Oct 10, 2008
Saw wa dee! Hello everyone from Bangkok! Our mission part is complete and we are now awaiting ability to safely go home. From working with the foundation to improve lives to meeting with the the Red Cross to supporting tsumani relief to helping the blind to teaching English to sharing about Buddhist-Christian relations and learning how similar the human race is despite differences, we have been enriched and blessed in ways words cannot describe. The friendliness and compassion of the Thai people will be with us forever. Our new friends: Mamme, Pi Pi, Fa, Santee, Jok, Enu, Jenn, Pong, Ting, Mot, Gui, Su, Nokur, and Nung have given to us as we have tried to give to them. We are looking forward to sharing our experiences with you very soon. Please pray for safe travel. We will be back with you soon! Love you all!
Oct 7, 2008
- Hello from Suankaew Foundation. There are SOOOO many stories to tell but our time is limited on the computer. Thai people have been so overwhelmingly nice to us. The work here at the foundation does great things. We’ve done everything from making fire and charcoal, to working the garden with (lovely) wild boar to hanging out in the nursery with the children. They are adorable and such happy kids. They are excited just to see us! This experience is so new that it’s hard to even put into words. Our work with the fire and bamboo was really challenging and for sure puts some things into perspective but am so grateful to have done this. Rich was attacked by a wild monkey and almost bit pretty bad but escaped with just a scrap. Pretty scary but funny after wards! It wouldn’t be a normal trip without Jill getting a round of food poisoning so spending a night in a Thailand hospital and an injection (of something…oh my..) was cure for it all. All is well now but no more Thai food for this stomach! Only American food is crackers and Oreo’s so I raided the 7-11 store for the duration. Hilarious now that I’m not sick anymore.
Unfortunately, there is also some bad news. The protests in Bangkok are getting violent and we are awaiting word on our flight information. The hotel we were to stay at is now closed due to violence and we’re weighing our options and getting advice from locals as to what to do next. There was a car bomb and some shootings but information is not always easy to understand. No worries – we are tough! All is well!
Miss you all from Thailand!
Oct 3, 2008
Destination Thailand - Status Complete!
What an amazing journey. It's 4am here in Bangkok and we just finished our Thai Pad and "special" Thai drinks. This place is GREAT! Tokyo was nice since we got to have lunch with Rich's old friend Nori, from college. We were stopped by the Japanese police officiers - do we look that touristy?? I guess so. The taxi from the Bangkok airport to Khao San Rd was interesting to say the least but the hanging chickens and flattened rats for sale made up for it all. Khao Rd is our home for the night and it's famous for backpackers from all over the world. We've met some very kind people from Burma to Twaian to Canada.
Our work begins tomorrow and we'll try to update again later.
We're so grateful to be here right now!
Jill and Rich
Our work begins tomorrow and we'll try to update again later.
We're so grateful to be here right now!
Jill and Rich
Oct 1, 2008
And we're off to Thailand
We’re heading to THAILAND! Our flight departs at 7am tomorrow morning.
Louisville - Dallas - Tokyo - Bangkok
THANK YOU ALL for the overwhelming support. We truly do have some great friends and family!
We’ll try to update this blog with stories/pictures when possible so check back on us.
We are so excited to get there and begin.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Louisville - Dallas - Tokyo - Bangkok
THANK YOU ALL for the overwhelming support. We truly do have some great friends and family!
We’ll try to update this blog with stories/pictures when possible so check back on us.
We are so excited to get there and begin.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Sep 5, 2008
27 Days Left!
We are less than one month away from leaving for Thailand and have a few more details to share. First, Thailand has been making headlines for some negative news. In Bangkok, protestors are trying to overthrow the government. This has lead to many demonstrations involving police intervention in an effort to keep peace until agreements are finalized. Some anti-government protesters have been gased to prevent violence in the streets of Bangkok. There has been word that the airport could be shutdown but we are hopeful that peace will prevail soon. For updates, check out the news at http://www.thailanddaily.com/.
