Wheelchair ceremony in Bangnaa

We get to work closely with the LDSC humanitarian couple and thus are involved with the ceremonies involving the gifting of wheelchairs and other items to various organizations throughout Thailand.  This particular ceremony involved five different Rotary groups under the direction of the APDI, Association of Persons with Disabilities International.  The director of the APDI, Major Sirichai, is an Army vet who was disabled years ago.  As a result, he has dedicated his life to helping other disabled people have a better life.  The Church partnered with him this year in bringing wheelchairs to his group, who in turn works with the Rotaries to get the wheelchairs to the needy people in the area.  It has proven to be a great partnership - many people have been blessed as a result.  Here are a few photos from the ceremony.

Major Sirichai of APDI - very nice man

 



This Mother's care for her child was so touching.

We know their lives will be blessed as a result of this gift to them.

Same thing here - the tender care of a Mother towards her son was so heartwarming.

We wanted to learn why this young man had no legs but never got the chance to talk with him or anyone about it.  We can only imagine how his life will be blessed now that he can be mobile.

The participants always like to have a group photo.  Whether they ever get a copy of it or not is another matter!  But the Thai people love taking and being in photos!

We asked this woman if we could take her photo.  She nodded her head "yes" but looked very grumpy.  We made the motion to our mouth, asking her to smile.  Then, she gave the greatest smile!

 

This was an elegant lady who was so grateful for her wheelchair.  Though we didn't speak the language, we knew what was in her heart.  We got her email so we could send her a copy of the photo.

One question - why is Elder's hair so dark???  He claims it's the bananas - he likes them very ripe.  Maybe he's right - Sister doesn't eat ripe bananas!

The most uncomfortable aspect of these ceremonies - we have to sit up front as "honored guests."  And they always serve us a treat, but we have the most difficult time eating because no one else is usually served anything.  But it's a way for them to show us respect.  After a year of doing this, it is still uncomfortable.

 

 

These are the types of things we do a lot with the Humanitarian couple.  As the PA couple, we are to travel with them and take photos and try to set up opportunities for the media to be present.  These trips give us opportunities to meet and mingle with the special people in Thailand that we would normally not get to meet.  We've had some wonderful moments with the Thai people.