When Children Come Home: Enriching Our Holiday Season

The children have just begun their school holidays, which will last for a month. During this special time, we have some wonderful stories to share about a few of our children who have returned home for the holidays - some for a longer stay, and others just for a short visit.

The first to return home was Mongkeela. He left us when he was just 15 years old. Now, after nine years, Mongkeela is back with us again. He spent most of his time at the Camillian Home for Children Living with Disabilities. At the time we were very grateful that we found him a home where he had the necessary care that he required. We saw him occassionally over the years, and once he even came to visit us with a team from Camilian Home.

Now that he has grown too old to stay there, he has returned to Baan Unrak. He still has the same innocence he had when he left. He is so happy to be back, especially with the younger children. They have learned how to interact with him with kindness and patience. Little Jack, who is 12 years old, feels responsible for him and is always watching over him to keep him safe and ensure he doesn't ever feel out of place.

Mongkeela likes to move around the community, and now everyone in the area knows him. He has learned to go out by himself and always finds his way back home. The people in our community are wonderful, when they see him smile, they smile too. And if they ever notice him in difficulty, they immediately let us know.

He is safe and loved here at Baan Unrak, cared for not only by us but also by the greater community of Sangklaburi. He feels happy and free, enjoying both his independence and the security of a roof over his head. Every night, thanks to Jack and Chai Noi, a kind 23-year-old who helps him take his medicine, eat properly, and keep clean. Mongkeela sleeps peacefully in a comfortable, tidy bed.

The second to arrive was Boat.

Six months ago, Boat made a life-changing decision. He is now 13 years old and wants to become a better person, to overcome his weaknesses and grow stronger. He decided to live in a monastery. We knew it would be a big sacrifice for him, but he was very determined so we tried our best to make it happen.

Throughout his life, he never had a good example of what it meant to be a kind and noble man, so he hopes that by living among the monks, he will learn and understand that way of life. The monastery accepted him only after seeing his strong determination and his sincere wish to improve himself and help others, even though he can still be quite naughty at times!

When it was time for him to come home for a short visit, we went to pick him up from the monastery with a few of his friends. After three happy days with us, we brought him back , the car full of children and caregivers, all excited for the trip.

Our little ones had a wonderful time at the temple, playing joyfully with the water while Boat returned peacefully to continue his path of self-discipline and inner growth.

Some of our older students too returned to visit us during the holiday period, including Narayan and To who came all the way from Chiang Mai where they are currently completing their studies. It is indeed a long journey from Chiang Mai to Sangkhlaburi, however, they made the effort to come back , this is a true reflection of how much they love and miss Baan Unrak.

Three of our university students from Bangkok also returned home for the holidays, bringing immense joy to all the children. Kirana, Supajin, and Mulawa are bright and dedicated and we are so grateful that they have the opportunity to continue their higher education. They serve as wonderful role models for our younger children, and it fills our hearts with happiness every time they come back home to visit.

Lastly, our dearest Sumitra, who is currently working in Bangkok as a physical therapist, paid us a short but meaningful visit. Though she could only stay for two days, her presence lit up the faces of many of our younger children. She took the opportunity to take them out and spend quality time together. The children truly admire her, she is always smiling and eager to teach them new things whenever she can. Sumitra hopes that one day she will return to Baan Unrak to continue helping the children she loves so dearly.

It is always touching when our children, even after stepping out into the world, choose to return and visit us. Their presence reminds us that no matter how far they go, Baan Unrak will always be their home, the place where they were loved, nurtured, and shaped into who they are today. They carry a part of this home in their hearts, just as we carry them in ours🧡