On that note…let me tell you about our flights.
j October 2nd – Depart Louisville, KY bright and early bound for Dallas, TX. In Dallas, we leave the states and take a 14 hour flight to Tokyo, Japan. This will be great since Rich has a lot of college friends in Tokyo. Our 5 hour layover will allow us to have lunch with his long time friend, Nori, and catch up. Next, we board an 8 hour flight to Bangkok, Thailand and land around 11:30 pm. There is a 13 hour (later) time difference so by this point, it will be 11:25pm Friday night in Bangkok (10:25 am Friday morning back here). Think of us finally touching down in Thailand!
But this is just the early stage of our journey. After our one night stay in Bangkok, we say good bye to the comforts of air conditioning and easily accessible electricity and meet up with our Globe Aware Rep Saturday morning. We are grateful to have the chance to stay in traditional Thai housing in the Ayutthaya Province and in the district of Wang Noi. October is the beginning of the rainy season so our poncho’s are packed!
In Wang Noi, we will work with children in an orphanage, animals in a nearby animal shelter, and aid in the preparation of meals and job training. Our open minds are ready to take on every challenge and fill in for any job that needs us. That is our primary purpose.
j October 11th – Back to Bangkok for the day before we depart for Tokyo that night. After we backtrack through Tokyo and Dallas, we land in Louisville Sunday afternoon, October 12th.
Then it is back to life as we know it – with a whole new perspective, I’m sure.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers on our journey to the other side of the globe to do wonderful work with wonderful people.
Thank you and God bless.
On that note…let me tell you about our flights.
j October 2nd – Depart Louisville, KY bright and early bound for Dallas, TX. In Dallas, we leave the states and take a 14 hour flight to Tokyo, Japan. This will be great since Rich has a lot of college friends in Tokyo. Our 5 hour layover will allow us to have lunch with his long time friend, Nori, and catch up. Next, we board an 8 hour flight to Bangkok, Thailand and land around 11:30 pm. There is a 13 hour (later) time difference so by this point, it will be 11:25pm Friday night in Bangkok (10:25 am Friday morning back here). Think of us finally touching down in Thailand!
But this is just the early stage of our journey. After our one night stay in Bangkok, we say good bye to the comforts of air conditioning and easily accessible electricity and meet up with our Globe Aware Rep Saturday morning. We are grateful to have the chance to stay in traditional Thai housing in the Ayutthaya Province and in the district of Wang Noi. October is the beginning of the rainy season so our poncho’s are packed!
In Wang Noi, we will work with children in an orphanage, animals in a nearby animal shelter, and aid in the preparation of meals and job training. Our open minds are ready to take on every challenge and fill in for any job that needs us. That is our primary purpose.
j October 11th – Back to Bangkok for the day before we depart for Tokyo that night. After we backtrack through Tokyo and Dallas, we land in Louisville Sunday afternoon, October 12th.
Then it is back to life as we know it – with a whole new perspective, I’m sure.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers on our journey to the other side of the globe to do wonderful work with wonderful people.
Thank you and God bless.
Aug 2, 2008
New location!
We continue to be appreciative of your generous prayer and financial support toward our upcoming international service trip to help people in distant countries! When we first began planning for our trip, the task of raising the necessary funds seemed like an overwhelming challenge. We stepped out on faith and prayed for kind people like you and you responded with an unbelievable generosity. We have prayed for you often and have not forgotten the spirit in which you gave your gift.
For those of you who have kept up on our progress, you know the planning has not been without some bumps in the road. In late July we learned that the trip was officially canceled due to low enrollment.
However, new opportunities are on the horizon. Thanks to the advice of Pastor Janet Grill (a Lutheran Pastor in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania ) we have been led to the good people at Globe Aware, a non-profit organization which has been compared to a ‘mini Peace Corps’. We are impressed with the Globe Aware commitment to go beyond ‘giving out charity to create self reliance”. This is the same model adopted by our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America’s international outreach ministries.
