micro-enterprise/life skills
Lifting Orrachon's Burden
CBN.com – Orrachon’s husband, Wiwat, took a tragic fall which left him physically disabled, unable to speak, and fully dependant on his wife and 12-year-old son. The burden of suddenly becoming the sole provider for the family rested heavily on Orrachon’s shoulders.
To support her poor family, Orrachon harvested rice, feeds pigs, and worked on construction sites, earning less than $5 a day. Early in the morning, she prepared food for Wiwat and then set off to work.
“I have to work hard to support my disabled husband and child,” she said. “I will never give up the fight to take care of my family.”
A New Home
In May 2006, another tragedy struck the family. A flash flood swept through the province of Uttaradit, destroying homes and taking many lives with it. The foundations of Orrachon’s house were badly damaged and the house was left leaning on a dangerous tilt. The family abandoned the house and went to stay with relatives in a nearby village.
During this flood, Operation Blessing (OB) distributed emergency aid, food, water and cooking utensils, to those suffering across the province of Uttaradit. They also built five new houses at a total cost of 597,657Baht (about $17,500USD) for villagers who had lost their homes, including one for Orrachon and her family.
“If it wasn’t for Operation Blessing, my family wouldn’t have a home,” Orrachon said. “Thank you for helping us.”
While on Medical Mission in Uttaradit Province, Operation Blessing’s medical team visited Orrachon and her family at their new home. They supplied Wiwat with a new walker. Nurses provided therapy and trained Orrachon and her son in exercises to help rehabilitate Wiwat.
Raising Pigs
Operation Blessing also decided to help this struggling family with an interest free loan to set up a small pig farm. On November 22, 2007, OB gave the family five one-month old piglets, four months supply of livestock feed, and a pig-pen in which to raise the animals. When the piglets are four to five months old, Orrachon will be able to sell the pigs at a good profit to help provide for her family and purchase new stock.
The burden that rested on Orrachon’s shoulders has been lightened through the generosity of Operation Blessing’s donors. Orrachon now has the security of a new home to replace her flood-damaged dwelling, a micro-business to financially support her struggling family, and new hope that Wiwat will soon walk again.
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