KCS Thailand Mission Trip 2010

Our Trip - Our Team!

2010-04-08T05:21:00.005+07:00

We are home and missing our "family" in Thailand.
The relationships that we have made over the past three and a half weeks will stay with us for a long time - if not a life time.
Our team unity was unbelievable, and we are reminded often that this is not something to take lightly!

Front: Talina, Pon, Jamie, Becky

Middle: Cammi, Hannah, Erin K, Yui, Kirsten, Christina, Sunny, Kianna, Christy

Back: Mailo, Matt, Christina, Hilary, Jeremy, Natalie, Peter, Russell, Erin, Antoinette

Tuesday, March 30

2010-03-31T05:53:00.001+07:00

We are in Vancouver, BC, ready to board our last flight of our trip. Yes - we are all tired, but still laughing and reminising about our trip!

March 30 - Korea

2010-03-30T12:43:00.002+07:00

We are on our way and doing well. We left Phang Nga property, flew out of Phuket at 6:20 pm, spent a few hours in the Bangkok airport - mostly standing in line - boy was it busy.
We had a five hour flight, and now are in Korea for 10 1/2 hours. We have day rooms in a hotel close to the airport, so it was great to actually lay flat and sleep, and then we enjoyed a wonderful smorg and received a good resting period.
We will be flying out at 6:00 pm, arrive in Vancouver, and then on to Kelowna - our final destination.
Thank you for following our trip - KCS Thailand 2010

Going Home!

2010-03-29T23:37:00.003+07:00

Sunday March 28th was an incredible day once again. We went to the Phang Nga Church, where Jeremy and Christina shared their testimonies with the congregation, Sunny, Christina, and Hannah shared their gifts through song and music, and Matt’s mom preached a powerful sermon.
The youth were all there and performed one of their dramatic presentations for the church, one that they will use on their mission trip. They leave on Friday for a month.
After church we once again shared a meal as a congregation, and Matt showed some of the pictures of our youth retreat.
Matt then took Pon back to the hospital for her last treatment on her hands. They have healed so quickly, it has been amazing.
We then had the opportunity to head further south and explore another area of Thailand. Joe, one of the youth and one of the orphans that live on the property at Klok Kloi had a chance to come with us, and hang with the boys!
Today is our last Thailand day. We woke up early in order to say good bye to Boonlert and A, as they were flying to Bangkok early this morning, and then move on for their mission trip to Cambodia. The good byes were tearful, and intense.
We then spent the day cleaning, packing, and yes – had a last chance to swim in the ocean. It was amazing!
We spent the last hour at the church property in prayer for the leaders of the church, property, and the youth leaders who are taking the youth on their mission trip.
Loading up the luggage in the back of Peter’s truck did not take long, and off we went. Once we were checked in, our good byes began once again. I don’t know if you really can measure tears in buckets, but buckets of tears were spent. The relationships that we have developed, no matter where we are, have been unforgetable. We each will never be the same!
As I sit here in the Bangkok airport waiting to board our midnight flight, I reflect on our trip.
I would have to say the the high light of the trip for me has been the team - the unity that they have had, the gifting each one has and was willing to share, the bond of Christian brothers and sisters in Christ with our four Thai students, and the many relationships that have been developed over the last few weeks.
Parents - you have incredible kids - and Hilary and I have developed a love for each one and the gifts that they have given to our team and our work. We praise God for each of these lives, and look forward to what God is going to do in their lives in the future.

IDIN - Retreat with Youth from Phang Nga Church - March 26 & 27

2010-03-28T07:44:00.002+07:00

Friday morning, March 26, we loaded into a van, truck, and car and headed for Phang Nga town, and then on to the Idin Resort for our retreat.
Once we all arrived, there were 32 of us – 18 of us, 8 Thai youth from the Phang Nga Church, and the 6 Thai leaders. We arrived just in time for lunch. After lunch we spent time getting to know each other through games and competitions. The first get to know activity had 18 statements about people. The students had to find the different people with those qualities, and have them initial their sheet.
After that, the students were divided into three teams of 8 and sent out with a photographer to rein act 25 photo opportunities. Lots of teamwork and laughter. Pon, our Thai girl from Chiang Rai, slide down a rope while she was coming out of a tree, and receive sever rope burn, so after band aiding her hands to the best of my ability, Yui and I drove into Phang Nga town to the hospital to have Pon’s hands looked at and dressed. Pon received first degree burns on both hands, so she had her hands cleaned, had antibiotic cream applied as well as fresh band aids. She was also given a Tetanus shot and given three types of medication to take. She had a lot of pain, but once we returned back to the retreat center and she rested, she felt much better. Having to be spoon fed for supper, and our other meals have been interesting, as well as a time for teasing and laughter. She will go into the hospital on Saturday and Sunday to have fresh medication and Band-Aids applied. We are thankful that she could receive quick and excellent care. PTL!
After supper, we had time for some games, praise and worship led by our three Thais, Pon, A, and Mailo. While we were doing this, a storm came up, tons of rain, lightening, and the great thing – all the power went out. They brought out the candles and we continued our worship time with candle light, which was amazing. Our team presented some of their skits, and the Phang Nga Church Youth, performed their presentations that they have been working on. They are leaving for Northern Thailand on Friday to do a Mission’s Trip for three weeks, so it was great to share our experiences and hear about their trip.
After that – lots of teenage fun, and language and culture was not a problem. Bonding happened!!
This morning we had breakfast, and then did two games, had team meetings, had time for devotions and journaling, and then after lunch off to the waterfall for a time of fun in the sun. Some of us stayed behind – and yes, a wonderful down pour of tropical rain at Idin, but not 20 minutes away at the waterfall.
We headed back to Phang Nga town, and while the team walked a local market area, Pon went to the hospital to have her hands looked at and dressed. The healing of her wounds is coming along amazingly, and her hands no longer have to be wrapped completely.
We had supper at a local market in Klok Kloi, and choosing from about 100 stands, we sure experienced a vast variety of Thai foods.
The evening ended with the sharing of a testimony, and the presentation of a devotion on the Body of Christ. Our times in the evening are such a wonderful time of sharing and prayer!