Globe Aware service is profound. They will provide us with the structure and opportunity to work side by side with local communities of various faith traditions. The opportunities for personally sharing our faith in Christ are endless---in a manner that is sincere, respectful, and relational.
So, where are we heading? We are heading to Thailand to work in a local community while teaching English, enhancing capacity at a Rehabilitation Center , providing emergency relief, helping the elderly and disadvantaged. Specific projects will be adjusted to the most pressing need at the time.
While the cost of this mission will be higher than our original plans to travel to Peru , our own contributions and support from others has made this possible.
Again, thank you for your support, your prayers, and your encouragement. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel from October 2-12, 2008 .
Thank you for keeping up with our changes along the way!
For those of you who have kept up on our progress, you know the planning has not been without some bumps in the road. In late July we learned that the trip was officially canceled due to low enrollment.
However, new opportunities are on the horizon. Thanks to the advice of Pastor Janet Grill (a Lutheran Pastor in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania ) we have been led to the good people at Globe Aware, a non-profit organization which has been compared to a ‘mini Peace Corps’. We are impressed with the Globe Aware commitment to go beyond ‘giving out charity to create self reliance”. This is the same model adopted by our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America’s international outreach ministries.
Globe Aware service is profound. They will provide us with the structure and opportunity to work side by side with local communities of various faith traditions. The opportunities for personally sharing our faith in Christ are endless---in a manner that is sincere, respectful, and relational.
So, where are we heading? We are heading to Thailand to work in a local community while teaching English, enhancing capacity at a Rehabilitation Center , providing emergency relief, helping the elderly and disadvantaged. Specific projects will be adjusted to the most pressing need at the time.
While the cost of this mission will be higher than our original plans to travel to Peru , our own contributions and support from others has made this possible.
Again, thank you for your support, your prayers, and your encouragement. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel from October 2-12, 2008 .
Thank you for keeping up with our changes along the way!
Jul 26, 2008
- Keep the ideas flowing -
The final decision was received yesterday. Our trip to Peru is officially cancelled. We are pretty disappointed but everything happens for a reason. We are focusing on our original goal of helping where needed and providing meaningful work. Our options range from September 2008 – September 2009. Personally, I’m a little anxious to get moving soon! Once more decisions are made, we’ll send updates. For now, our journey may find us anywhere from Peru to Zimbabwe. We’ll see!
Thank You for those who have voted and sent advice - MUCH appreciated!
Thank You for those who have voted and sent advice - MUCH appreciated!
Jul 12, 2008
**Breaking NEWS - Please VOTE**
We just found out some breaking news. We may not end up in Peru. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Initially, we were very disappointed to hear that our trip could potentially be cancelled due to low enrollment. But we are determined to still do mission work with the funds we have raised. On July 25 we find out if the trip is on or off. We are asking your help in making a decision. Please use the survey to the left to help us decide. You can also send us an email at the off2peru email address further down the page. Please cast your vote today!
Still unkown is the cost and dates of each place. We are obviously in a holding pattern for now. VOTE! Give us YOUR opinion. There have been many requests for updates – so this came at perfect timing. Thanks in advance for your help!
Peace.
May 22, 2008
Almost ready to take on the Amazon!
Greeting all!
It’s been a while since we’ve updated but it’s been all good news along the way. The love, support, and generous donations continue to be sent from our AWESOME family and friends. More thanks to send! As September 30th approaches, the anticipation mounts. And the more we read about the needs in the Amazon jungle towns, the more we itch to get there! They need us and it’s beyond obvious.
It’s times like this when you realize how many good people there are out there. So many have stepped up to help and support. We definitely have some great friends and family to be thankful for.
An update on our goal to finance this mission – We are now 75% there and very excited! Our next payment is due in early June so we are grateful for EACH and EVERY donation we receive. Since word of mouth is just as important, please continue to spread the word of our work and goals. You all are GREAT!
Peace to all. Please keep us in your prayers.
