Sprite

I have known Sprite since she was a baby. She then lived with her big sister and grandmother in a small shelter in the slums. To get food her grandmother either looked for trash that could be sold or went to different temples or foundations to get some rice, so it was very good for her that Sprite could begin in the Home of Praise Daynursery. (30 children from the age of 6 months to 3 years old who need it most get daily care through this kindergarden.)
When Sprite was 3 years old she could move up to Immanuel Daynursery. In this kindergarden the children receive what they need to get ready to start school, but they also get extra English teaching, music lessons and even learn to play violin.
Sprite and her sister early also came to the different afternoon activities arranged by Home of Praise. Here they could play with toys, learn English, art, computer and violin (all for free). Immanuel Music School both arrange teaching there as well as in Immanuel Church.
Under you can see some more pictures of Sprite at Home of Praise.

Sprite trying out a new keyboard we received as a donation

Sprite learning violin

Sometimes we have visitors bringing gifts to the children.

And sometime old volunteers and teachers come back to say hello 

Group lesson at Home of Praise

Preparing for Christmas performance

The children from Home of Praise playing at the big
Christmas Party under the express way.

In 2014 we had orchestra rehearsals for the first time at a HOP camp

Sprite and her sister joined a new activity in Home of Praise in 2013, BB (Boys Brigade)

Official opening of BB in Immanuel Church

Rehearsal day at Solveig's home

Since Sprite always has been coming running and smiling towards me when I come to teach in Home of Praise, I easily forget that her life often can be very tough. Some years ago Sprite's grandmother also needed to take care of two more grandchildren. So the situation has not been easier lately. 

When I came home from summer holiday last year, I heard the sad news that Sprite didn't go to school anymore. She was only nine years old. I couldn't understand why. She had a good basic of knowledge after going to our kindergardens, and she had also received  a scolarship from some kind people who had seen her smile and talents. Home of Praise activity leader, Man, tried his best, talked to the teacher, her grandma and even tried to follow her back to school, but to no use. We were very worried for her, especially since some days she just seemed to disappear. So many bad things could happen to her. One small, good thing helped me to keep hoping. Sprite still always came for violin lessons, and when she played she seemed to be happy. 

Also the BB-leaders of Thailand who knew Sprite through BB activities were worried, and they decided to let Sprite live in their home for 5 months to help her be ready to go back to school again next school year. Some of my colleges were skeptical. Could it be right to take her out of her environment and away from her grandmother? But my thoughts were that it can possibly not be worse than the current situation, hopefully much better. I also knew that her new foster parents were very kind and good people.The next three pictures is from the day Sprite left in November-14

Sprite's sister had just decided to be a Christian on a BB-camp,
so she got a bible as a gift the same day her sister left

Man and Sprite saying good bye

First I thought the violin was the only thing
Sprite planned to bring, but when I came down
I saw she also had a small backpack with clothes.

I only met Sprite once during the 5 months she stayed away. That was when we were asked to play at 20 years Anniversary of Boys Brigade in Thailand in December. I was very excited to see if Sprite still remembered the pieces we were going to play. And she did. She even played it more beautiful and confident than before. She told me her whole day was organized from starting to read the bible and pray in the morning, homeschooling through the day, and she also were asked to practice on her violin 1 hour per day. She were not allowed to drink coke and eat sweets. All this was a very new experience for Sprite, quite opposite of what she was used to, but she looked happy.

From our performance at BB anniversary

Sprite on Easterday together with her grandma, sisters,
fosterparents and pastor of Immanuel Church

 And now in April Sprite came back to her sisters and grandma in the slum. She and her elder sister had decided they wanted to become Christians, so they received baptizm in Immanuel Church on Easterday. Sprite is like a new girl, still smiling, but now with much more self esteem and new hope for the future.

Songkran celebration in Immanuel Church 12th April

Before Sprite Sprite only rarely wanted to come to church for worships on Sundays. Neighter did she want to join the orchestra. But now she wants to do it. The first week home Sprite came to violin lessons three times, both in Home of Praise and in Immanuel Church, which is about 15 minutes walking distance from where she lives. She has manage to learn all  the three pieces of music the junior orchestra is playing at the moment, so hopefully she can join our rehearsal camp next week. She has also had done an entrance exam to a new school.
It will not be easy for her to keep up the good habits she has learned while being away, but at least she has a grandma who loves her. We in Immanuel Music School, and other people in Immanuel Church and Home of Praise, will do our best to help her. But we also have many other kids to teach and to care for.

Immanuel Church big family

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