There was hardly an empty seat in the Amari’s The Tavern Restaurant when Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg welcomed everyone to the Sunday, December 12th meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. Everyone was waiting for Richard to get through the opening announcements so that they could welcome the children from Pattaya Orphanage.
Member Richard Smith first introduced Toy from the Orphanage. She said it was a privilege for the children to be back this year to again sing Christmas Carols for the Club as they did last year and the year before. She said the children who range from 7 years in age and upwards were delighted to give their first performance of the year to the Pattaya City Expats Club after spending a lot of time practicing.
The day the Angels came.
First to appear were some very cute Thai girls dressed in traditional costume. They then delighted the audience with their dancing to the song “Welcome to Siam.”
Then about 45 children in choir robes began to file in. Accompanied by guitar music, they started with that Christmas favorite, Jingle Bells. This was followed by Joy to the World, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Hark Now Hear the Angels Sing, and concluded with We Wish You a Merry Christmas. There was much applause from the audience to show their appreciation after each song.
None of the orphans were forgotten – all received a gift from Santa, arranged by Santa’s helper, Judith of PCEC.
Richard Smith then loudly said he thought he heard someone coming. With a Ho, Ho, Ho and a Merry Christmas, jolly old St Nick arrived with his white flowing beard and red suit to the amazement of the children. Santa joined in by leading the choir in another rendition of Jingle Bells. Of course, he wouldn’t be Santa if he did not have a bag full of goodies. It was so beautiful watching the smiling children give Santa a wai before receiving their gift.
While this was being done, Toy briefly mentioned the history of the Orphanage and their needs so that they can continue helping children. When the Orphanage was first started by Father Brennan, it was to take care of children fathered by American servicemen that took their R&R from the Vietnam War in Thailand. Now, the babies and children at the Orphanage are mostly those whose parents cannot afford to care for them. She pointed out that the Thai Government does not provide for these children so the Orphanage works to carry on Father Brennan’s tradition and care for as many as they can.
Khun Toy, Khun Klaus, and Khun Somdej from the Pattaya Orphanage share a lighter moment after the delightful concert. Many thanks, Pattaya Orphanage!
Member Judith Edmonds, who had been heading up the effort for obtaining donations for the Orphanage, announced that the members had donated the money to buy the gifts for the children being handed out as well as for others at the Orphanage. Toy said the children will greatly appreciate the gifts. She also extended an invitation to everyone to visit the Orphanage on Christmas Day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for free food and drink and to again listen to the children’s harmonious voices sing Christmas Carols.
After the children left, Richard Silverberg updated everyone on upcoming events in and around Pattaya and called on David Meador to conduct the always informative and sometimes humorous Open Forum, where questions about living in Thailand and Pattaya in particular are asked and answered. Also, a special thanks to Bill Francis being Jolly St. Nick for the children.
Santa, a.k.a. Khun Klaus, doing a last minute whirlwind TQC tour of his workshops before Christmas, popped down from his factory No 7 in Klong Toey to share the joy of Christmas with the orphans of Pattaya Orphanage, and Pattaya City Expats.
