in your child’s ever developing story. 

Each and everyday, your child has the chance to live and thrive in their home.  He/she gets to go to school with all the tools and energy they need to succeed and come home to people ready to support them and help them with homework. Numerous games and toys offer a much-needed reprieve from long days at school and offer them a chance to play, laugh, and be a kid. Adequate meals are never a question in their minds, and there is always their own bed at the end of each day inviting them to rest. Love abounds around them, as house-parents and house-helpers live out the love they have experienced through Jesus Christ and support your child in their growth and development as a young person.  Your child also gets to know that there is a person across the world that loves them, supports them, and is providing them with an extended family. 
Unfortunately, not every child gets these opportunities, but by choosing to sponsor your child, he/she does. Thank you for what you do!Through your support and love, you are blessing your child, but please don’t forget that your child is greatly blessing you! He/she is saying countless prayers for you, each Sunday before they start worship, on Fridays during home Bible Study, in prayers as everyone gathers to eat dinner, and as you come to their mind. They parade around your picture in their bible or notebook and show it off with pride to any interested person, claiming you as their own. They question the new teams as they enter their home wondering if anyone knows their sponsor. They are not just a child in the world that needs help, but a beautiful individual with so much love, wisdom, and life to offer. Your child loves and cares for you with all of their beautiful little hearts. You are a part of them; you are family.
Many of you have gotten to experience this very blessing, as you have come to the homes and received the love of your sponsor child and all of their friends. For others it may only be a dream for the future, but please plan to make that dream a reality. Just one hug, one smile, one grabbing of your hand will fill your heart and change you. 

This is a wonderful relationship you have the chance to develop with your sponsored child. Love them, communicate with them, hold them up in prayer, encourage them, speak life into them, ache for them, dream with them, pursue them, and let them do the same for you. 
Be blessed and be a blessing. 

Love, 
Someone who's heart has been captured by your child
Written By: Kelli H., Remember Nhu Intern
To support Kelli's work in the field go to:
Note Kelli H. - Thailand in the notes section.

The giggles were almost uncontrollable as we swayed back and forth in the makeshift hammock, holding on for dear life and hoping not to tumble out on the peak of each sway. With a bright-eyed little girl on each side of me, I was caught in the middle of unveiled delight as each sway was greeted with bubbling laughter and beaming smiles. The moment was simple, three girls just swinging in a hammock, and yet the moment was brilliant as our hearts bubbled over with the simple delight of sharing giggles, smiles, and thrill. My heart soared into the endless evening sky as I sat captivated by the vibrant beauty present in each of the girls.

In the beginning of my time in my home, I had noticed these two little girls, but not for their giggles and smiles, but for their quietness and somberness. They seemed to hang quietly behind the rest of the girls and drop into the background whenever attention was directed their way. No matter their seemingly solemn dispositions, I was captivated by these two precious little girls, and it came with a desire to know a little of their stories.

Their similar dark eyes, pressed lips, and rounded noses had me suspecting that they were sisters, and by observing their quiet timidity among the rest of the girls I also suspected they were new to our home. These suspicions were confirmed as I asked our local director, Elsie, about the girls one Sunday morning. She filled me in on a few details of these precious girls’ lives.

Olivia* and Nikki* have been in the Remember Nhu (RN) system for a few years, as RN helped support the girls while they stayed with their disabled father. RN provided the funds necessary to keep the girls in school and provide for basic needs as their father cared for their physical needs. Recently, their father was no longer able to care for them and with the understanding that the girls did not have another caregiver or an advocate, it was decided that the girls would join our home. 

With this knowledge, I had a whole new understanding of these girls and their seemingly quiet and tentative natures. They were in a completely new and sometimes overwhelming environment trying to just figure it all out. Time and whole lot of love is what they needed to feel welcome in their new home and to make the transition.

And the transition did begin. The girls’ vibrant and spunky personalities began to emerge. Gradually, a smile or a nod of acknowledgement became more and more common. Then the girls offered a few giggles, words in Thai, or a quick hug. And finally our moment in the hammock, no hint of the somber and timid girls I first knew, but completely embracing their energy and abandon for life.

What a beautiful journey it has been as I've been able to see Olivia and Nikki blossom in this environment and to be able to experience their precious love and energy. There is often heartache and loss that lead a child into this home, and in no way can we wipe the pain away. The girls come as they are, brokenness, beauty, and all, and we are here to love them as they are and help nurture them into the fullness of who Jesus says they are. It’s often a challenging journey, but the brilliant yet simple moments of radiant joy in the hammock make it all worth it.
Written By: Kelli H., Remember Nhu Intern
To support Kelli's work in the field go to:
Note Kelli H. - Thailand in the notes section.

"I have suddenly transitioned into an older sister - and one who is often caring for girls who are in need of constant attention, and affection. 

 In general, the girls have so much energy! - from the 5 to the 15 year-old, they are constantly active, giggling, and often making me laugh despite the language barrier. It is never quiet, never organized, and never boring. What a contrast to living the majority of my days in corporate America - with my average day comparatively private, efficient, and orderly. 

 I am re-learning to appreciate the blessings of laughter, squealing, and community. Even if that means sacrificing the 20 square feet of private space that I have (my bed) to the 6+ girls that just want to be close. Yesterday throughout the course of the day I had four different people napping on my bed at some point in time. Everything is shared - and has to be!

 The young women that call this home come from such distressing circumstances, and as they begin to open up to me about their lives, I am finding my heart swell again and again hearing their stories. They accept each other as "family" almost instantaneously and it is a wonder to watch them care for each other. 

 From haircuts, to homework, to consoling the little ones from nightmares, I am constantly blessed by the love that overshadows all things. The organization and the home itself are built on the idea of Agape - God's unconditional love - and the verses on love from 1 Corinthians 13."
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.


And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand

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