IDIN - ACTIVITIES AND GAMES

2010-03-28T07:35:00.005+07:00

IDIN - Eating Together

2010-03-28T07:32:00.002+07:00

March 26 - Worship

2010-03-28T07:11:00.003+07:00

What is Next?

2010-03-25T22:10:00.002+07:00

Tomorrow morning, Friday, March 26th, we leave for a two day retreat with the youth from Phang Nga Church. We are going to Idin, which they have booked out completely for thenselves and us. We are looking forward to this section of our trip. The youth are heading up north this coming Friday for almost four weeks on their own mission's trip.
I will chat with all of you when we return.

English School - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

2010-03-25T21:52:00.009+07:00

We taught English School at the property in Ban Klee for three days. Here are a few pictures of us at work!

March 25 - The Working Crew

2010-03-25T21:48:00.003+07:00

Today while the gals taught English, the guys worked around the property, digging out grasses, cutting the grass along the road, trimming the banana tree, cleaning out the shed and discovering a termite nest - which they took apart and killed the queen - boy was she BIG!

March 23 - Christian School Prayer Walk

2010-03-24T22:12:00.003+07:00

Tuesday after school we went on a prayer walk into the slum where the Burmese families who send their children to the Christian School live.
We prayed for three different families.
We prayed for a man who had broken his leg in three different places after he had been in a motorcycle accident for healing for his leg.
We prayed for a lady and her family.
We prayed for a young mom and her little one, who is being abused by her husband.
It was a very powerful time that we shared as a team.

March 23 - Christian School Pictures

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March 23 - Christian School Pictures

2010-03-24T22:03:00.011+07:00

March 24 - Christian School Prayer Walk

2010-03-24T21:52:00.003+07:00

After we taught, we went over to a grandmother of three of the children who go so school at the Christian School to pray for her. She is raising her daughter's four children on her own. Her husband died. Her daughter just comes by every few years to drop off the latest baby she had with a different father each time and then is off. This grandma is mothering four children, 6 months to 8 years by herself. The local church helps her with her tuition and provides her with rice for her grandchildren.

March 24 - Christian School Pictures

2010-03-24T21:49:00.002+07:00

March 24 - Christian School Pictures

2010-03-24T21:39:00.004+07:00

Tuesday, March 23

2010-03-23T22:19:00.002+07:00

Today half of the team stayed at the Phang Nga property teaching English School and half the team went to The Love of Christ School which is a slum neighborhood of Burmese refugees. The children who live here can not go to the Thai government school, so most of the children do not go to school. One of the local churches has set up this Christian School in this area as their outreach. After we taught we went to three of the homes in the slums to pray for the families of these homes.

Tomorrow we switch and go to the opposite schools.
Please continue to pray for us in this work that we are doing in the following days.

Monday, March 22 - Ban Lam Pee School

2010-03-22T22:41:00.004+07:00

Just when you think it can't get any better than this - it does.
We were on the road by 7:30 am.
We had an amazing day at Ban Lam Pee School. There were about 50 students here today, 80% are Burmese, and 20 % are Hmong or Thai. It is a poor community, but the faces shone.
We started the day with songs, skits, then we taught for the rest of the morning and first part of the afternoon, and we ended by spending about one and a half hours making puppets with the kids.
We had a tons of fun, built many great relationships, and the students did learn some more English - so success.
We then headed north, past Koh Lak, to the hardest hit area of the Tsunami of 2004. We went the one of the memorial sites where there was a museum, and then stopped at the location of a police boat that had been brought inland by the Tsunami a great distance.
We headed home at 6:30 pm and had an incredible supper prepared by Natalie. It had been a full day.
We then spent time sharing about our day, being led in worship by A and the Thai team members, sharing a testimony, and then ending in a time of prayer.
God is working daily in new and different ways through us, and we are excited about what else is in store in the next few days.
Pictures from today follow.

March 22 - KCS in Action

2010-03-22T22:24:00.006+07:00

Puppets - All of us and all the kids!

2010-03-22T22:02:00.001+07:00

Sunday, March 21 - Hell and Heaven

2010-03-21T22:50:00.005+07:00

Later in the afternoon, the youth and us went to see an area in town where they have statues that represent what happens to those of the Buddhist belief after their death. It is called, Hell and Heaven.
After we walked through the area called Hell, we started up the stairs to heaven, but the monkeys started to come down the stairs, so we quickly retreated. We walked up to the top where there was a viewpoint of the city and beyond.
After that, we headed back to Ban Klee, and for supper went out with 26 of us - our team of 18, the 6 Thai leaders, and Kallaya and Ya - Thai team members from 2008 - who are working at the orphanage next to the church property.
T

Sunday, March 21 - Youth Group

2010-03-21T22:48:00.002+07:00

After church and after sharing a meal with the entire church, we played a few games with the churches' youth group - so that we could get to know eachother. Next weekend we will be going on a retreat with them.

