Daniel’s village in Shan State, Burma, was often attacked by the Burma Army. His family would flee for their lives into the jungle, and remain in hiding until their attackers had moved on. This made it difficult for Daniel to get an education.

At ten years of age, escorted by Shan soldiers, Daniel left his parents and war ravaged village in Burma to try to make a new start for his family. His desire was to get an education, make money, and one day return to help his family. This is still his prayer today.

Daniel spent over two months walking with many other IDP’s (Internally Displaced People) under the cover of night, often with little sleep. Daniel had to carry all his own belongings and sometimes the heavy equipment of others as well.

Daniel arrived, along with 15 other young boys who had accompanied him, at a temple in Thailand. They were all eventually taken in by the House of Hope, a children’s home supported by Operation Blessing. The House of Hope provides a safe haven where Shan children can find love, security and hope for a brighter future.

At the time of writing, Daniel has been with House of Hope for about nine years and his life has been radically transformed. He is very grateful that his life has been so blessed; now he is able to get an education, receives ongoing love and support, and has all he needs.

Daniel is one of the team leaders at the Home and is gifted in singing and playing the guitar. He attends adult school every Saturday where he studies Thai, English, Math, Geography and Science. During the week, Daniel takes English and computer classes and helps the staff at House of Hope.

Daniel speaks very good English and enjoys translating for foreign guests from English into the Shan language. He hopes to one day become a teacher and return to help educate his Shan people who are being persecuted inside Burma. Daniel said, “I would like to thank all the staff at House of Hope for taking me in. If I didn’t come here, I don’t know where I would be, or if I would even be alive.”

Operation Blessing Foundation (Thai) provides 12,000Baht a month (about $350USD) to buy rice and cooking oil for all the 45 children at the House of Hope. OB also built a ceiling in one of the buildings where the children sleep, and has provided two water storage tanks at a cost of about $2,000 (US) to solve House of Hope’s water shortage problems.