Posted by Karl Morsbach on 30th December 2011
The Farm
Due to the flooding, some of Baan Gerda’s plans could not be realized this year. We could not begin preparing the farm before the next rainy season. We were discouraged by the fate of so many surrounding farms, where the work of many years was destroyed by the high water. We now plan to grow vegetable and fruit for our own consumption only, and to leave the larger part of the farm for a coconut plantation.
The reasoning for this;
- The coconut tree survives a period of high water without any damage.
- Products from the coconut have benefited from high prices for many years.
- The coconut processing gives the people in Baan Gerda a paid job.
- Storing and sales require less logistical support than a broader production line of fast-perishing foods.
As soon as things return to normal we will investigate this project further.
Extended Families
We wanted to use the October holidays to know how many children will be able to return to their home provinces once they have finished their education. During the long holidays, about 20 children stayed with their extended families. When they came back, about half of them considered a permanent move back to their families in the future.
This encouraged us to invite other known extended families to visit us during the October holidays. We hope that the families will gain a better understanding and acceptance of the children’s past. Unfortunately, we had to postpone this visit in Baan Gerda due to the floods.
A new Phase in Life
Next March, two of our children will leave school and Baan Gerda. 18 year old Naan will study in Bangkok. She is lucky to have contacts with relatives of her deceased parents. She will live with them but we will support her financially. Gor, an 18 year old lad, will return to his relatives in the province and start a technical course.
New Arrival at Baan Gerda
In the next few days we will accept a five year old girl into our care. The mother died of AIDS; the father is still alive but he does not look after the child since he became an alcoholic. The child is HIV infected and in spite of therapy, her condition deteriorated since the death of her mother. People say that the reason for this is lack of love as nobody is looking after her. Meanwhile, her condition is reportedly quite serious.
New Houses
The completion of the new houses to accommodate grown children was delayed due to the flooding. Three houses are nearly ready and the fourth one is still under construction. The surrounding landscape still has to be completed.
Dear Godparents and friends of Baan Gerda; in this year we have much reason to be grateful about. Baan Gerda remained dry during the flooding and the children continue to enjoy good health. Also, the new arrivals during last year are healthy and happy now and fully integrated into Baan Gerda.
We wish all of you a blessed Christmas.
To all of us, a happy and healthy New Year 2012. No matter how high the challenges will be next year – let’s do our best to keep our heads above the water as the Thais are doing in critical times of flooding – chin up and smile !!!
Very sincerely,
Tassanee and Karl Morsbach
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