Sunday, March 21 - Church

2010-03-21T22:43:00.002+07:00

We attended the Phang Nga Church's service this morning. Hannah, Sunny, and Christina provided a special musical number, and Sunny and Russell shared their testimonies during the service. Aaron - from Hawaii - preached on unity this morning, which was a great topic that ties in so wonderfully with our team and what we are doing here in Thailand.

Sunday, March 21 - Breakfast

2010-03-21T22:40:00.004+07:00

Breakfast came in various forms this morning - for us the the dogs!

March 20

2010-03-20T21:54:00.004+07:00

What another fantastic day. It was full - and enjoyed by all.
We were so busy today that I didn't have tons of time to take pictures, because we were living each moment to the fullest in every sense of the word.
Breakfast of toast, lots of peanut butter, jam, bananas, oranges, yogurt, noodle soup, oatmeal, orange juice, tea, coffee - most of the items Kianna, Christina, and I picked up last night at the local store, market, and yes - 7-11.
Peter, who is Swiss and is part of the local team here at the property in Ban Klee, organized us into groups, to spend the day working around the property helping to clean and clean up.
We had two loads of gravel delivered to be spread around the new staff home, the outdoor kitchen was scrubbed down until it shone, the property was weeded, clipped, trimmed, garbage was picked up, wire rolled, an unused satellite dish moved, you name it, we did it - and with a smile on our faces - all day - even though we sweat until we were soaked as we experienced the intense Thailand heat and humidity.
At 3 pm we had finished all the tasks handed out this morning, so off to swim in the Andaman Sea - warm as a bath tub! Miles of beach and no one around. A private piece of paradise.
Then we headed home, showered in 15 minutes or less, headed into Klok Kloi to pick up food at the local night market where there were probably about 100 stalls to purchase food at, and then off to the local outdoor community center. We sat on the grass and ate our food out of our plastic bags - oh so Thai - and then participated in a soccer game, basketball game, aerobics' class, worked out on the exercise equipment, played with the kids, and acted as kids and played, and just spent time building relationships with the local kids of the community. We also connected with as many of the kids to let them know about our English School on the Ban Klee property this coming week.
It is summer holidays here, so most of the kids are on a two month holiday. We will see how many come out this week.
Then we headed back to the property, sat in the coffee house area - air conditioned -which we are all very thankful for, and spent some time sharing about our FULL day, the highlights, preparing ourselves for tomorrow, and then closing our day in prayer.
Good night and we hope that you too had a blessed day where you are.

Pictures of some of our activities follow. Sorry if not all the students are pictured, but as I said - picture taking today did not happen as too much was happening - and boy did we enjoy ourselves!

March 20 - Ban Klee Clean Up Day!

2010-03-20T21:49:00.003+07:00

March 20 - Klok Kloi Community Center

2010-03-20T21:36:00.003+07:00

March 18-19 Chiang Mai

2010-03-20T21:25:00.002+07:00

Thursday evening we had the chance to go to the Chiang Mai Night Market and experience Thai shopping. We also had a chance to get together with Rob from Hope for the Nations once again, and Dominik from BBF.
On our way home we took 6 Tuk Tuks around the Old City Chiang Mai moat - lots of fun.
Friday morning we headed to the airport and flew directly to Phuket, where we were picked up by Peter, Matt, Yui, and Jamie.
Once we settled in, we had a fabulous supper prepared by Yoi - English name is Natalie.
Then as the KCS team and the PPN team, we had a great time getting to know each other through games, facilitated by Erin K, who is working here for a year from Hawaii, then had a time of sharing about ourselves, and then spent time in praise and worship and the sharing of a testimony. What a powerful evening. For most of us, the best part of the night was the fact that Jamie, Yui, and Matt translated for us, so that our four Thai members were truly part of our team, in sharing and listening. I must say for myself (and yes others) it was more than a two to three kleenex evening.
Just a few pictures of one of the tuk tuk groups and our airport experience.

March 19

2010-03-19T09:39:00.001+07:00

Today we fly from Chiang Mai directly to Phuket - and are picked up and taken to the property of the Phang Nga Church.
Chat later.

