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I was like an old leaking boat

posted on October 24, 2014 by Frank Bird
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icecream manThe HIV AIDS Health Project supports some of the most in need Burmese Migrants in Ranong.

Below is a beautiful story of one man who wrote a poem of thanks for what the Marist Team had done for his life.

I was like an old boat with a broken paddle. This boat was like a bag full of disease.

The Marist Health Team dragged the boat onto the land with great kindness and took care of it.

Even though the boat was old, they plugged up the boat with special stuff (ARV treatment), painted it, fixed it, giving it nutrition, food and whatever was needed.

The gave me a new paddle and put it on the boat with a generous love and sweet words as like a sugar cane.

Their sweet words came to my ears and nourished me.

And then I was let go to a new life again….

I remember the feelings of the words…. strong winds, heavy rain, dangerous waves may come. But don’t be afraid. When you feel down, trust you will be safe.

Oh now I feel like a young boatman, with a healthy and happy life.

A life like a shiny moon with a cool and joyful breeze.

Thank You.

Marist Asia Foundation regularly support 70 patients with home visits, translation services at the local hospital, medical and health information.

Many families are poor and isolated from family and friends because of HIV AIDS. Rent assistance, nutrition and help with baby formula and education support provides a hand up along with a savings programme to help patients return to health, work and a brighter future for their families.

Each month the patients come together for a ‘self help’ meeting to encourage each other with friendship, they give generously to those most in need among them, and learn about their medicines, healthy living and enjoy a safe place where they feel at home with respect and dignity. The Marist Centre.

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Marist Asia Foundation

Ranong is a fishing village in the South of Thailand where migrant Burmese come to escape conflict and poverty in their own country.

The Marist Mission Ranong seeks to help Burmese refugees by offering educational opportunities, supporting their basic health needs, and assist migrants as they seek a better future for themselves and their children.

The Marist Mission Ranong is an initiative of the Society of Mary and it relies heavily on the involvement of its friends and supporters.

Recent news

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