As a young Hmong tribal teenager, Nee’s heart was broken and her family shattered. Nee’s father was sent to prison for nine years and shortly after this, her mother died from a blood hemorrhage.

Nee was overwhelmed at the loss of her parents and the responsibility that now fell on her shoulders. Suddenly, she became the sole provider for her three younger siblings.

Nee was illiterate and had never studied at school. She was unable to get a well paid job. Nee found work as a laborer in the rice and corn fields for about $3 a day but her efforts were never enough. Money was always short and there were times when there was no food in their bamboo hut.

At 16 years of age, in a desperate bid to help support her siblings, Nee decided to marry. This was her last hope to provide for her family.

One month after marrying, Nee became pregnant. It was at this time that her drug addicted husband started to beat her. Eight months along in the pregnancy, she was tied up and badly beaten. Nee managed to escape and reported her husband & his drug habits to the police. He fled, was captured by the police, and never saw Nee again.

With the birth of her baby son, Tee, Nee suddenly had another mouth to feed, but her life was about to take a better turn.

House of Blessing, a children’s home supported by Operation Blessing, agreed to take care of Nee, Tee and her three siblings. A heavy burden lifted off Nee’s shoulders.

House of Blessing has a vision to love, educate, nurture and develop orphans and poor underprivileged children of Thailand. At House of Blessing, Nee is now studying to be a seamstress, using sewing machines provided by Operation Blessing. Nee said, “When my baby grows up and goes to school, I hope to start a sewing business with the skills I’ve acquired.

Operation Blessing also provides monthly financial support so that baby Tee receives nutritional supplements and Nee’s siblings receive a quality education. At House of Blessing, Nee and her family now have all they need – clothes, food, shelter, education, medical support, and a loving, caring community in which to grow and develop.

Nee said, “I would like to thank all those who have supported me and the House of Blessing. I plan to study hard and take good care of my baby. I really enjoy studying sewing even though it is sometimes difficult because I can’t read or write. I would like to stay here as long as I can because I have the opportunity to study while raising Tee. At House of Blessing my family is blessed with all we need.”