Let the Little Children Come!

Today was moving day at the House of Grace orphanage in Chantaburi Province, Thailand! The orphanage is run by a Thai pastor and his wife, but 2 members of our home group from church have been intimately involved in the work. Over the last year, a new home has been constructed for the approximately 50 children who, until today, have been housed in cramped quarters at an old school.
Now, the children will live in two sets of dormitories, one for boys and one for girls. Each dorm has 3 wings that are designed to house 8 small children, 2 teenagers, and one houseparent, for a maximum of 60 children. There is also a wonderful dining hall with a large multipurpose educational/worship room upstairs.

There is one thing that makes the House of Grace unique. About half of the kids here are HIV positive. In this loving environment, the children are helped by administering the confusing regiment of drugs and diet restrictions that keep the virus at bay. There is also a dorm that has apartment-style rooms where AIDS widows can stay with their children.

There are tears in my eyes right now as I reflect on what an honor and privilege it was to see this wonderful work firsthand. I was also humbled to meet the Thai couple who have given their lives to those many consider the untouchable refuse of society. Their faith throughout the process that has led them to this day is nothing short of miraculous. Praise God!