Just before Christmas, dozens of street kids gathered for a party, organized by Mercy Centre and fellow NGO members of the Bangkok Street Children Network. The party took place where the kids are most comfortable, beneath the Rama III Bridge on a sliver of park that many of these kids call home. Our street teachers organized games throughout the day – from three-legged races to co-ed soccer – and presented gifts to every child. Fr. Joe spoke and exhorted the children, as he always does, to be honest and to look after their brothers and sisters on the streets. Most importantly, he reminded them that whenever they need help, no matter what, "Call us. Drop by Mercy. Don't hesitate. We are always here for you." Photo gallery here.

December 13, 2011 - For the third consecutive year, HRH Princess Srirasmi visited our Mercy Centre to celebrate her birthday with our Mercy children. From the moment she arrived, her joy for our children filled our Mercy Centre and the world around us.

Our children renewed their vows to the Princess, promising to work hard in their school studies, to be honest and polite with everyone they meet, and to respect and protect their family and loved ones. Following their vows, our children performed in song and dance to the Mercy Thai Classical Orchestra, comprised entirely of our Mercy kids,

HRH Princess Srirasmi had special moments with our blind girls, Nong Peh and Nong Fon, showing us that our most disabled Mercy children are also the most loved.

Photos: Above: Her Royal Highness with our disabled blind children, Nong Peh and Nong Fon. Below: Our children recite their promises to HRH Princess Srirasmi.

Last week our Mercy girls shined in a concert held at the New International School of Bangkok that showcased their skills and passions in the performing arts – in songs, folk dances, piano recitals, and popular show tunes.

Like proud parents everywhere, we are probably not the best judges of our own children, but in this case we are quite confident in our opinion: our girls gave a first-rate professional and entertaining performance. The audience of NIST students, teachers, family and friends thought so, too.  Each Mercy child was a star: Nancy, Tammy, Toi, Niew, Kat, Kook Gai, Phen, Gwan, Ann, and many of our younger Mercy children, too! (Photo by Alexandra Ashley. More photos at gallery here.)

The Concert for 30 Oct here in Bangkok for kids flooded out of their schools and homes is cancelled.  Many of the singers, dancers and band members are flooded out of their homes here in Bangkok.  Plus, they are afraid that the hall where we are having the concert will be flooded, and if not the hall itself, the road coming in to the concert area...All feel better safe than sorry!!!

We and our children here in the Slums are all safe - and dry. Although some of our slum/shack schools will be knee high in water in a day or so.  But we are still on mid term school break.  School re-opens first Nov.   I will send up-dates as we learn more from the weather man.  It rained again last night, but not enough to make a difference.

Prayers   fr joe

Last week our Mercy Boys showed us what it means to play together as family. Eleven Mercy Boys joined in a round-robin football tournament at the New International School of Bangkok, where they put on a clinic in team-playing and scoring, winning three games and losing two, while tallying the highest number of goals of all five participating teams.  The standout stars for the Mercy Boys: Tum earned the “Golden Ball” Trophy for most goals scored while our goalie, Boat, kept us in every game throughout the action. Having played together as Mercy boys for over 10 years, Tum and Boat communicate with each other on the field with something akin to telepathy.

A second Mercy team of younger boys played in the Pee Wee round-robin tournament. Although they didn’t win, they had just as much fun. Photos below, Tum earns the “Golden Ball” trophy. More photos here.