Struggle for survival

Posted: August 27, 2008   By: Staci Dennis

CHIANGMAI, Thailand - Trying to make ends meet on $3 a day wasn't working.

Finding a job, raising a family and dealing with a drug-addicted husband added to the stress that Nee faced on a daily basis. All that, and she hadn't even reached her 16th birthday.

As the oldest of four children, Nee took on the responsibility of caring for her family after her father was sentenced to 9 years in prison and her mother suddenly died.

For 3 years, Nee, who couldn't read or write, worked in the rice and corn fields trying to make enough money to feed her siblings. But it wasn't enough.

"Money was short and there were times when there was no food to eat," said Karen Thomson, a staff member with OB Thailand.

Nee was forced to take drastic measures. In hopes to gain more income for her family, she got married. However, within months, she was pregnant and fending off her abusive husband. Eventually, she reported him to the police and he fled.

With a new baby and her siblings to care for, the teenager was able to find help at the OBI-supported House of Blessing thanks to a local pastor who took the group of children to the home in May.

Today, Nee and her family call House of Blessing their new home. Nee is learning how to sew so she can eventually start her own business. She is also getting medical and nutritional care for her baby, Tee, and the rest of her siblings.

"At House of Blessing my family is blessed with all we need," Nee said. "I would like to thank all those who have supported me and the House of Blessing. I plan to study hard and take good care of my baby."

The goal of House of Blessing is to love, educate and nurture orphans and underprivileged children in Thailand.

"I would like to stay here as long as I can because I have the opportunity to study while raising Tee," Nee said. "When my baby grows up and goes to school, I hope to start a sewing business with the skills I've acquired."