March 17 & 18 - Phrao 30 Orphanage

2010-03-19T09:25:00.001+07:00

Wednesday morning was the last time I blogged. So here is the story.
We left our guesthouse with two songthaws and headed to BBF home where Bradit – the house father -and seven of his older girls were waiting for us. Bradit’s songthaw was loaded with all the supplies and food that we were going to take up to Phrao 30 – which is the name that they use to identify that group of 30 orphan children. I took about one and a half hours to get to Phrao town, where we stopped to pick up some of the fresher items, pork, ice, etc.
We then headed along beautiful country side, where there is a lot of rice being farmed, as well as tobacco plants. It was about another 40 minutes to get to Phrao 30. We arrived about noon.
When we arrived, most of the older children were in school, so there were only a few of the younger children around. Sunny helped in the kitchen, which is a bamboo hut, dirt floor, and small fire burning inside to cook the food on. The rest of us wandered around, looked at the facilities, and quite a few of the students were recuperating from feeling motion sick from our trip.
Bradit headed into town to book some hotel rooms for us for the night and said that he would be back in about 40 minutes, and then we would have lunch. At 3:30 Bradit arrive, as he had trouble finding us accommodation. Everything was booked, so he finally found one place – there are only three in town – to house use.
Once he arrived we were ready and hungry, so we sat down and ate. Rice and Pork soup, and a vegetable dish. It tasted amazing and was followed by watermelon. While lunch was being cleaned up, Bradit took Hilary, Hannah, and my self on a tour of their facilities.
Home for the children - two room bamboo hut, dirt floors and tin sheeting for a roof. One of the temples had given them some old roofing, but many of the pieces had holes in them.
The front room for the girls was 10 x 10 and had five mats in it. The back room which as about 8x 10 had 5 mats in it. On some mats was a blanket. The girls’ room houses seventeen girls and the boys’ room houses 13 boys. On some mats was a blanket. Above some of the bed hung mosquito nets. Above some of the bed there were tarps that were hung. I am sure that during rainy season, everything gets wet and rainy season is April, May, June, and July.
The kitchen was also the home of Johan and his wife. They care for all of the children. Their son and daughter-in-law, and their young son, also live here and help take care of the children. This building is about 10 x 20, bamboo walls, dirt floor, thatched roof. The first half of the room has a bowl or two of cups, plates, and utensils, there are a few cooking pots, and a cutting board. The fire is made right inside the hut and the huts is hot and full of smoke when they are cooking. At the other end of the kitchen-living hut, is where Johan and his family stay. We saw one mat, and they did have a TV.
Dishes are done by the tap outside next to the washroom. The washroom facilities are made of bamboo and a tin roof. One squatty potty on the left for the boys, one on the right for the girls, and in the middle, covered with a blanket, it the shower room – a bucket, a tap, dirt floors throughout.
To the left of the kitchen is a small storage shed which held some potatoes, although they looked as if they were rotten, and some strange white containers holding something, that they told us was delicious. As the amount of translation here – let alone any English, left us guessing.
Out back in a lower draw, they have a pig pen with a few stalls, and up to on a rise like hill, there is one larger pig pen. Also out back is a concrete water container where they draw their water from.
In front of the children’s home, they had a large tarp cover, under which they had a few tables, quite a few plastic chairs, and a few mats. This is where we sat, did crafts, ate, and did worship.
Bradit told us about Phrao 30’s needs and desirers. They want to hire a backhoe who will come in and level out their property. This property was supplied to them by the government because they are helping so many children. They want to take down the large pig pen, and that the rocky hill and push it into the draw. Then they want to take down the children’s home and kitchen, level out this area also, and then rebuild. So the three of us listened to all of this, and Hannah and I went back to the group to share what we had learned, while Hilary and Bradit talked.
Hilary returned with the numbers that Bradit had talked about. 16,000 THB to hire the backhoe and level the land. 15,000 THB to build the girls’ home with concrete floors. 15,000 THB to build the boys’ home with concrete floors. 12,000 to build the kitchen/living area, 15,000 to build a meeting room for them to eat in, worship, etc. Total – 73,000
Hilary had also asked what their expenses were. Food for one week is 750 THB so 3,000 THB per month. Rice for a week is 1,200 THB so 7,200 THB per month.
We then sat down as a team and started talking, sharing, thinking, contemplating, and following the Spirit’s leading. Hilary said that the total for building was 73,000 THB and food for three months is about 30,000. If we were to give 100,000.00 THB that would cover their cost to rebuild their home, and provide money either for food or supplies such as sleeping mats, mosquito nets, dishes, etc. Hilary asked be how much I had budgeted for this project.? $3,200 CND How much had the KCS Elementary Campus fund raised for us? $3,600 CND
So is 100,000 THB about $3,300 CND? I literally had goose bumps going up my spine. Here we were pretty frustrated with the lack of English teaching we could not, and here we were sitting and experiencing the fact that God knew why he wanted us here. We have been doing a skit about Noah and teaching the kids that you need to trust God and that He will take care of you, because He has promised this in His Word. We have been doing a skit about the Good Samaritan, those that do not help the weak and needy and those that do. At the KCS elementary campus we did a skit about Russell being a tourist in Thailand and seeing the need of those around him – the lack of food, clothing, education, housing, and then sending for our team to come and help him. OK - THIS WAS A GOD APPOINTED MOMENT IN OUR LIVES! THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TO DO! We then went into prayer to thank God for what He was doing, how He was using us to help this small group of children with four caregivers, and how we need to listen to God and follow through on what we are sharing with those around us in our messages. AMAZING!
We then had the opportunity to go swimming with many of the kids in a dammed water area – what fun and it cooled us all off.
When we came back we made puppets with some of the little children, and then had supper.
Now is was totally dark, and we set up for a praise and worship time together. Some of the girls dressed up the local costume, sang for us, the little children played the tambourines and shakers, and also presented a song for us. We shared some worship songs with them, those which we knew in English and Thai. A played the guitar, Poen and Mailo, Sunny , Christina and Kianna led our worship. Hannah and Sunny presented a special song together, and then Poen and Mailo read from the Thai Bible the story of the Good Samaritan and then we acted out our skit. We prayed together, and the evening was just amazing. Some of our pictures are not that great, but light with one single light blub is all we had. We did get a group picture of those that live at Phrao 30.
We headed for our accommodation. Three girls in one room in one bed, four boys in one room with one bed, 9 girls in one room with two big beds, a couch and some mats. None of us complained even in the tiniest amount – we are so thankful for what we have.
Thursday morning found us and our two songthaw drivers lost for more than an hour, but finally we arrived for breakfast at Phrao 30. After breakfast we made bracelets and purses with many of the kids from the home, and then it was noon and time for us to go. We said our goodbyes and headed off.
On our way we stopped in a National Park and got to play in the limestone waterfalls. Amazing experience.

