Mother Superior’ (Toy) poses
with some of her delightful charges at Pattaya Orphanage, as they assemble
to perform for the lucky members & guests of Pattaya City Expats Club.
It was again a joyous Christmas celebration at the
Pattaya City Expats Club meeting on December 16. As with the past four
years, it was almost standing room only at the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea
restaurant in expectation of the enjoyment of hearing again those wonderful
voices of the Children’s Choir from Pattaya Orphanage. Master of Ceremonies
Roy Albiston introduced Radchada Chomjinda (Toy) from the Orphanage. Toy
said it was a privilege for the children from the Orphanage to be back this
year to again sing Christmas Carols for the Club.
Board member Richard Smith
thanks Santa for taking the time to visit & to give out presents to the
children. Toy looks on.
The program started when Toy brought in six very cute
Thai girls dressed in gold trimmed traditional costume and said they would
perform two dances. One was entitled “Blessing from God to All of You” and
the other was “Youth of the Nation.” They were followed in by about 30
children in choir robes with much applause from the audience.
After the two dances, the Choir started with “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,”
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells,” and “We
Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Then, lo and behold, but who should appear! It
was Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself with his flowing beard and red suit. With a
merry “Ho, Ho, Ho” he wished one and all a “Merry Christmas.” To the delight
of the children, he conversed with them in Thai. When one of the little
girls pulled on his beard and patted his rotund middle and exclaimed
something in Thai - Jolly Ol’ Santa explained to the audience that she had
said, “It is real.” Santa then led the choir in another rendition of “Joy to
the World” before bringing out his sack of goodies; handing them out to very
happy and smiling children.
One young man contemplates
the intricacies his Christmas present - a new yo-yo. How do I drive it?
While the gifts were being handed out, Toy briefly
mentioned the history of the Orphanage that was started 39 years ago by
Father Ray Brennan. She briefly explained how the orphanage began and Father
Ray’s contributions to its continued existence. She noted that they
currently have about 175 children at the Orphanage ranging from days old to
college age. For more information about the Orphanage, visit their website
at: http://www. thepattayaorphanage.org/index_en.php.
Meanwhile, the children were having a delightful time with Santa (and many
thanks to member Bill Francis for being a natural Santa, with his large
white natural beard, rotund body, and jolly demeanor). Member Judith Edmonds
thanked everyone who had made donations to buy gifts for the children and
the Club presented Certificates of Appreciation to Toy and to Santa Bill.
After the children had left, Master of Ceremonies Roy Albiston called on
everyone for a moment of silence in memory of those other children and
adults in Connecticut that so tragically lost their lives.
Roy then provided an update on upcoming events and called on Jerry Dean to
conduct the Open Forum where questions are asked and answered about expat
living in Thailand; Pattaya in particular.
Read more about the Club’s activities on their website at
www.pattayacityexpatsclub.com.
Dressed in traditional Thai
costumes, these young ladies look lovely as they perform a variety of Thai
and Christmas songs.
Saint Nicholas (in red cap)
popped in to spread some cheer amongst the fine children of the orphanage.
Pattaya City Expats Club congratulates Toy and her staff for the great work
done with these formerly underprivileged children.
