Memories from Bamboo School

God gave an opportunity for service in the remote village of Bon Ti on the border of Myanmar and Thailand. Amongst this group was a New Zealand missionary teacher, Catherine Riley-Bryan who started Bamboo School for those orphans in the community. Basically, the school is to show the love of Jesus to these unreached people and school highlights Bible, language studies in Thai and English, and first aid training. 

As we stepped down to meet them, i saw their faces were full of smiles, affectionate and laid their heads on our shoulders as we chatted. I never knew I could love another person's child. It touched me deeply. Their smiles were imprinted in my mind. I could not forget those smiles. A child will not smile if he or she is cold, or hungry or unloved. A child's smile is genuine. It is simplicity in its most genuine form. A child's smile is nature's perfection. My heart broke as each rendered their personal story. The graceless system which this world operates in has infiltrated into the heart of these sweet and innocent orphans. I stood silently in the hallway with tears rolling down my face. I stood there and prayed to God wishing that I could take their place. 

I went with an intention to give love to those kids but oddly enough, when I left the orphanage, it was I who felt so loved. They gave me much more than I gave them. I encourage all to visit Bamboo school and see what message God has for your heart.