Houses

2010-03-19T09:20:00.002+07:00

Laundry area
Outhouse
Back of Kitchen
Boys and Girls' home
Kitchen
Supply Hut

Housing - girls' room 10x10=17 girls

2010-03-19T09:17:00.001+07:00

Housing - Boys' Room 8x10=13 boys

2010-03-19T09:15:00.001+07:00

Purse Making with the older girls

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Beading and Bracelets

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Puppet Making

2010-03-19T09:00:00.001+07:00

Worship

2010-03-19T08:56:00.001+07:00

The pictures are poor in quality due to having only one light bulb

Phrao leaders and the entire orphanage community

2010-03-19T08:51:00.001+07:00

Tuesday - March 16

2010-03-17T08:00:00.003+07:00

Today we spent the day with BBF Orphanage.
We did not work at their orphanage, but at a property that belongs to Bridgeworks. The property has two buildings that have a few cubical areas in each one, and a large area where we played soccer last night.
We began our time with them singing praise and worship songs, songs with a lot of actions, and doing a skit.
Hilary then took half our team and half of their kids to their rice field. They had a chance to walk around the rice field and see how the pumps work to flood the field. One of the boys spends his had their making sure that all works well.
Meanwhile the rest of our team spent our time talking to the kids, teaching English through conversation.
This was quite difficult as we found that the older students were shy and did not have much English.
The little ones, they just sat on our laps and enjoyed the cuddles, smiles, and love that we gave them.
The middle aged kids came out of their shell when we started to play games. They loved skipping and the boys loved throwing balls and being boys.
We then spent time doing crafts with the little and middle aged children.
Lunch time came and the entire team was together once again.
After lunch and clean up, it was soccer time - in 43 degree heat - WOW!
Christina, Kianna, Kirsten, and I went with Dominik to shop for supplies for the home - shampoo, toothpaste, lotions, dish soap, laundry soap, cooking oil, some food products, etc. We loaded the entire back of the pickup truck, and headed off to the actual home where the kids live.
Once again our team was together, had a look at their home, and then packed all 19 of us into our songthaw. Yes - today we had an extra body. Holly Brown, from Kelowna, was here too with her mom and dad - working with Hope for the Nations. She joined for the day.
Once we cleaned up, 18 of us, Betty, Dave, and Holly Brown, headed out to a traditional Thai dinner and cultural presentation. We had invited Rob and Evie Payne (Hope for the Nations and we worked with this organization in 2004) to join us, as well as Pimpee - the wife of Kamsean (2004 we worked with him), Ajan Kiat, his wife, his daughter Nueng (2004 we worked with them). It was great to enjoy dinner, and a time of fellowship - discovering what they are doing in their work in Chiang Mai.
The evening was great - and we had a chance to visually see the dress and dance of the various Hill Tribe peoples, and the history of the country.
Today - Wednesday - we are heading up to Praow, a sister orphanage of BBF which is about one and a half hours away. We are taking about 10 of the BBF kids with us and will be gone for two days. Will catch up on our adventures when we return.

Monday, March 15 - Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

2010-03-15T23:08:00.003+07:00

This morning after breakfast we hopped onto the bus at 10 am and headed to Chiang Mai. The bus ride took us about 4 hours. When we arrived in Chiang Mai we rented three Songthaws and headed to our guesthouse. After checking in we ate lunch at the guesthouse and headed in one Songthaw to the BBF orphanage.
I passed our phone to the songthaw driver and he spoke to Dominik to get the directions, and off we went. We went for about half an hour, the driver took my phone, called Dominik for more directions, and away we went. An other half hour, an other phone call, and things were not getting any better. Finally Dominik sent one of his staff to us on his motorbike, and the staff person led our songthaw driver to the BBF orphanage. 18 tired people unloaded, and we kept the songthaw and the driver for our return trip.
We meet Dominik and the 30 orphans, and off went the students and kids for a game of soccer - in the dirt and mud!
After the game the students and kids played games and chatted, and then we had supper together.
Dominik is a gentleman from Australia who has been in Thailand for the last 11 years, and works with about 20 ministries helping them network and supply help where needed. He as been working with the BBF orphanage for about seven years. These are Hill Tribe kids which he came upon, who were living on their own, just trying to survive.
These kids are high risk kids, as their families often come and take them, sell them or traffik them - full time or part time.
Dominik told us that two days ago in the Bangkok newspaper on the front page, there was an advertisement stating that they would pay 30,000 baht for young virgin girls. Just turn to page 4 for more details. Often the parent(s), especially the stepfathers, do this for the money. Sometimes the kids are picked up for the summer holidays and never return. Their big sister may come for them, or some family member. Very sad situation. Dominik is trying to educate these young children about safety for themselves.
The kids work a piece of land and have been planting rice. They harvest it, use the rice for their own food, and sell the rest to provide funds for their care.
Dominik also works with two other orphanages, one which we will be going to on Wednesday to Thursday, out of town about one and a half hours. There are 30 children there in this Prow village. These children are very poor. The kids from BBF go up there to help out. They have built the huts that these children live in, bring them food, and help them out any way they can. The BBF kids are ministering to the Prow children.
Tomorrow we will be spending the day with the 30 orphans at the BBF orphanage, teaching English and building relationship.

