As a child, I had the very good fortune to have two loving parents.
Materially we never had much, I often remember wearing my older brother's hand me downs etc.
But above all else we had love, care and respect.
Later in life I took care of a relative's children for two years whilst their parents went through a messy divorce. Times were difficult and these two children were quite a handful - because (In part) they had not had the same benefits of family life that I had had.
So - it was with a little bit of concern, that we decided to have 23 children for the day from an orphanage for some 'sanuk' at Hua Hin Fishing Lodge
How wrong was I to be even worried.
The children from Mercy House Orphanage in Pranburi came on Saturday and are the most wonderful bunch of mites that you could ever meet.
Their clear love and respect for each other and all whom they meet, is very evident.
After arriving they all set about some fishing with great enthusiasm, as one caught a fish the rest gathered round to observe and encourage. Loud applause was given for success.
When lunch was served, they formed an orderly queue, with the elder children serving the younger ones – no squabbling, crying. tantrums etc etc.
Pork burgers, chicken burgers, chips, pork fried rice & noodles were duly demolished (Some even squeezing in some ‘thirds’!!)
Back on the ponds for more fishing whilst ‘Uncle Barry’ topped off his trifle with some whipped cream and chocolate chips.
Desert duly served in the same fashion, all washed down with lashings of pepsi, fanta etc etc.
Some folks even went for a swim!
Of course the 'winners' had to get aprize! - for the biggest fish - 5kg Pla Suwai
Things could have been better if one of the young girls had managed to hang on to the Redtail Catfish that she hooked - but he got away.
And the prize for the most fish - a joint effort of three each!
Then came something totally unexpected, which frankly caused me and Mrs. T to get quite choked up.
Before departing they all gathered and sang a song in Thai and English, simply called ‘Thank You’, which apparently was written by their ‘mum and dad’ – a truly humbling experience.
To all of you out there, if you have some time and want to give something back to the community that we have adopted as our home – then think about doing something for these children – they are simply smashing!
Many thanks to ‘uncles’ Barry, Able & Phil for sharing the wine! – the kids quite frankly took care of themselves!
We had made a collection from our staff and together with Wazzer’s 1k ‘prize money’ were able to provide a small donation to the home.
All in all a great day – we will do it again for sure.
There are many more photos and if anyone wants some, just pm me and I will send
