Floods in Thailand

The rainy season this year has created massive flooding in many provinces in Thailand, which is the world's biggest rice exporter.

Sadly the floods have wiped out over a quarter of the country's crop. Damages could top six billion dollars in Thailand's worst flooding in 50 years.

The country's current woes­ include nearly 400 dead and 110,000 displaced. 

This just illustrates the limits of man's ability to control nature's sometimes overwhelming force. With the floodwaters sweeping through Bangkok and overflowing the banks of the Menam Chao Phraya, the government declared a three week national public holiday for Bangkok and the affected provinces as residents evacuated their homes.

 Fortunately Rayong Province where I live has not been affected except for the lack of food and water in our local stores and markets. That is because people from other flooded areas have migrated to our small town of Ban Chang. The shelves in our only supermarket are almost bare. I couldn't even buy cookies for the monthly Birthday celebration I do with the kids.

Here at our school we decided to collect money, canned food, mamma noodles and water, even boats and dog food to help the flood victims, many who are completely homeless and living in makeshift shelters.

The flood situation gave us a chance to help the students learn about charity and giving generously to help others in times of hardship and need. During one of our morning assemblies military officers from the Satahip Naval Base came to school to pick up all the donations. They will distribute them to the needy flood victims.

Since it was November it was also a good time to teach about being thankful for our many blessings. The kids made feathers with their photos on them and then created a THANKSGIVING  TURKEY. 

          I am constantly filled with wonder and gratitude.