Sunday, March 14

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Sunday morning arrived early. As each group left their home, we prayed for the home that so graciously housed us. We had breakfast on Busa’s deck once again, noodle soup, amazing egg omelettes, and mango. The kids in the village were hanging around right away in the morning, and the slaughtering of the water buffalo for the funeral was taking place.
We saw life begin once again for the day. As Russell said last night, we work to provide luxuries for ourselves, while they work to live and survive one more day. The women have their basket on their back, some have a mule, that is carrying a basket, and off into the forest they go for the day. We would see them return in the evening, with their basket full of wood for their fires, some greens for their supper, bits of bamboo, or other items. Other women are sweeping the dirt around their home, carrying their baby in a sling on their hip, washing their children and clothes, and getting ready for the day. The men are off too, burning the land around the valley so that during the rainy season new growth occurs. They are getting ready to replace their thatched straw roofs. Many of the older women were making up the sections for the roof, and drying them in piles around their homes. Village life is very simple.
At 8 am we piled into the back of the four pickup trucks, and headed back to Chiang Rai. We arrived at 11, showered, washed clothes, and were back in the truck at 11:30to go and eat fried rice. We picked up 18 of the older orphans, then off to the river, were our team and some of the kids loaded into four long tail boats, and headed up the river for about an hour ride, experiencing life along the river bank. We arrived at the Elephant Village (a Karen Christian Village) and meet up with the rest of Rose’s children. We got 18 elephants, and one of our team with one of Rose’s kids loaded onto the basket on top of the elephant, and off we went for our walk through the river, through town and back. A “ton” of fun was had by all!!
We headed back to the orphanage for a bit of a rest, and at 5:30 loaded the 42 of us and headed off to the night market. Our students paired up with Rose’s kids and formed small groups and headed off to experience sharing food from the stalls and small vendors, and purchasing some items for themselves and their new friends. The excitement in the back of the truck was high as we headed back to the orphanage, and new relationships were formed once again. The Thai smiles have reached all of us!
A great day was had by all, and as we settled into our rooms after a time of sharing and prayer for Mercy Ministries, our heads this time did hit soft pillows and the sounds of the night seemed minimal compared to the village sounds. We slept well!
Monday morning found us packing up and readying ourselves to leave Rose’s orphanage. After giving out thanks to Rose and her leaders, we said goodbye to new found friends, shared a lots of hugs – even tears – and headed off to catch the bus to Chiang Rai. It was about a three hour ride, through amazing country side, lots of hills. We saw Thai life along the way.

Boat Trip and Elephant Riding - 36 of us!

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We traveled up the river to the Elephant Village.
Rosa - also know as Mama Rose to all the kids, was so proud of all her kids, as well as us - she just couldn't resist taking a picture of each one of us.

How do these pictures fit?

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The following pictures belong to the Friday and Saturday - March 12 and 13 - posting below.

Thai Members

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Picture 1 - MK - Chiang Sean Director

Picture 2 - Busa (2006 team member) and Mailo - 16 - 2010 team member

Picture 3 - Sadudee (2006 team member) and Pedro - Chiang Rai Director

Picture 4 - Lerd - 17 - 2010 team member

Picture 5 - A - 16 - 2010 team member - elephant riding - on the right with his hands up

Poen - 16 - 2010 team member - long tail boat on the river

Busa's Village

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There was much smoke in the air as the people in Northern Thailand burn much of the land, getting ready for the rainy season, and encouraging new growth.

Hilary's Gift

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Sunday morning, just as we were getting ready to leave, one of the Akah village women came to Busa's hut, and wanted to present Hilary with a gift. She had made it over night and wanted him to have this necklace. She was so proud and loved having her picture taken with Hilary. Hilary calls it his "Immunity" necklace.

Oral Hygiene Education

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So what do they look like and how do we get them out!

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Applying Lice Medication - Yummy

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Clipping!

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Doing Crafts and Hanging Out

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Rock Movers

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Eating, Washing Dishes and the Scouts

