Impoverished families in Laos
Donation protected
This is the story of how a baby in Laos was named after me.
In 2019 I went to see a massage therapist and was greeted by the RMT, Chris, and a spread of handmake backpacks and necklaces on the wall. So naturally, I asked what they were for. What was supposed to be a 30 minute massage turned into a 2 hour conversation of how this man had a passion to give to impoverished children in Laos. I realized we went overtime, but Chris wanted to show me an act of kindness and didn't charge me at all and instead asked me to pass the kindness forward. In fact, he told me my back could recover quicker if I came in every day for the next two weeks. Chris was booked up so he opened his clinic early just for me and gave me free treatments for 2 weeks straight. For the next two weeks, my entire perspective on money had been transformed as he shared story after story of how the money impacted lives in South East Asia.
I made a commitment to give to these kids once I started earning a consistent income. There was one particular family whose life was impacted in a way I could never have imagined.
A man from Laos was suffering from an illness that often leads to cancer, and eventual death. The family did not have the money nor the medical labs in the area to get the tests and procedures required. However, a donor provided the funds necessary for this man to fly to Thailand to get the help he needed. He was able to fly back and forth three times, but he got the treatment required and lived!
The man was so touched by the donor, he asked Chris what the name of the donor was so he could name his first born son after him. so that is how there is a baby in Laos named after me.
I had a chance to see, hug, and laugh with these families in November. To see how much they love and care brings tears to my eyes just to think about. I realize more and more how privileged we are to be born in North America and how many around the world do not have the means to provide basic care for themselves and their loved ones.
Before I left, the father gave me a hug, looked me in the eyes and told me something I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
He told me,
"You are the reason I am alive today. You are the reason my son has a father."
While $50 in Canada may be a fancy dinner, it can mean a month of food, rent, and childcare for a family in Laos. I encourage you to exercise your giving muscle to experience joys with money that cannot be bought, only be experienced through giving.
This opportunity can be the beginning of the most incredible life that starts today. A life in which you're able to bring your light to someone who never expected it, but you get to experience the joy which you never knew was possible.
I shared this story at my church, recording starts at 22:50:
Chris will tell us exactly where the money goes and you will be kept up to date of the impacts your donations make. God bless!
Organizer
Jee-Woon Ha
Organizer
Coquitlam, BC