I had the privilege of teaching conversational English to 14-21 year olds for two months in 1994 and it was an experience that truly changed my life! Not having ever taught anything before it truly stretched me out of my comfort zone! I used to receive letters from teachers and village leaders all the time begging me to help them find teachers for their children. They are so very adaptable and volunteers in the schools make a big impact on their lives.

Everyone in the area has malaria and suffers from recurrences frequently. It is especially hard on the children and we had our hands full trying to keep the little ones healthy. Because the families cook on open fires, there are a lot of respiratory problems, among the children especially. My heart is with the older teens and young adults, but I do love spending time with the little ones. They love to learn songs from America and most are taught English in the primary grades as well as Burmese, Karen and now Thai.

BENJAMIN AND JOSEPH: A SUCCESS STORY

While I was visiting Mae Rah Moo refugee camp in January 2001 twin boys were born to a dear friend of mine. I was asked to name them and I chose "Benjamin" and "Joseph". Benjamin was very tiny and his lungs were not properly developed and he required longer hospitalization. Because they were generously sponsored by a family in Hawaii, the parents were able to buy milk powder to supplement their diet and to buy needed medicine that was not available in the camp where they live. This photo taken 11 months later shows that they are healthy, happy little boys. What a difference your sponsorship funds can make!

Here is a picture of Benjamin and Joseph with their father, Chi Aug, that I took in February of 2006 while I was visiting their camp. You can read a bit more about their father, and see a photo of their mother with all the children in the 2006 Journal of my trip to see the Karen and check on our projects in the camps there

This is Benjamin and Joseph in March of 2008. They are healthy and happy young boys. .

This photo on the left was taken during our visit to the camps in November of 2010.

As you can see, Benjamin and Joseph continue to thrive.

CHILDREN AT MAE LA CAMP -

Dozens of mothers and children filled this little bamboo home to see PeeTahThoo and my friend Mary. They were each given an item from a "Zip Blessing" bag and many went home with new clothes that had been donated by friends in Hawaii.

HELP KEEP THEM SMILING -

Children in Seh Lah camp were having a great time looking at themselves in the video camera's LCD monitor.

CHILDREN WAITING TO TRY ON NEW CLOTHES -

Many children were trying to take off their old shirts and shorts as they came into the house to get a toy or new clothes.

CHILDREN AT RISK

To me, these little boys pictured above represent the hundreds of pre-school children in the refugee camps who need a sponsor to buy food and clothing for them.

CREEHATHA -

Creehatha is living with her parents in Mae Rah Moo Refugee Camp. The photo on the left was taken in May 2000. We are thankful that someone saw Creehatha's picture on our site and has become her sponsor.

This photo was taken of me with Creehatha in May 2001. Creehatha appears to be thriving with the help of her new sponsors.

This picture of Creehatha (far left) was taken in January 2002. She is doing very well in school and continues to be healthy and happy.

Here is Creehatha 4 years later posing with me in February 2006. As you can see, she is growing up into a beautiful girl. It has been a pleasure to watch her change and grow over the years. She is very lucky to have such dedicated sponsors who always remember her and give generously to help take care of her, and her family's, needs.

UPDATE: Creehatha and her family were successfully relocated to the United States in 2010!

International Assistance Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 1441
Dothan, AL 36302
850-363-2291

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