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Transportation

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Saturday

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Saturday morning came early – when the roosters started crowing at dawn, which would have been - ok, they crowed all night. That and the pigs, the dogs barking and fighting, and then next to where the boys slept, an all night party –due to the fact that there had been two deaths in the community the previous day.
The Thai leaders that came with us to the Hill Tribe Village were, MK, who is the director of the Chiang Sean Baby Home and Children’s home (He is one of Rose’s first kids and ask your child to share his story with you sometime),;Sadudee, who was on our 2006 team and is now finishing university in this coming year, and is working with Rose, developing her leadership skills; and Busa, who was on our 2006 team, and is going to Bible School this coming year.
The floors were hard, so the hips were sore – but the spirits were high. We all met at Busa’s brother’s house for breakfast at 7:30, noodle soup, and the muffins and bread that we brought up. Yummy! We sure are enjoying each meal and the food has been amazing.
At 8:30 we headed to the creek to collect and move rocks that would be used around the church building. They will be using the rock to build walls, etc. There were 21 of us and at least as many little kids ready to work together. The leader of the village took his machete to cut through the bamboo bushes, and made a path, be it only 3 foot tall, down to the creek bed. The little kids went into the creek – not a lot of water, but lots of mud – and passed the rocks up along the assembly line, up to the top of the creek bank. Then we made a new line from the creek bank, up to the road, where later a truck would come and load up the rocks and transport them to the church. The church has about 20 members, so their presence in the community is small, but powerful among the village children.
We finished in great time, about an hour ahead of the time they allotted to us. So we headed back, stopped along the way at a shady place where Sadudee and Busa cut up watermelon for us. Tasted so good and we were ready for a snack.
We headed back to Busa’s place, and all the kids followed us, so for the next hour we did crafts with them, played card games, laughed, smiled, and made amazing friends. 11:30 was lunch, potato and pea soup, rice, stir fry – once again amazing.
At 1:00 we headed up the church building for our “health” education. All the boys were gathered up, and we cut their finger and toe nails, washed and scrubbed with soap, all the visible areas of their bodies, and then MK spent the rest of the afternoon with them, singing, telling Bible Stories, and sharing God’s love with them.
So what were the rest of us doing! Lice patrol. All the girls that had lice, wet their hair, we put on the lice medication, and then the de-licing began. Some of the girls did not have too many lice and eggs, but we had three young girls that our students spend two and a half hours on each, picking and combing out massive amounts of lice. The young Thai girls sat so still and were soooo good, and our team was amazing, with the gentleness, patience, grace, and love with which they worked on each child, building relationships through this situation also. Once the girls’ hair was deemed lice free, we shampooed them, washed and scrubbed them, and cut their nails.
After all of this was done, each one of our team took one or two children, and gave them a new toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, and then taught them how to brush their teeth properly. All the supplies had been purchased ahead of time, and each girl went home with two more tubes of lice treatment, and a comb, for future use.
Throughout our time of cleaning up the kids, the parents and other children began to surround the property, and every once in a while, a new girl was sent to us, and the treatments began once again.
Off to shower and wash our hair – even some of us got the spa treatment from our own experts. Washing of clothes was also on the high priority list. We are becoming more and more thankful for the COLD water showers; ok a scoop with a bucket out of a container of water, but so refreshing.
Supper once again on the deck of Busa’s home – potatoes, rice, winter squash soup, and papaya, and then back to the church. Wow – I think most of the children of the village were there tonight. Sadudee and MK lead some worship songs, some team building games, us looking very silly trying to follow the hand jesters and Thai words, so now we know how they feel when we do our songs for them.
Half of our team did their Noah skit and talked about depending on God and how He is faithful to us when we believe. The kids were glued to their seats the entire time we did our skit, sang our song, joined us on the chorus of the song, and then bowed their heads as we prayed for them and their families and their village.
Even though the beds were hard, we were all ready to hit our bed, lay down our head, and prepare for the barnyard sounds to lull us to sleep – NOT!

March 14 - We are back!

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The only word to describe our last few days is AMAZING!!!!
We just returned from Busa's village at lunch - spent the afternoon with 18 of the orphans, and are leaving in 15 minutes - so I will begin and continue later.

We left Chiang Mai Friday morning in Rose's large truck and traveled for about an hour and a half to Mai Saui. We were met by four pick up trucks, and one of the trucks took our three bags with our blankets, our craft bag, and the food and water for our days up at Busa's village.

In Mai Saui we stopped for Fried Rice and then then got into the back of the three pick up trucks and "headed for the hills". An hour and a half later, and much dust in the mouths, we arrived in Busa's village and unpacked our bags. We then were sent to the houses that would house us. Eight girls headed for the chief's home, seven girls headed for Busa's aunt's home, and the five boy/men stayed at Busa's brother's home. We unpacked and then walked around the village. We came upon a group of boy and girl scouts, wrapping up their meeting for the day. They sang, danced and then the "photo opp" happened. They were even more interested in begin in pictures with us, as we were being with them.

Then we went to see their fish farm and the hen house. After that, off to see where their water came from, way up high at the top of their village.

Supper that night was fabulous, prepared by Busa's brother.

Then off to the church for praise and worship with some of the kids and adults in the village, lots of games, and laughter, and the bonding began.

Rose is backing up the truck - so more to come.

We are off the the night market - 18 of us and 18 of the older orphans. Looking forwards to a great evening.

Thursday Evening

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After the trees came down, it was time for supper. Rose and I went to the store this morning and I bought all the ingredients to make a spaghetti dinner. This was the first time that most of the children had spaghetti, and it was a hit.
After supper our team led the praise and worship and devotion time. It was great to see the students take complete ownership of the evening.
Tomorrow we leave for Busa's Hill Tribe and will not be back until Sunday afternoon or evening, so no blogging till then.
Please continue to pray for us and we enter a new area of ministry tomorrow.
We are all well and having a great time. Amazing friendships have already been formed.

Thursday and the trees!

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Playing with the kids and eating together - Thursday

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Bangkok Airport, Rose's Truck, and Pad Thai

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March 11 - Thursday

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OK - you tell you are in Thailand when this is the second time I am writing this blog section - last one just disappeared a minute ago, and it has taken two days to actually get to the point of being able to get onto the web and send out our blog. One more disappointment is that I am not able to post pictures at this point - will have to work on that later - hopefully you can see our smiling faces soon.
This morning the alarm rang at 7:30 am, but most of us had been listening to the rooster crowing for many hours already.
After a breakfast of fresh boiled eggs, toast and jam, banana muffins, yogurt and the BEST fresh pineapple, tea, coffee, and lots of fellowship, we began work at 8:30am.
Summer holidays for all the kids started today, so all the kids (42) were home. Our project for the day, split into four teams, and take down 4 trees that are too large and whose root systems are starting to break up the concrete in the play area. First came the sledge hammers to break up the concrete bases around the trees, then dig out as much of the dirt around the roots of the trees, then start cutting through the root system, and then finally the truck was hooked up to the tree with rope, and then pulled out of the ground. Two are totally gone, one has the top of the tree pulled down but the stubborn bottom remains, and one is still standing.
We also removed all the branches and leaves from four other trees on the other side of the concrete court, and this is a project for the summer.
The weather was nice and cool this morning, and the heat began this afternoon, but we were thankful that the heat was mild for the physical work we did today.
This evening, our team is preparing a spaghetti dinner for 60 of us tonight, our treat for the kids here.
Then this evening we are leading their weekly devotion evening, so will let you know how supper and devotions went.
Tomorrow we leave in the morning for Busa's Hill Tribe for two days. Her Hill Tribe is Ahka. We will be developing friendships tomorrow, leading praise and worship and devotions tomorrow evening, then on Saturday, working with the local pastor in the community doing odd jobs, then in the afternoon working with the children in this village on the area of health, bathing, cutting finger nails, delivering lice treatments where needed, shampooing hair, and then providing each child with a toothbrush and toothpaste and education on oral hygiene.
Then in the evening we will be doing some evangelism in the Hill Tribe, and then returning to Chiang Rai Sunday morning.
We are excited about the next few days, so stay tuned for the details.

