This is Arunee. She is 16 years old and she lives in Thailand. She is the second eldest of four children. She has an older sister and two younger brothers. Arunee is from one of the hilltribes of northern Thailand and was raised Buddhist.
Arunee first heard about Sila home from a family friend. Her family was too poor to afford a proper education, so the prospect of going to a home that could provide her food, shelter, and a good education seemed almost too good to be true.
Arunee arrived at Sila home just as she was entering 5th grade, and she got even more than she had hoped for in that first year. Every morning, Arunee had the opportunity to witness worship services and attend bible studies. And at night, the pastor would sometimes hold bible classes. At Sila Home, Arunee had the opportunity to see her peers on fire for God, and she was able to learn more about Jesus. At the end of her first year at Sila Home, Arunee decided to accept Christ as her personal savior. She felt that God was real and that He wanted to give her new life. She also believed that God could take care of her family. In between grades 5 and 6, Arunee was able to go home and see her family. The plan was the same for the summer between grade 6 and 7, but at the last minute, Arunee's father came to take her home permanently, claiming that he was now able to take care of her.
However, after one year of being back home with her father and brothers (Arunee's mother was working 15 hours south, in Bangkok), Arunee's father suddenly took of with out any word, leaving Arunee with the responsibility of taking care of two younger brothers.
Arunee felt completely lost. No one in her village was a Christian, and so Arunee had no support or community. She began to blame God and asked Him why He would let this happen. In desperation, she turned to the only people she knew could help.
Sila Home welcomed Arunee and her brother's with open arms. It was an incredible blessing for Arunee, to be back with her community, who could encourage her and speak life into her as she went through this trial.
Now that her education is back on her track and her family is being cared for, Arunee has the opportunity to dream big about her future. She desires to one day own her own business, but is also open to wherever God leads her.
Arunee finished off her testimony with some advice for girls her age:
"When you fall into hard situations, you have to give everything to God. Let God take care of it. God has provided for me. He has given me better. He has given me more than I could ever hope for. I am extremely bless and God has provided so much for me. I see kids in Bangkok who say that 'they have it all', but I see how unhappy they are. I would rather have God."
If you would like to learn more about Sila Home, please visit their website: http://www.silahome.com/
