Thanks to the generosity of Grace Community Church in Fremont, Ohio, we've begun construction on permanent buildings for the Doi Saket 3 orphan home. Grace Community sponsors both Doi Saket 3 and 4, which share a plot of land north of Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand.

The home has operated in wooden buildings (seen above) since its founding, and the kids and staff are thrilled to move into the new home, which should be completed by July. The new building is larger, better insulated, more watertight and more secure.

The church has indicated a desire to begin construction on a permanent home for DS4 later this year. We're all thankful for these beautiful new homes.

What a blessing to be able to provide these sweet kids their first Christmas ever. A few short months ago, they were hungry, sick and vulnerable. Now they're well-fed, safe and loved. Praise God for the generosity that has made this home possible!

For many of the kids at Doi Saket 3 and 4, this was their first Christmas ever. Imagine their delight as they opened presents, sang songs, ate special foods, played games and performed dances -- quite a difference from their lives just one year ago.

Thanks to the generosity of Asia's Hope sponsors and partners, all of our kids enjoyed a great Christmas. The kids at Doi Saket 2 got many special presents and treats, and participated in special games and performances.

Christmas is always fun -- imagine it with dozens of brothers and sisters! The kids at Doi Saket 1 and the Early Childhood Center gathered together for performances, presents, games and special meals.

Happy Father's Day!

In Thailand, families celebrate Father's Day on the King's Birthday, December 5.

Each year, all of the kids at Asia's Hope gather to celebrate and thank God for their new dads and all of the male staff at the orphan homes. This kind of celebration is always very meaningful for the kids, who have faced so much loss in their young lives.

After the celebration service, kids from each of the individual homes gathered in groups to enjoy a special picnic lunch of sticky rice and grilled chicken -- a favorite among the children. Boys from Doi Saket 1 are pictured above.

Doi Saket 2

Doi Saket 3

Doi Saket 4

At the service, recently rescued baby Nit received a biblical name, Abagail. Pictured here are Tee (nit's caregiver), Nit and ministry advisor Mike Flinchum.

Children from the Early Childhood Center hang out around the front gate of their house.

Doi Saket 2 from John McCollum on Vimeo.

Kids from the Doi Saket home sing a song about Adam and Eve and enjoy a sleepover at the home of Thailand country director, Tutu Bee.

The boys pose, proud of the new "hoodies" provided by a friend of ministry advisors Mike and Deb Flinchum.

The girls pose in front of their dorm.

Some of the younger kids enjoy a rare treat -- a night out at a restaurant.

Some of the kids from the Early Childhood Center enjoy chatting via Skype with former intern Ashley Barnhill. 

Kids from the Early Childhood Center pose for a picture.

The kids wave goodbye to guests.

The kids are all smiles. They're adjusting well to their new homes and bonding with their new families.

One of the caregivers teaches the children a new song. She sings a line and they repeat it.