More visitors came suring the long school holidays to help us to entertain the children. As usual, some were first time guests, including a few German families who came to visit our volunteers from Oberhausen and Bonn. We also had a long overdue visit from Andy Eadsforth and Linsey Pluckrose from the UK, who travelled with Linsey's two children. They had both been regular volunteers over a decade ago but even after all this time, they were well remembered by staff and even some of the older kids. They swam, played football and put on a lovely evening BBQ for all the children at Pai Si Tong.
Christin, a former volunteer from APO Germany came with her boyfriend to reconnect with the children on a quick visit. Thanks for your generosity Christin.. At about the same time, Amadea and Ed, referred by the Jan and Oscar Foundation in Switzerland, were great volunteers. They entered into all the holiday activities with humor and understanding of the kids’ needs. They were very popular and it was sad to see them go.
Leon and Henriette Castermans from Stichting Vrienden van Sarnelli in the Netherlands came for their bi-yearly visit and were warmly welcomed back. Their daughter Kristel and her husband Tommy and their two children also came to visit again. They joined in swimming sessions and arts and crafts activities and put on their legendary French Fries party, with great success. They are a lovely family and it is always great to have them here.
Jim Snell from Wisonsin is another long-serving volunteer. He has been coming for many years and brings a great energy to the children's lives. Jim is game for anything, swimming, bingo, and arts and crafts, and is also extremely generous to Sarnelli House, helping to fund days out for the kids during the holidays. We look forward to his next visit.
Lisa was one of last year's volunteers and took a break from her university studies to come for a visit to check in on her girls at the Jan & Oscar House. They were thrilled to bits to see her and couldn't get enough of their big sister. The house staff were also delighted to catch up as she had made a great connection with them.
Marcia Meier has been coming to Sarnelli House since 2010 and is a firm favourite of all the children and staff. She stayed for a few months, reconnecting with old friends and developing new relationships with the children. She also spent some time in Bangkok learning Thai and hanging out with some of the older Sarnelli girls now living there. We know for sure that we will see Marcia again some day soon.
Rezzo came with his girlfriend Theresa from Germany to see Junis, a current volunteer and Rezzo’s sister. It was nice for him to see what his sister has been doing and to spend time with the children.
Knut and Sabine Burwinkel came from Germany to visit their daughter Freya who is volunteering here for ten months. Freya is a lovely young woman, so it was no surprise that her parents were equally nice. They had fun with the children and took their daughter for a well deserved holiday.
The family of our current volunteer Kitty came from Germany to visit her and see her work. Kitty also travelled with her sister Heike who then spent a week here at Sarnelli House helping out. It is always good for our volunteers' families to get a picture of what their children or sibling is experiencing in Thailand.
