For many children around the world, the first word that they learn to speak is some variation of ‘Mom’, ‘Mum’, ‘Mama’ or, in Thailand, ‘Mae’. Although the word might vary in different languages, the name given to one’s mother signifies a special relationship with the one who loves unconditionally and cares devotedly for her precious children.

Mother’s Day is celebrated across the globe, although not on the same date in every country.

In America and Australia, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, but in Thailand, Mother’s Day has been celebrated on August 12th (since 1976) because this is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday.  Since the Queen is regarded as mother to all Thais, this day is also celebrated as “Mother’s Day.”

The planning is in full swing for Friday with many celebrations all around Thailand being organized for a wonderful day of honoring mothers as well as mothers having the opportunity to bless their children in thanks for the love that is shared between them.

But … have you ever wondered what Mother’s Day is like for the young boy whose mother died of AIDS and left him to fend for his younger siblings?

What is it like for the girl who finds herself with a price on her head, abandoned by a relative who said they cared?

What is it like for the teenager trapped serving clients, who has never known what it feels like to really be loved and protected?

These are the cries that are finally being heard.

Justice is being done and FREEDOM is being won.

“Love” and “Hope” aren’t just “words” but they are GIFTS being given as precious children are being rescued and brought to the ZOE Children’s Homes.

I am eagerly looking forward to this Friday night’s special Mother’s Day service at ZOE.

I remember last year hearing testimonies from some of our amazing, courageous children who got up in front of over a hundred people to share how having a ZOE mother has totally transformed their lives.

How being loved unconditionally has given them freedom beyond just the physical sense and how being accepted into a family has provided a chance to develop into the person that they were created to be.

For me, Friday will be a day of mixed emotions. Overwhelming gratefulness for the mothers at ZOE who have given up their lives to raise children not biologically their own but with just as much (if not more) love, selflessness and devotion.  Yet my heart breaks for the tens of thousands of children who will know no love this Mother’s Day.  Children who need a breakthrough … who need rescuing.  Who need us to keep fighting for the their rights to be safe and loved and cared for.

Thank you for your interest, your support, and your voice to make a real difference in the lives of those who need a mom the most on Mother’s Day.