March 10 - Wednesday

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Today we woke up in Bangkok to a bit of rain, which cooled off the weather to a point were it was the heat was at an acceptable level and the humidity was ok. Wow! A great way to start – I was expecting sweating, dripping bodies, and found fresh, happy, glowing faces!
After a breakfast that was served to us at the Hotel, we packed up, were transported back to the airport, checked in so very easily, headed through security and then had a quick snack and look around time prior to boarding our Air Asia flight to Chiang Rai.
After a flight of just over 1 hour, we landed in Chiang Rai and were met by Momma Rose, Sadudee (2006 team member) and three Thai boys, 15, 16, 17, who helped us load our luggage into Rose’s large truck, and headed off to a noodle stand for REAL Pad Thai. Amazing Food!
We arrived at the Chiang Rai Happy Home, were shown our accommodation in a building they use for teams and group meetings, conferences, etc.
The girls are 6 in a room – Pon with five of us and – Mailo with the other five.
Hilary and I are upstairs in our own private bunk bed room and the boys are in a separate house with Lerd and A. Lerd and A did not arrive till later last night as they were in Chiang Mai getting their passport so that they can travel with us.
The rest of the day consisted of us hanging out with the 42 orphans, lots of running, chasing, playing basketball, volleyball, ping pong, chase, spin me fast and more, and just being kids – yes all of us.
Meanwhile, Hilary, Rose, and myself sat down and decided on our schedule while we are here. It is sounding exciting.
At 6 pm the dinner bell rang, we all ate together in the eating room/activity room, and then the question began, “Can we go to bed now?”
We gathered at 7 for devotions and planning for the evening of praise, worship, and sharing in the form of a devotion that will link into our Noah’s Ark skit. Then we will do some kids’ songs, so eight of our students have some planning to do for tomorrow night.
8 Pm – all in bed – and all sleeping!! Good night Thailand.

March 8 and 9

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Life on the Road!! Always Exciting.
This morning we checked into the Kelowna airport and surprise, surprise! Hilary was not booked on our flight. He was booked on the 6 am flight and nobody told us. You have to be kidding! But no, he was not. All the students and myself were booked on the flight so that was great. So a few deep breathes, and on to plan B.
What about the next flight out? NO. Full
When is the next available flight? 3:00 pm. Too late.
So Hilary walked over to Westjet and booked a flight and he left one hour before us. I guess it was a good thing that we arrived early for our flight, because this way Hilary got to Vancouver and we all met up.
Vancouver Airport is a beautiful place to spend time – four hours. A little bit of food, lots of walking, fellowship, and just hanging out.
Eleven hour flight from Vancouver to Seoul, Korea (arrived 5:30pm) – and no one had slept much yet – but once we were at our departure gate, off we all went to explore and see what the Seoul Airport was all about. It looks like one massive mall – all the shops with unique items.
Five hour flight from Seoul to Bangkok – and now we were all tired and ready to sleep. There is was a 45 minute delay as they had to de-ice the plane. It was minus 2 in Seoul, raining, and thick overcast.
We arrived in Bangkok at 11:30 pm, went through customs/immigration, picked up ALL our luggage, for which we are very thankful, found our Hotel representative, and away we went. Our Hotel was only a five minutes drive from the airport. The rooms are clean and very colourful – some hot pink, lime green, etc.
There was a pool – there were hot and tired kids – so that added up to an amazing swimming experience – 1:30 am in the morning – quiet and refreshing.
Ready to let our heads hit the pillow, and prepare for our traveling day up to Chiang Rai.
Please continue to pray for us as our adventure continues.

We Leave Monday, March 8 AM

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Our team will be meeting at the Kelowna airport, flying to Vancouver, then Seoul, Korea, and then on to Bangkok.
Please pray for us on these flights, and as we arrive in Bangkok, March 9 and then travel up to Chiang Rai.
Once we are in Chiang Rai, we will be meeting the last four individuals of our team. We are excited for our journey to begin.

Four More Sleeps!

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Today we had our last team meeting and we are ready!
Thanks to all who have supported us so far, and please continue to pray for us as we leave Monday morning for our Mission Trip 2010!!

Two Weeks Till We Leave

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We are excited and ready to leave on March 8th.
All our plans are just about in place.
Please pray for us in our last two weeks as we continue to prepare for this wonderful experience!

The Thailand 2010 Team

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Standing in the Back Row:
Becky, Jeremy, Talina, Hilary, Hannah, Sunny, Russell, Antoinette

Ground in the Front Row:
Christina, Erin, Kirsten, Cammi, Christy, Kianna

Where are we going?

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