His name is Mee-o and he needs braces.
And that's all I want for Christmas.
I noticed it the last two times I visited Hot Springs. Mee-o had stopped smiling. Not always. Not when he kind of can't help it, because something's funny or he's just made a spectacular score in football. When he forgets about himself a little the wide grin returns and I remember the happy little guy who first came to live in this large and loving family 45 minutes east of Chaing Mai in northern Thailand.
He and his brother are originally from a remote mountain village without adequate schooling. Their mother is alive, but as a single parent, she asked if her boys could come to live where they'd get a better education, improved nutrition and health care, and a chance at a better life overall. They thrived at Hot Springs, and five years later Two, the older brother, has returned to live with his Mom, working to support her. Mee-o remains to finish high school.
He's becoming a man now. In July when I was there, his voice was definitely changing. His hands are large and strong, his jaw more defined. But I noticed also an increasing self-consciousness that seems to keep him looking down, mouth closed over the one awkwardly twisted tooth right up front. The only reason the picture above (green shirt) sports a smile is because I specifically asked him so I could get a picture of what needs to be done.
It's a small adjustment, and it estimates are it will be a total of about $1,500 for the entire course of correction. But that's not in the budget, and most of the time, rural folks like Mee-o never have these cosmetics remedied. It's just a luxury.
But it could also be a very cool Christmas present. And really, it could make a world of difference for one young man's sense of confidence.
I'm headed back on December 27 and I'm hoping to bring Mee-o a gift. And in fact, I'm just putting it out there, telling all my peeps, that whatever, if perhaps, you had in mind to wish me a Merry Christmas, the best way you could do that this year is to put a few dollars toward Mee-o's braces.
Hope it's not rude to say so. But in truth, I have more than I need myself.
Donations can be made in person at Highview Community Church, mailed to same at 295 Highview Drive, Kitchener, Ontario N2N 2K7, mark everything "Braces". Or inquire at info@hcckw.ca and we'll do everything we can to make it simple.
And can I just say, what an amazing thing it is to have so many of you participating in all things Hot Springs already. Just, thank you.
