In December 2004, the life of a bright young Thai lady called Bee, met with sudden disaster.

A tsunami struck the resort town of Kao Lak in Southern Thailand. In an instant, Bee’s sister, some of her friends, and the resort where she worked, were swept away in a torrent of destruction.

Before the tsunami, Bee worked as a resort receptionist but was unable to communicate effectively with the many foreign tourists. Her knowledge and use of the English language was very limited.

For a year after the tsunami, Bee was out of work because her resort had been destroyed. She heard on the radio about Step Ahead, a training center equipping survivors of the tsunami with practical skills to help them move forward with greater hope for the future.

Bee spent a year studying many of the free courses at Step Ahead. She knew this would help her have a better chance at getting a good job.

Some of the classes Bee studied included: Computer Skills, German Language, Italian Cooking, Basic English, Hospitality English and the Advanced English class. She was a star student, never missing a day, and earned a 1000Baht ($30) award and certificate from Step Ahead for her diligence and outstanding results.

After a long wait, Bee found a job as a receptionist in a new resort. She worked during the day and continued to study hard at Step Ahead in the evenings. It wasn’t long before she could confidently communicate in English with foreign guests, and this, along with her improved computing skills, earned her a promotion and a healthy increase in salary.

Before the tsunami, Bee earned just 5000Baht a month, but after acquiring new skills and receiving her promotion, Bee can now earn more than 10000Baht a month, double what she used to earn.

Bee said, “Without the language and computer skills I acquired through Step Ahead, I would not have received the promotion I have now. Thank you so much.”

Operation Blessing provides monthly financial assistance to support the work of Step Ahead. The skills they provide help Bee, and others like her, piece their lives back together and find restored hope and joy and in life.