Travels to Thailand: Carolyn and Charles meet Natsima

Carolyn Blyth has been sponsoring Natsima for nearly ten years and, recently, she and her husband Charles travelled to Thailand to visit her and her community.

"Charles and I immediately recognised Maneerat, Natsima's mother, waiting for us on the verandah of their house. Charles got out of the car and, as I was about to, he called out, 'Come on, here's Natsima.' She had joined her mother and, in her dark green school uniform, was looking on with shy anticipation.

We gave out gifts to the family. Natsima disappeared to change into her shorts with her new tee shirt, and she looked delighted with her necklace. Then she showed me the photos and cards that I had sent her over the years. I felt very touched that she had kept them all.

Next, we all sat down together for a shared lunch at a large low table on the verandah. By now there was a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and conversation flowed.

Natsima is learning English at school. Initially she only spoke with me via the interpreter, but after lunch suddenly she said, 'Carolyn hullo.' She looked very pleased that she had spoken to me in English.

After lunch we went to visit Natsima's primary school, where Plan has undertaken a number of projects. A teacher gave us a tour, pointing out the pre-school that Plan provided, the fresh water facility for all the children, plus the tooth cleaning area.

The family are rice farmers so they took us to visit the rice fields. Charles asked how rice is cut so Natsima picked up a scythe and skilfully demonstrated for us. While the scene felt idyllic, we were struck by how backbreaking the work was.

This very special day passed all too quickly, but the vivid memory of it will remain with us always."