Home Again

The mission team 2010 arrived home safely on Friday morning at 7am into snowy Cleveland. Our gracious transport driver, Jon Linton, maneuvered the van to pick us up through the clogged rush hour traffic and the treacherous roads. Many thanks to Jon for his service in taking us and picking us back up. Needless to say after 30 hours of travel none of us were ready to drive! Thanks to our Crossroads family for their many prayers during our travels. It was an amazing trip. I hope you have enjoyed following along on the blog. ( picture of plane leaving Chiang Mai)














(arriving in Mansfield)
Now is the team's adjustment time. Time to get our biological clocks back on Ohio time - there is a 12 hour difference! Time to reconnect with family and friends. Time to reflect on our trip and what God has for each one of us. Time to cherish the incredible experiences and challenging moments of the trip. Time to thank our good God for the opportunity to serve in His name halfway around the world. Time to start planning for another trip!!

Up on the Farm

It was another sunny, warm day in Thailand. Sorry to tell you that!! :) We had an early start to drive into the Northern Thailand mountains to visit a Hill Tribe village and then the Asia’s Hope orphanage on a farm in Wiang Pa Pow. There are 5 Hill tribes in Northern Thailand with 2 or 3 sects in each tribe. The orphan situation in Thailand is different than in Cambodia but there is still a great need here. In Cambodia, poverty, land mines, farming accidents and diseases like AIDS, Hepatitis, malaria and typhoid claim many lives, leaving children abandoned. There is a cultural norm that also factors in the orphan situation, where if a Cambodian woman is widowed and she chooses to remarry, her new husband will not take in children from a previous marriage. In a culture where women can often not survive with a male head of the household, there are many women that abandon their children or leave them with elderly family who then die. In Thailand, the Asia’s Hope ministry is focused on rescuing the children of the Hill Tribes. These tribal people have lived in this country for centuries, but the Thai government chooses to not recognize them as people. They have no government ID, which then means they cannot not get health care, basic government services and often no education. The children who are orphaned in this situation are very vulnerable to the sex-slave trade and the drug lords. Because these children are basically unknown to the government system, they are stolen from their villages, often drugged and put into the child prostitution rings in the large cities of Thailand. Never to be seen or heard from again. Young boys are often forced into being drug runners,who when caught are just shot, killed then replaced with another “disposable” life. Tutu, the Thailand director, is from one of the Hill tribes and gives her testimony about the first missionary to reach her village with the good news of the Gospel. She now has such a passion for rescuing these children and reaching them with the Gospel. Changing young lives to impact her country.



The Hill Tribe village we stopped at today was one of the Lasu villages. A winding, rough unpaved road back into the mountains brought us to a small village of about 60 families. There were some thatched bamboo huts but also a few wooden homes. This village was in much better shape than the one we visited last year. We found out from our American missionary friends that that tribe has moved to an unknown location. It was a blessing to see God at work back in this remote village. We stopped at a small building just being completed that will serve as a church for this community - pictured above with Mike Flinchum, the American missionary in front of it. The pastor will be the father of a young Lasu man who serves in orphanage as a director. In the last year they have had 12 commitments to Christ and 6 baptisms. Our knowledgeable guides explained how incredible this is, as this tribe has a history of being very closed to the Gospel message. Praise God for the faithful who have continued to bring his message to these people and for his power to change lives for His Glory!



We traveled on to the farm at Wiang Pa Pow. The farm here is about 17 acres and grows fruit, corn, beans, mountain rice and other vegetables for the orphans, as well as raising chickens and pigs. Asia’s Hope uses these resources to feed the children. Wooster Grace Brethren has also opened the first orphanage here, housing them in the existing farm house on the property. Five widows also live here, weaving products and helping with the farm and the children. The pictures are of one of the widows weaving and then the finished products on Ron and Madeline. It takes 3 full days of weaving to make one shirt! We had another wonderful Thai lunch, toured the farm and then visited with the children. There is another team of 4 people here visiting from Illinois and Missouri. There had a coloring Bible activity to do with the children, then we helped the children make duct tape flowers. This craft has been a huge hit with the kids! As we were working to teach the children how, one little girl was very “independent” and a bit bossy with the other children. An “I’ll do it myself and I show you how” attitude. Debbie quietly said she had something to share with me later about this little girl. Good- byes then back in the trucks for the 1 ½ hour drive back. As we were driving back, Debbie shared with me that this beautiful little orphaned girl had been raped 3 times by different men in her village! Her controlling behavior was stemming from her attempt to have some control in her life. Asia’s Hope is getting her professional help and she is making good progress. My heart was broken and convicted for not seeing beyond her behavior! Forgive me Lord and never let me forget to pray for her!



