I came to Thailand two years ago with Global Neighbors, and I have to admit that some of the stark contrasts between our life and those of the migrants and refugees had faded. Now t hat I am back here again my drive and determination to help these people has come back full force.

Today we visited New Light School. We spent the morning teaching the kids about snow. We showed the younger kids how to draw snowmen, and taught the older ones how to cut snowflakes from paper.

The kids so New Light School were all smiles today, and it makes my heart smile t o see that. I can see how much happier these kids are compared to two years ago. They were so eager to learn, and they even started improving and adding their own designs to the drawings. To see them talking to each other and helping each other was so great. We ARE making a difference. One person at a time.

Kacey Palidwar

The following speech was given by 5 SIAST students at the opening of the kitchen, dining hall and laundry area for the safe house at Mae Pa Farm.

Hello, Everyone. As some of you may know we are from Canada and here with the organization that wants to better the lives of the Burmese. The five of us have done many different kinds of fundraising to be able to provide you with this building and we are so happy to do so.

We heard about the project, the girls, and the situation they were in and we all felt we had to do something to help. For us there was no ignoring it.

After meeting you we saw how wonderful each of you are. We feel even more proud to be a part of this project and your lives. We are happy that we are able to give you girls a safe place to live, a place where there are no worries, where you there will always be someone there for you.

We will always be thinking of you, you all have a very special place in our hearts. We want all of you to know that each one of you is special and you are an important individual. We would love to see you complete school and reach your full potential; we know that you can achieve great things. Know that there is always going to be someone there for you!

We see how much you care for each other and hope that you care for yourself the same way. Your future is bright. Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.

Thank you and God bless.

The students delivering the speech were: Jesse Mehler, Janessa Malinowski, Kaitlyn Juba, Michelle, Kornuta and Ben Colclough.