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.
Sep 5, 2008
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!
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