Shekina Garden Social Projects

Shekina Garden is nestled in the Pai Valley of Northern Thailand, and for the past 9 years, Thai locals have generously welcomed us, shared their lives with us, and allowed us to be part of their community.

Over the years, we have been woven into this tapestry of community, and through friends and connections with the people of this valley, we've gained insight into struggles of poverty, sickness or need in various villages, both around the town and in the hills.

We hear stories from our friends and local business owners of their personal struggles and the livelihoods lost when the masses of tourists stopped coming (due to the pandemic).

We receive so much from this place and are so thankful that we can be here, connecting people around the world who love this valley and want to give generously to this beautiful community.

Below, you will find a list of projects that local friends have brought to our attention as ways to ease the pressures of daily life.

All donations go to local foundations or to individuals who are directly connected to the need, village or project. We try to only offer what people have asked for, in partnership with local people who look out for the needs of their communities. Thank you for your support and for helping us to function as a bridge from your generosity to the people who need help..

Grocery Relief for Families in Need

During Thailand's first Covid lockdown in early 2020, we started a grocery relief project for people in need in surrounding villages, and the need is still there!

Part of the hope is that we would be able to offer a little stash of dried goods and fresh vegetables (inspired by our friends at the Charis Project) in order to help families out with more than oil and instant noodles. We have found that we can supply each household with dry goods and vegetables for about $17 USD, so we go as often as we can. It has been a joy (and sometimes an adventure) to drive out to villages in the hills or in town, and connect with people from different tribal groups - Lahu, Lisu, Karen, or Shan.

We work together with Sarah, our Office Manager, and village liaison. Sarah is Karen, and from a remote village herself. Sarah and connections from each village have determined who is most in need and the logistics around delivering groceries. (i.e.: Is the road passable?)

Sometimes it is every household in the village, sometimes it is a selection of elderly or disabled community members. Sometimes we show up and all of us put the packets together along with women from the village, sorting salted fish and loose tea, chilies and onions. It is an honor to help with this project and it is definitely an ongoing need. Thank you for your generosity!

Myanmar Refugee Relief

On February 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar took control of the country. Since then, the people have been protesting for democracy and as a result of military crackdowns on anti-coup protesters, hundreds of people have lost their lives. A particular target of the coup has been people of the Karen tribe who have faced ethnic-based conflict for more than 70 years. The United Nations have stated that “millions” faced hunger in the country amid the violence.

Thousands of people have fled the unrest to hide along the Thai border of Mae Hong Son province, the state in which we live. To add to the horrible situation, the recent Delta Variant Covid-19 surge has hit Myanmar hard, and the military junta has been hoarding oxygen and medical supplies. The hospitals are full and the impact has been devastating.

Our community in Pai has friends from the Karen tribe who offer assistance to whole camps of displaced families at the border, sending boats across the river between our countries to distribute food and medical supplies. It is such a clear way to help and we are so thankful to have this connection and so proud of our friends who continue to do this work. Anything you donate goes directly to supplies, food, or medical needs for displaced people.

Village Building Projects

Over the years we have had opportunities to help rebuild homes in nearby villages. This usually happens when friends let us know about the needs of elderly or disabled people living in homes that are no longer sufficient for their needs.

Often these homes are simple and made by the community with bamboo, corrugated iron and recycled wood, common building resources. The elements here are extreme and cause a lot of wear and tear: blistering sunshine for months of the year, followed by the wet season - heavy rains for 4 months and mold and jungle growth everywhere, including inside. When cold season arrives, gaps in the floors and walls mean the cold air can come right in. When repairs are needed, the expense is often out of reach for people getting by day to day.

Usually, neighbours who care tell us about the needs of people nearby. Your generosity helps us hire builders in the local community to help repair broken roofs and rotting floorboards. These relatively small jobs can make a huge difference for these families.

Village Water Project

During a Covid-19 relief grocery delivery to a village about 1 hour away from Pai, we were sitting and talking to our new friend Aami. She let us know that the village didn’t have running water for most of the year, and have to walk a kilometer down the mountain and back to haul it from the river. Aami introduced us to her parents, both of whom she takes care of, neither of whom can walk easily or well. It was an oppressively hot day and we could see really clearly what a burden it was for the people of the village to have to haul water- what a burden it was for Aami in her care for her parents, who were struggling with the heat.

We felt honored by her trust in letting us know the needs of the village, and we are so happy to know of a way to help that will last.

The village water project is now complete and we have been able to provide water to a village of forty households! It is completely run on solar electricity, as the price of electricity for this village is simply too high.

During this project their were many hurdles to overcome, but as we have gained knowledge in the process, we are wondering whether this system can be replicated in other villages. People having access to running water in their homes is a life-changer! We are excited to see how it evolves. In speaking with local groups about this project, we have already been suggested some other communities who would benefit from a similar system. It is not a cheap endeavor, but with your assistance, we can begin providing more villages with running water to their homes.

Disability Support

One of the needs that nearby communities have told us about is the necessity for disability aids such as canes, wheelchairs, and hearing aids.

Living with a disability in a remote village is incredibly difficult and the expense for supports such as hearing aids or mobility devices is often impossible to reach - and yet it can be life-changing for individuals, their communities, and support people.

Your donations for this project will go directly to purchasing these items for disabled or elderly people here in the Pai valley and surrounding villages.

Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah! Sarah is a young Karen woman with a beautiful family, working as the office manager for our umbrella foundation here in Pai. She faithfully makes connections between our little Shekina Garden community and the larger community in this valley and over the mountains.

Sarah is a hope-filled woman who loves people and wants to serve God. Her big family is an inspiration to us, with a lot of love for those in need, and we are blessed to know her father and mother and many of her uncles and cousins too.