Parents Night Out

Saturday the 14th was our next meeting as a team, and this time we included more than just the "goers" of the team, but also the "senders"! Our parents and families gathered together with us for a great food buffet of delicious soups, a variety of sandwich options and my favorite part - dessert! Now I am not giving this shout-out simply because my boyfriend made them... but Nate's Oreo Cream Cheese balls were to die for. Ask anyone who was there, and they'll agree! Who knew I was dating such a creative dessert maker?! =)

Besides the logistics of the meeting such as support letters (which I am starting to send out, so check your mail boxes!) and passports (did I mention I just got mine two days ago?! It only took mine two weeks to come!) we had a great time breaking up into our smaller travel groups, along with our parents, to starting leaning how to maximize the impact of our trip. We were able to analyze how we can best serve in all aspects of the trip including: our host in Thailand before we're there, while we are there and after we leave, as well as our supporters! It was also a great time to pray with one another in our small groups, and as a larger team in the whole.

We also got exciting information such as the location we are staying! A Thai lady by the name of Emmi has a heart to serve. Her ministry is to house those of us who come to Thailand to minister to the Thai people! She has set up a guest house specifically for us missionaries to stay in during our trip. If you'd like to check out the exquisite commodities we are being spoiled with, here is her website, Lighthouse Thai Guesthouse! I know, we are really roughing it ;).

Actually, as part of our stay Emmi is taking us to her home village for a 3 day stay with the locals there. Each of us are being assigned to various Thai families who are graciously opening their homes to us! It is going to be fun to live in another family and cultures homes and see their way of life first hand! Please be in prayer for those families to have open hearts, and for us to not be ashamed of the gospel and be real, living testimonies to our faith.

Another gem of information we where given is the Orphanage we will be visiting while there. It is called Agape Home (yes, if you click on that it will take you the website) and it is specifically designed for children that are HIV/AIDS positive. My heart is already hurting for these children, but I am excited to be able to spend time with them and just flat out love on them. Please also be in prayer for the children to see the love of Christ through us, as well as for each of us on the team as I know it will be hard to leave those children behind.

One more detail of information before I bring this to a close (yes, once again more logistics). Our travel agent has moved us one day later for leaving for Thailand. So instead of leaving on the 15th, we are now going to be leaving on the 16th of July. Other than that, not much else has changed. We are still leaving from JFK airport, having a layover in Singapore the next day, and then headed to Chiang Mai from there! After about 36 hours of flying, I am going to be thrilled to finally be on land! =)

The Journey Begins

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

No, I haven't left the country yet but that doesn't mean I haven't begun the adventure! Summer of 2011 planted the small seed in my mind of the possibility of going on an over sea's mission trip. While I was extremely interested, the business of a new job and stresses of moving from our farm house of 23 years to a log cabin in the woods took priority. The idea of going to Thailand, however, never left.

Fast forward a few months into my fourth semester of college and third year of working with the SR High youth group. Announcements of the Thailand trip were underway and applications available. While the trip was for High School students, I knew they would need leaders. I pondered, prayed and gnawed over the prospective and finally took an application a week before they were due. Nate and I discussed the trip, and we both concluded that God was really speaking to us both about going. While ministry and missions are both Nate and I's passion, we both feel we have been called overseas... wherever that may be!

Ryan Snyder, the director of youth ministry and head of the trip not only readily accepted our desire to go as leaders, but was excited for our opportunity to learn and grow in the field we are called to. He paired us each with experienced missionaries assisting us on the trip, Ed and Carol Scheureman, who lived in Thailand for many years. Not only are we leading on this trip, but also learning much.

Two Thailand team meetings have already come and gone, with another quickly approaching. With it has come the preparation of our trip such as passports, travel itinerary, and raising support. I have my passport application filled out and sitting on my dresser ready to go to be confirmed, and the dates of the trip asked off for work! Now I need to begin raising my support from... well... you!

Our team to Thailand is not just composed of the 25 of us going, but also of each of our families, friends, co-workers, church members and brothers and sisters in Christ. We need your prayer and support as we begin the spiritual, mental and emotional journey that will very soon take us on a 36 hour flight to Thailand! And yes, let us address the white elephant in the room. I do need monetary support as well.

The entire trip will cost me between $2,600 and $2,800 dollars for the 15 day adventure. We will be leaving PA July 15 and arriving back home (Lord willing!) July 30th. On our trip we will be assisting fellow missionaries in their local work, as well as teaching ESL (english as a second language) to students, ministering to hill tribes, visiting an orphanage and prayer walking around the city.

Since I threw so much information at you at once on this post, I will be sure to update as much as possible on the progress of our meetings, my support, and eventually what happens while on my trip!
If you are interested in receiving a support letter from me, feel free to shoot me an e-mail!!
brinkofdawn@gmail.com

Thank you friends and fellow journeymen for joining me on this exciting adventure we call life!