About a 250km drive on a highway to the west from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, and on the western side of Ratchaburi province (Changwat) near the border with Myanmar, there is a village called Tako Lang Village. A farm road, that is somewhat eroded by rain water with wild groves encroaching upon it, leads to Bilay House on a hilltop. It is about a 4-hour drive from the capital city. It’s been 12 years since I started to come here, and this is my 3rd visit this year.
Over 60 refugee children of the Karen People from Myanmar, who fled their country due to internal conflicts, have been living together at this humanitarian facility which is managed by Pastor Bilay and a group of supporters. When I met with Pastor Bilay for the first time 12 years ago, there were only 7 children, and the increase in the number of children in recent years is not something to be pleased about…
Pastor Bilay has had disabilities in both of his legs since he was 5 years of age. Despite his disabilities, he is with so much gumption that he even lifts himself up with his extreme power of his arms through scaffolding to climb up to the roof to do the necessary maintenance and repairs.
At the same time, as the number of children has steadily increased, there have been certain new areas that require more attention and oversight.
Pastor Bilay and the group of supporters have recently had a series of meetings with local village council members, medical professionals and educators to discuss about the safety around and on the Bilay House property for the children and the staffs, how to maintain a sanitary and safe and environment for the children and the staffs as well as what the emergency response procedures should be, just to name a few.
