THAILAND

A new mission for Scarboro

By Paddy & Georgina Phelan
October 2000

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Georgina and Paddy Phalen were active in mission for four years in Guyana before joining Scarboro Missions. In January, 2000, as new Scarboro missionaries, they began mission in Pattaya, Thailand, in partnership with the Redemptorist Fathers. Below Georgina writes of their work among the Thai people.

Paddy has been asked to head the English Department at the Redemptorist vocational school for disabled adults. I work there as well, teaching three different classes every day, giving extra lessons to the beginners after school and have a night class four nights a week for staff. Some days, there really aren’t enough hours in the day. But I love every minute of it. The students are so eager to learn and despite their disabilities, feel there is really nothing they can’t do. They are a true inspiration. How can I complain about climbing 58 stairs, five times a day, with two good legs, while my students zip up and down with one leg and two crutches? They laugh and say, “Come on, Teacher. You can do it!”

Sometimes a student with one arm offers to carry my books. Our Divine Creator has ways of keeping me thankful, humble and full of energy to keep giving to all my students. They in turn renew my energy and have no idea how much they give me. They are always saying, “Thank you, Teacher,” and they laugh when I say, “Thank you, students.”

On June 21 the school celebrates Wai Kroo Day (Thank You Teacher Day). In the morning we gathered with all the teachers and about 100 of the 180 students. The opening was very moving. There were prayers and chanting in Thai, traditional Thai music played on Thai instruments, and then the presentation of beautiful flower arrangements made by the students. The talent is unbelievable.

Then we had a special lunch and a practice for the three-day Sports Day event. At the Sports Day, both students and teachers were divided into four teams and everyone had a task. I was a cheerleader and could run about with our blue flag to the other teams. The games were wonderful, the music was loud and we went from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. I never danced so much in all my life.

It’s very difficult to complain about anything here when you see the accomplishments of these people. The school is truly a wonderful opportunity for those with disabilities and they realize it and are very thankful.

In May I was invited to visit an island with three other teachers. They speak a little English and are about 30 years younger than me. Throughout the day I was helped up and down stairs, on and off the boat, offered seating and refreshments. Talk about feeling pampered. It was a wonderful relaxing day and they shared their hopes and dreams with me. It was a gift from God.

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