An evening visit to Doi Saket 3 orphanage on the return trip home to sing praise songs, have a time of prayer, a reenactment of David and Goliath by Ron & Greg and duct tape flowers ended our night. The children of this orphanage took individual turns standing to pray aloud for each other and for our team, from the oldest child of about 14 years old to the young 3-4 year olds. How moving to hear God’s precious children pray, even when I couldn’t understand a word!



We will end our time here tomorrow with a morning team devotional, then off to the airport for a 1:30pm flight. Long days filled with hugs, smiles, tears, challenges, sorrow, prayer and praise will burn in our hearts and memories…..hopefully to keep these children close even after we return home…..all God’s children…..all in His Grace!

(Note: this is posting the day after I wrote it due to internet issues in Thailand. We are now in the Taipei Taiwan airport for a 6 hour layover then a 12 1/2 hour flight to LA. See you soon)

Snapshots

Here are a few snapshots from our week in Thailand - enjoy!

Elephants and Ice Cream

This morning we had some free time, so we were able to take in some of the Thailand culture. We started with a trip to the Maesa Elephant Camp to see the elephants perform many exciting feats such as kicking soccer balls, throwing darts at balloons, painting pictures, as well as, demonstrations of strength moving large logs and while stacking them in a wall. Then 4 team members took an elephant ride through the camp and along some very steep paths. We were able to see some of the beautiful scenery. The elephants enjoyed a treat of sticky rice and greens for their hard labor. The tourists can feed them bananas and sugar cane, which are for sale throughout the camp. It's quite amazing sitting on top of these powerful but gentle giants, thinking about how awesome God's creativity is! Today was another DEEDA Day to use writer, John Ortberg's expression.

Our next stop was to an orchid farm for lunch. We had the privilege of having Tutu's brother, Bee and her son and daughter-in-law, Zach and Ying dine with us. It was a great buffet style Thai and Western restaurant where we were once again to sample some of the country's cuisine. Did I mention I like to eat??!! HaHa! Then off to the snake show. #1 in all of Asia! If you believe the MC! The team enjoyed the show and some exciting interaction with the snake handlers. Some team members actually touched and handled the snakes, while others were terrified! More of God's amazing creatures.

After a short afternoon break, we were heading back to Doi Saket 1 orphanage to treat the orphans to ice cream. A treat we were told they haven't had since October of 2008, when we were last here. The joy on the children's' faces would melt even the coldest heart. We had purchased enough for the children to have 3 servings each! After the goodies were cleaned up,
Greg shared a message with the children. Zach translated to Thai for those that don't know English. Greg spoke about God's word and prayer being our living water to carry us through tough times, as these children and staff have been going through. They applauded Greg. They also sang songs of praises, sometimes almost shouting in their language. How pleased God must be as He listens to the children. The night ended with many hugs and good-byes. Please remember to pray for these children and all the orphan children.

Submitted by Dave & Karen Huber

MMMMARvelous Day

Today was a great day! We met this morning early for devotionals, which included a great time of discussion about persevering in our faith when we are being attacked by the enemy,no matter what avenue that might be.
We then went out to Doisiket One, and as a group we painted the whole inside of the nursery which consisted of the main activity room and four bedrooms.We were singing and having a great time, when we came across an old DVD player and the only DVD we had was a praise baby DVD that we found behind some furniture. As we continued painting it seemed so appropriate to be listening to kid's praise music as we were painting a nursery! God is good!
When we headed back to Zach & Ying's house,we didn't have the key to get into their driveway gate, so we parked outside in the alley to wait for someone else to bring it. In the mean time Zach got his guitar out of the car and we started to sing praise songs. It was a great time and we had a few of the neighbors looking out to see what was going on. God allows you to just keep planting seeds!
Zach & Ying are expecting their first child which should arrive this week, or next week for sure. She is due March 3rd. As a team to thank them for allowing us to stay in their home, we purchased a baby bed and some supplies to help to get them started. They were both very surprised and appreciative.
We then got cleaned up and headed out to Doisiket 3 & 4 which are side by side. They fed us a great meal and then we were treated to worship and praise songs down at Doisiket 4. Ron told the story of David & Goliath to the children, and I am sure you probably can guess what part I played. Everyone had a great time with it, and the kids seemed to really enjoy it. We then ended the evening praying for the staff and for one of the children who is having surgery next week.
I know I won't have the opportunity to talk to everyone that has read all the blogs so far, but if God is tugging at your heart even a little bit, please pray how you can become involved in this ministry and possibly make the trip yourself. Believe me it is an awesome experience that will bless you more than you can imagine!! Take care and God bless!!

