I have been wanting to volunteer and give back to a country in need for sometime. It had always been on my mind and now the perfect opportunity has come about to go with an outstanding group to volunteer in Thailand through my church. I also get the privilege to do this journey with my cousin and long time best friend Leah. I can't tell you how EXCITED I am! I am really looking forward to give back and love on the girls at The Udon Thani Orphanage. I am so thankful I get to partake in what will be an unforgettable experience ahead.

All the best,

Kristin Rohwer

Well 2 days till we leave. I am so blessed that god made this possible for me to participate with such a great group of people to experience the wonderful gift of giving love and hope to others in need. I have found a great church that is open and understanding which is eastlake cc!! They make u feel like family... Last but not least I get to experience this all with my close friend....

We are all so blessed....

I don't even have words to describe how lucky I feel that I not only get to be a part of this wonderful team and that I am making new friends and family with Eastlake, but that I'm seriously going to Thailand to love on these kids!!! Thank you, Eastlake, for truly being a church for the rest of us. Loving us all with welcoming open arms. I have never felt love like that. THAI OR DIE BABY!!!!


XOXOXOXO
Bethany Fiala

5 More Days, Thailand Here We Come!!!

Last year I was blessed beyond belief with the opportunity to be a part of the 2009 Eastlake Thailand Mission Team. We spent a week serving, playing, laughing, loving, and crying with the amazing kids at the Udon Thani Orphanage for Girls. It is hard to describe the bond created after spending a week with someone that you can barely communicate with. We didn’t build the kids anything, and we didn’t cure any diseases; we just spent time with them. These girls have lived a life of abandonment; so our goal was to let them to know that we were there because WE wanted to be with THEM. We wanted them to know that THEY are important, that THEY have value, and that THEY are special. I truly feel that the bonds formed were just as real and just as lasting as if we had constructed a new building or playground. Every time I flip through some photos or watch a video from last years trip, all of the emotions come right back and I can’t wait to see the girls again.

This Sunday (March 28th), a team of 19 of us are heading back to build upon the relationships formed in the past. We’ll tack on a few side projects such as pouring concrete, planting a garden, and painting some playground equipment. But we are staying focused on our main goal which is connecting with the girls.

It is less than a week away and we sit ready to go. We feel well prepared thanks to the support of so many people; and of course all thanks to God for his hand in helping this trip come together so well. Please pray for safe travels for the team; and please, please, please, pray for the orphans! And even though the girls do not know and worship the same God that we do, pray that through our presence they might somehow come to fell and understand His never ending love for them.

Thanks for your interest and support in what we are doing. Check back over the next few weeks for trip updates. -neil everson