Answered prayers

Working at the Camillian Centre in Rayong, Thailand serving adults and children with HIV/AIDS

By Georgina and Paddy Phelan
October 2004

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Paddy and I are truly blessed to work with Fr. Giovanni Contarin at the Camillian Centre in Rayong, Thailand. The Centre serves adults and children living with HIV/AIDS. We have experienced the sadness and joy of being with adults as they come to the end of their lives.

Thankfully, the children have remained fairly healthy with only minor ups and downs. However, last summer, Ou, a 13-year-old boy who is HIV positive from birth, became very ill and was hospitalized. After three days in the hospital, Ou returned to the Centre still in a weakened state. The first day home he experienced six convulsions, each one further weakening him. After a somewhat restful night he had two more convulsions the next day.

While sitting with Ou, a caregiver asked him what three wishes he would ask of Jesus. With very little hesitation, Ou responded: "One, I would like to stay here longer; two, I don't want to have so much pain; and three, I'd like to have an airplane ride."

Listening to their exchange, I was overcome with emotion. I told Ou that wish one and two were up to Jesus, but I would do whatever I could to help grant wish number three.

It is truly amazing how prayer can bring the people you need into your life. A few days later, we met Patrick, a Belgian benefactor who was hosting a fundraising boxing event and dinner for the Centre. I learned that Patrick enjoys skydiving as a hobby. He never hesitated to give me a phone number when I asked him if he knew a pilot who would give Ou an airplane ride.

Two weeks later Ou had his wish for a plane ride and received a pair of wings. He talked non-stop all the way home, his eyes shining and his smile from ear-to-ear.

A year has passed since Ou made his three wishes. He has had his airplane ride, and he seems to be in remission and to be living with less pain. Ou is now strong enough to attend classes at the Centre and to play with the other children. It seems to me that Jesus has surely heard and granted Ou's wishes.

Paddy and Georgina Phelan first went to Thailand in 2000 after completing Scarboro's lay mission program.

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