Good Shepherd Sisters update

Posted by Mike Balster 
 
Here I am in Nong Khai and it is certainly a miracle. It is truly amazing what love, friendship, laughter, sharing, the ability to work, being accepted, some needed medications, and good food can do to battle the challenges of HIV. Every other week, there is a gathering of 200 plus adults and children who have a fabulous day...and today was the day. I always feel so blessed to be here.
 

Of course all of these people are involved in programs daily too. No one is forgotten here. It is an amazing model for quality care for all human beings. I am touched also by the grandmothers who have lost their adult children and who now are raising their grandchildren. It's a true miracle. Michael and I donated $500 today to start a fund to buy a better rice field. Better location, better earth, etc. is needed. The rice crop has been excellent and all of the people who have the strength or who muster up the strength and the kids after school, and now the friends and neighbors, all have gathered together to grow the rice. The rice goes to those who plant and tend the rice fields plus all who have not got the ability to work in the fields due to the virus or other challenges. It is amazing to see what the caring and education provided by the Good Shepherd Sisters has accomplished. It will cost about $20,000 to get the new larger piece of more fertile land. The chance to serve ore needy families is both exciting and daunting but the Sisters are eager to help an ever-growing population. This land of course will serve the community for years to come and provide food for all involved and many others. I think it is a great investment and a clear and simple need. If there are any individuals or groups who want to support this effort, the Medi-Fund will funnel the money, 100% of course, back to the Good Shepherd Sisters. I would ask that they label the checks "rice field donation/Good Shepherd Sisters. Thanks to the Rotary groups for all they are doing to support us. I hope some people individually, or a Rotary club would agree that this is a long term, positive, productive effort.