It has become a tradition that each time we visit Ban Tharn Namchai we bring joy to the local ice-cream man by buying ice cream for all the children. Since I expect that lots of other people do precisely the same thing, no doubt the ice-cream man is heading swiftly for a well-endowed and early retirement. Most important, though, the children seem never to lose their enthusiasm for ice-cream, so we bring joy to them, too, which makes us happy so it is that rarest of all outcomes, a win-win-win!
Ban Tharn Namchai is such a happy place that it is a jolt to be reminded of its dark origins in the aftermath of the Tsunami. I have to ask Khun Rotjana some questions for a forthcoming film about the Orphanage, available soon. A large group of teenage girls is seen praying with a monk. The questions to be answered are why they are praying and how long it lasts. The answer, gently given, brings me up with a jolt. Buddhists believe, says Khun Rotjana, that when a person dies, their spirit continues. By praying regularly with a monk, the living can bring comfort to the spirits of the dead. Most of the children in Ban Tharn Namchai lost one or both parents, or another close relative, in the Tsunami or later, as a result of it. For ten days each year the children pray regularly with the monk for the spirits of their departed relatives. It is part of coming to terms with the tragedy that engulfed this beautiful place just six years ago. This process is still ongoing, especially in the hearts of these bereaved children.
Later this year packs of six Christmas Cards handmade by the children of Ban Tharn Namchai will be available on the Thai Children's Trust web shop. Work has already started as you can see above. This is really popular with the children, because every card earns 5 baht for the child who makes it, so plan your order now!
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