Jill and Rich
It’s been a while since we’ve updated but it’s been all good news along the way. The love, support, and generous donations continue to be sent from our AWESOME family and friends. More thanks to send! As September 30th approaches, the anticipation mounts. And the more we read about the needs in the Amazon jungle towns, the more we itch to get there! They need us and it’s beyond obvious.
It’s times like this when you realize how many good people there are out there. So many have stepped up to help and support. We definitely have some great friends and family to be thankful for.
An update on our goal to finance this mission – We are now 75% there and very excited! Our next payment is due in early June so we are grateful for EACH and EVERY donation we receive. Since word of mouth is just as important, please continue to spread the word of our work and goals. You all are GREAT!
Peace to all. Please keep us in your prayers.
Jill and Rich
Apr 15, 2008
Our latest and greatest launches
- - - - Oh, I also wanted to mention a few more fundraisers we've launched that are sure to be a big hit.
1. We have a mall! Yes, I said it, a mall. Just about ANYthing can be bought through this website and we get a small profit from each sale. From Wal-Mart to Target, you can find your usual on-line purchases. Even ITunes! Check it out.
www.visitourmall.com/supportprojectperu
2. Coffee. This one is really great. Purchase coffee, premium travel mugs, and some unique Tee shirts from 963missions and we receive 40% for our mission. I must say, the coffee is really good and it promotes fair trade so it benefits many. Click on the coffee mug to the left in order for purchases to automatically link to our account. Come on, who does't drink coffee these days?
3. Bracelets - Pass the word for Mother's Day! It's coming up. The black and silver seem to be most popular. Link is at the bottom of this page.
1. We have a mall! Yes, I said it, a mall. Just about ANYthing can be bought through this website and we get a small profit from each sale. From Wal-Mart to Target, you can find your usual on-line purchases. Even ITunes! Check it out.
www.visitourmall.com/supportprojectperu
2. Coffee. This one is really great. Purchase coffee, premium travel mugs, and some unique Tee shirts from 963missions and we receive 40% for our mission. I must say, the coffee is really good and it promotes fair trade so it benefits many. Click on the coffee mug to the left in order for purchases to automatically link to our account. Come on, who does't drink coffee these days?
3. Bracelets - Pass the word for Mother's Day! It's coming up. The black and silver seem to be most popular. Link is at the bottom of this page.
Can't believe it's almost May!
Hope this update finds everyone in good health and good spirits. So we find ourselves halfway through April and very anxious to get to Peru. I think. :) The "manual" has come in the mail since we've sent our initial deposit and we are in for some hard work! Our days start before sunrise and come to an end around nightfall. But we are up for the challenge! It's amazing what we take for granted here in the USA. Reading our manual really puts things into perspective.
We are still sitting steady around 50% of our financial needs being met to pay for this mission. As you can imagine, we get a bit nervous since our next large deposit is due in June. But we know with continued fund-raising projects, it will work out and our giving will start soon. Thanks again to all who have help contribute so far and also to those that help spread the word!
We are still sitting steady around 50% of our financial needs being met to pay for this mission. As you can imagine, we get a bit nervous since our next large deposit is due in June. But we know with continued fund-raising projects, it will work out and our giving will start soon. Thanks again to all who have help contribute so far and also to those that help spread the word!
Mar 31, 2008
More Thanks to Send
We are now 40% on our way to lending a helping hand in Peru. We wouldn't have made it this far without you! Everyone from our closest friends to those who have heard by word of mouth have come through when we needed them most to show their gratitude and support for this mission. Thank you.
We are so grateful to mention one EXTRA EXTRA big THANK YOU to our friends at Friedens Lutheran Church in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Let 's just say they have made a huge dent in this 40% mark to raise enough money for this mission trip. For those who don't know the history, Rich was a part of Friedens not too many years ago and they've always held a special place our hearts. To our friends at Friedens - a genuine and sincere appreciation is felt for your generous gift.
Keep the prayers and thoughts coming our way! Helping to spead the word of our efforts still much appreciated.