Submitted by Greg

Celebration of Life

Madeline Anderson reported on today's team activities - thanks for her willingness to share!

Madeline writes - A special memorial service was held this morning with all the children and staff from Doi Saket 1-4. The children sang beautifully and I don't think there was a dry eye as this was the first opportunity to mourn the loss of Duang, who was recently killed in a traffic accident. Four of our team members knew him and his family from their previous visit - and for those of us who had never met him we quickly found how much he was loved and will be missed. Ron, Greg and Dave all had an opportunity to share with the group and everyone in attendance was comforted by their kind words and the obvious love they feel for Duang, the children and staff of Asia Hope.

After worship we went to the hospital to visit his wife and daughter who were also injured in the accident. They are not only suffering from their physical wounds, but struggling as they grieve the loss of Duang. Many family members and friends have been vigilant in supporting them and sharing in their grief. While we witnessed the sorfriends of loss, we also got to peak down the hall where our hosts, Ying and Zach, will be be delivering their first child within the next few days - a time that will be joyful and filled with hope. It has been fun at the house with the possibility of the birth occurring during our visit (we wonder if the guys will pace the floors in anticipation should that occur!).

During our visit, we found the hospital to be an interesting place - like literally stepping back in time. The rooms were all wards, mother and small daughter in beds side by side, the nurses dressed in white uniforms and nursing caps, and the technology very outdated. The ER and several other areas were open to the street with no windows and construction was in progress while patients arrived for treatment! It is a Christian hospital, one of the best in the area, but we all agreed it was not a place any of us would want to be treated.

We then attended an afternoon bible study for college girls. It was great to hear the various areas of studies they had chosen and to learn how they live and work together in a small house, living Godly lives as they work to advance themselves and the gospel. Darlene and I gave them a few words of encouragement and they all visibly appreciated Darlene's motherly advise and prayer for them.

We spent the remainder of the evening in Chiang Mai at the night market (an outdoor farmers type market). We ate dinner at McDonald's and I was able to coax Ron into ordering the "Double Big Mac" (yes, I did my part Wendell)! After shopping for a few last minute gift purchases, we ended the night at Starbucks as Darlene was going through Frappuccino withdrawal.


It was day of mixed feelings for all of us - sadness, tears, sorrow, joy, laughter, awe and happiness as we experienced so many different emotions throughout the day together. We all feel so blessed to witness and participate in being part of God's family, a family that the orphans of Asia's Hope are are growing and thriving in. Praise God!

On Thai Time now!

While the lifestyle and pace of Cambodia is certainly slower and different than the US, we hit another pace here in Thailand. We lovingly call it - Thai Time! The culture here is very relational and not time-based at all. If you are in conversation with someone and need to be somewhere, the conversation and the relationship is the highest priority! We could learn something from that! Most of our day on Saturday was spent in travel to Thailand. There is no direct flight from Phnom Pehn to Chiang Mai, so we had to fly to Bangkok then onto Chiang Mai.

Our plans had been to stay in a hotel here, but the Asia's Hope Thai staff insisted that we stay with them. Again their servants' hearts and their desire for relationship. So we are staying in 2 groups - 6 of us are staying with Zack & Ying - the son and daughter-in-law of Tutu(the Thailand country director). Ron and Madeline are staying with Tutu. We unpacked, experience a Thai grocery shopping excursion then off to the largest orphanage in Chiang Mai. Doi Saket 1 is actually in a suburb of Chiang Mai. This orphanage houses 90 children - 40 boys, 40 girls and 10 babies. The girls here are the children who have lost their father. They served us a Thai dinner and we spent some play time with the kids.

We are preparing to head to the worship center this morning. Their Sunday morning service is normally a 2 hour service with worship and an American missionary, Mike Flinchum, preaching in Thai. This morning will be very different. The staff has planned a memorial service for their deceased staff member, Duang. They have had no service for the children to participate in and have closure. Please pray for our team that we can be a comfort to these children and staff this morning. That we can hug, hold and comfort each child that needs it and that we can support the staff as they minister to the children and each other. May God's grace, love and comfort flow through us in spite of the language barrier.