For Misu, the historical flooding we experienced in Chiang Rai in September is just one of a long line of struggles she has had to overcome.
When Misu was a child, her parents divorced, and both her mother and father struggled to provide a stable environment. At one point, Misu moved in with her father, but his substance use, neglect, and the harassing behavior of some of his friends made it impossible for her to stay. Returning to her mother didn’t fully solve the problem; her mother’s life was also unstable. Her mother’s health issues, which require multiple hospital visits a week, created a heavy and stressful atmosphere. Misu moved in and out of various children’s homes for years, increasing the instability she experienced.
Misu turned inward- studying English and Japanese online, and becoming interested in anime. This, combined with her natural introversion, meant she was often excluded and bullied by her peers.
To make matters worse, Misu is stateless, meaning she does not have Thai citizenship. This is one of the highest risk factors for trafficking because it limits her access to healthcare, restricts travel, and most critically, prevents her family from owning their home.
Recognizing Misu’s vulnerability and her potential to thrive in a supportive environment, we brought her into our programs, offering her a scholarship and mentorship to help her build a safer, more stable path forward.
However, in September, sudden flooding devastated Misu’s neighborhood in Chiang Rai. Heavy rains caused the Kok River to overflow, sending water through her rented home, destroying nearly everything she and her mother owned. They barely had time to escape with one motorcycle and the clothes on their backs. The rest—furniture, clothing, appliances—was damaged beyond repair. Left with no choice, they had to relocate and start over in a new home.
Because Misu and her mother are stateless and were renting the home, they were not eligible for any government assistance. Thankfully, generosity from our donor community meant that during this crisis, The Freedom Story’s staff stepped in to help, providing food, financial support, and much-needed encouragement.
“After our home was flooded, my mom and I had to find a new place to live, and many of our belongings were damaged,” Misu shared. “But the staff came to help by finding us a place to live, bringing food, checking in on us, and supporting us financially to set up our new home and buy school supplies.”
In addition to the immediate support, Misu credits her scholarship and mentorship with helping her grow personally. She was once so shy it was hard for her to speak up, but now, with the encouragement of TFS staff, Misu has developed the confidence to share her story and even mentor younger students. “I used to be incredibly shy,” Misu admitted. “But now I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I’m really happy to be part of something that contributes to society.”
Misu’s relationship with her mother has also improved significantly. Her mother, who suffers from significant health issues, has struggled to manage the stress of daily life and health challenges. Their home life was often tense, with frequent arguments. But through activities with The Freedom Story, Misu and her mother learned to communicate more openly. Now, they talk about everything—both light-hearted topics and serious issues—with her mother listening and speaking more kindly. “She used to speak harshly to me,” Misu explained, “but now she listens first and speaks kindly, which makes me so happy.”
With this newfound support and stability, Misu has started to think about her future. Though she’s not yet sure which path she’ll take, she dreams of a career that combines her love for science, animation, and drawing. More than anything, she hopes to one day have the means to care for her mother and live a peaceful life together.
To those who support The Freedom Story, Misu has a message: “I am incredibly grateful. I’m doing well now, and I hope everyone stays healthy and happy. Thank you to all the supporters and staff for your help!”
Misu’s story is a testament to the impact of The Freedom Story’s scholarships, mentorship, and community support. With these resources, Misu has been able to rise above her circumstances and begin building a brighter, more hopeful future.
Help Students Like Misu Rebuild After the Flood
Misu’s story is just one example of the resilience and courage displayed by students in our programs. But for families like hers, the journey to rebuild is ongoing. Many still face the devastating impact of recent flooding and urgently need support to restore their homes, replace essentials, and continue their education without interruption.
By giving today, you can help us provide emergency relief, housing support, and educational resources to students and families in northern Thailand who have been affected by the floods. Every dollar counts, and thanks to our matching gift campaign, your contribution will be doubled—making twice the impact in their lives.
Join us in helping students like Misu rise above hardship. Donate Now to make a lasting difference.