With love,
Jill and Rich
We are so grateful to mention one EXTRA EXTRA big THANK YOU to our friends at Friedens Lutheran Church in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Let 's just say they have made a huge dent in this 40% mark to raise enough money for this mission trip. For those who don't know the history, Rich was a part of Friedens not too many years ago and they've always held a special place our hearts. To our friends at Friedens - a genuine and sincere appreciation is felt for your generous gift.
Keep the prayers and thoughts coming our way! Helping to spead the word of our efforts still much appreciated.
With love,
Jill and Rich
Mar 9, 2008
Thank You!!!
Hello all!
Just wanted to send a big THANK YOU to those who have donated so far. To date, 10% of total mission cost has been raised. We’ve been very grateful for your donations and, above all, your overall support. Please check out our newly added fundraiser to the left.
Your generosity = our opportunity to help those less fortunate.
Keep the positive feedback coming!
The link below the coffee directs you to some unique merchandise and great coffee options. Check it out!
Your friends,
Jill and Rich
Just wanted to send a big THANK YOU to those who have donated so far. To date, 10% of total mission cost has been raised. We’ve been very grateful for your donations and, above all, your overall support. Please check out our newly added fundraiser to the left.
Your generosity = our opportunity to help those less fortunate.
Keep the positive feedback coming!
The link below the coffee directs you to some unique merchandise and great coffee options. Check it out!
Your friends,
Jill and Rich
Feb 15, 2008
Show your support with a bracelet!
For a donation of $15.00 or more, receive two handmade bracelets. You keep one and we keep one. Your second bracelet will be given on your behalf to our new friends in the Amazon rainforest. All are one of a kind! Thank You so much for your support! To complete donation and receive your bracelet, scroll below for PAYPAL option. Questions/Comments/suggestions?
Read more below!
What is Project Peru?
Project Peru is going to be an amazing experience and we sincerely thank you for logging on and learning how you can be part of it. For those of you just learning about Project Peru, we will be traveling with approximately 40 other adults that we have never met before deep into the Amazon. The project is sponsored by Group Workcamps Foundation, a Christian organization based out of Colorado. They have been sp0nsoring mission trips in the United States and internationally since 1977 and have led nearly a quarter of a million people in these experiences. In other words, they know what they are doing. Rich did a trip with them to Rocky Mount, NC with his youth group from Butler to provide Hurricane Relief, so we have some first hand experience with the organization. Over six million hours of volunteer work has been done to help people through Group Workcamps! That's an amazing number--and we are committed to seeing it grow through our hard work in Peru this September/October.
Here's the story. A local church in Peru started praying for how they could best help the people in their midst. God answered by putting a vision of building a 100' boat, called the Evangelista, that could travel down the Ucayali River in the Amazon. After years of gathering funds, it's now complete and serves as a floating dormitory, classroom, medical center, chapel, and tool for good relationships. It travels down the river filled with volunteers (like us!) seeking to help people in need within the various villages. That's where we come in! In September/October 2008 we will work hard doing things like: teaching children Bible stories through a Vacation Bible School program; teaching basic health and hygiene skills to those who lack a full understanding of how to care for themselves, promote a healthy lifestyle, helping to dig a well so residents can enjoy a safe water supply, and help clear land for the construction of schools and children. In the short time we will be there, our primary goal is to build healthy relationships---serving as a Christian example by DOING rather than just PREACHING. It's hands on work filled with love to complete strangers. Sometimes we simply hang out and play with the local children in a safe, positive, loving way.
Here is a short description of what our ten days will be like:
DAY 1
Leave the U.S. and arrive Lima Peru. You will be greeted at the airport and transported to your hotel for an overnight in the capitol city.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll go back to the airport and catch our flight to Pucallpa. There the trip staff and ministry partners will greet us and take us to our hotel. We'll have a chance to do some teambuilding and acclimate to being in a tropical rainforest.
DAY 3
We start by joining our partners in Pucallpa for morning worship and celebration. Then it's lunch and off to board the Evangelista, our home for the next few days as we minister in the villages along the Ucayali River.
