Father Peter presented gifts to
all the children.
Derek Franklin
While most foreigners in Pattaya were enjoying the Christmas festivities
on December 25th, for the majority of local Thais it was just another normal
day. Schools were open and most children living at the Father Ray Children’s
Home set off for school as usual before the sun was up.
But this year instead of staying in school for the whole day they returned home
at lunch time and, for the first time ever, all the children and teachers went
out for Christmas lunch.
Searching
for the last prawn.
After learning about the importance people put on having that one special meal
with their families and loved ones on Christmas Day, the manageress of the
Children’s Home decided that it would be good for her children, her family, to
have a special meal together. Most days meals at the Home are hurried, with
children rushing off to play sport or do their homework and chores.
On the afternoon of the 25th, eighty six very excited children and teenagers
travelled to the Vientianne Restaurant for Christmas lunch.
There was not a turkey to be seen, no stench of Brussels sprouts and no
Christmas pudding was served, instead the children enjoyed a delicious meal of
seafood.
With so much food to eat,
sometimes help was needed.
For many of the children it was the first time they had ever
eaten in a restaurant. For newcomers to the Home it was the first time they
received a Christmas present. But for all the children it was the one time they
could all eat together, enjoy a delicious meal, receive a gift and have fun
without worrying about school work, homework or anything else.
This is the start of a new tradition at the Father Ray Children’s Home, and one
young boy asked if he could visit the restaurant every week, but he will just
have to wait another year.
Even the fresh fruit tasted better
on Christmas Day.
Not a turkey in sight, and the food was delicious.
For many of the younger children
it was their very first visit to a restaurant.