DAY 4-7
Workday in the village and evening programs on the boat (or possibly in the village).
DAY 8
We say goodbye to our new friends and head back to Pucallpa. We'll go to the hotel and share in a farewell dinner with our partners.
DAY 9
Breakfast at the hotel, then off to the airport for our afternoon flight to Lima. Most flights to the U.S. are overnight flights that leave late evening.
DAY 10Arrive in the U.S. (welcome home)!
Because you are our family and friends, we feel comfortable asking for your support. Between the both of us, we estimate needing to raise nearly $5,000 for this to happen. In the next few days, we will be posting some awesome ways to help. Some of you will be getting a letter from us asking for funds. Jill is spearheading an awesome bracelet ministry where you can actually give a homemade gift FROM YOU to a child in Peru!!!!!!!!! For some gifts, we promise you a hand written post card from Peru. You might buy a few braclets, send a check, purchase some coffee, or a variety of other ways. Check back often for the latest details.
Oh, and most importantly, will you start praying today for our success in this trip: for the funds to come, for our health to remain strong, and for an awesome experience as we give some of ourselves and help others---just like Jesus asks us to do. Thank you so much for checking this out. We know we will be able to count on your support.
Love ya,
Jill and Rich
Here's the story. A local church in Peru started praying for how they could best help the people in their midst. God answered by putting a vision of building a 100' boat, called the Evangelista, that could travel down the Ucayali River in the Amazon. After years of gathering funds, it's now complete and serves as a floating dormitory, classroom, medical center, chapel, and tool for good relationships. It travels down the river filled with volunteers (like us!) seeking to help people in need within the various villages. That's where we come in! In September/October 2008 we will work hard doing things like: teaching children Bible stories through a Vacation Bible School program; teaching basic health and hygiene skills to those who lack a full understanding of how to care for themselves, promote a healthy lifestyle, helping to dig a well so residents can enjoy a safe water supply, and help clear land for the construction of schools and children. In the short time we will be there, our primary goal is to build healthy relationships---serving as a Christian example by DOING rather than just PREACHING. It's hands on work filled with love to complete strangers. Sometimes we simply hang out and play with the local children in a safe, positive, loving way.
Here is a short description of what our ten days will be like:
DAY 1
Leave the U.S. and arrive Lima Peru. You will be greeted at the airport and transported to your hotel for an overnight in the capitol city.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll go back to the airport and catch our flight to Pucallpa. There the trip staff and ministry partners will greet us and take us to our hotel. We'll have a chance to do some teambuilding and acclimate to being in a tropical rainforest.
DAY 3
We start by joining our partners in Pucallpa for morning worship and celebration. Then it's lunch and off to board the Evangelista, our home for the next few days as we minister in the villages along the Ucayali River.
DAY 4-7
Workday in the village and evening programs on the boat (or possibly in the village).
DAY 8
We say goodbye to our new friends and head back to Pucallpa. We'll go to the hotel and share in a farewell dinner with our partners.
DAY 9
Breakfast at the hotel, then off to the airport for our afternoon flight to Lima. Most flights to the U.S. are overnight flights that leave late evening.
DAY 10Arrive in the U.S. (welcome home)!
Because you are our family and friends, we feel comfortable asking for your support. Between the both of us, we estimate needing to raise nearly $5,000 for this to happen. In the next few days, we will be posting some awesome ways to help. Some of you will be getting a letter from us asking for funds. Jill is spearheading an awesome bracelet ministry where you can actually give a homemade gift FROM YOU to a child in Peru!!!!!!!!! For some gifts, we promise you a hand written post card from Peru. You might buy a few braclets, send a check, purchase some coffee, or a variety of other ways. Check back often for the latest details.
Oh, and most importantly, will you start praying today for our success in this trip: for the funds to come, for our health to remain strong, and for an awesome experience as we give some of ourselves and help others---just like Jesus asks us to do. Thank you so much for checking this out. We know we will be able to count on your support.
Love ya,
Jill and Rich
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