I was so nervous that the language barrier was going to be hard to communicate with the girls. I quickly learned that the language of love is allways the same no matter where u r. They were so excited to see us and after about 10 minutes of being there I was equally. It changed my life and my heart. Having kids of my own has weighed heavy on my soul but getting to share time with these girls who have little hope makes it easier. They are so kind and teach you to never give up. I fell in love with one little girl named nam oi. She is 6 and I am going to do whatever it takes to make her stay there easier. Being a single man there is no chance for me to adopt her but someday when I get married I am going to try... Everyone at the orphanage was so nice to us and showed nothing but kindness. Our team leaders were unbelievable and very patient with us. It was so hard to leave the girls behind it broke my heart but the only thing that made it easier is that I know I will be going back. Our team "family" was such a close nit unit it was beyond words. Love to all of them!!!! Thank you GOD for this experience, I will never forget it......


Scott Cason

I have NEVER felt this kind of love in my life. I love all these girls so much. Meeting Dow and Gatin have changed my life. They have the biggest hearts and have so much love to give. I can't wait to share all my stories with my friends and family. I would love to come back to Thailand again.

-Kristin

Feeling the Love

I noticed today that the only word the girls can spell in English is LOVE.

I came on this trip because I could feel a well inside of me overflowing with love and I wanted to share. I've always had a special place in my heart for little girls that takes root in childhood experiences that would dampen this post if detailed, so I'll skip it for now. Suffice it to say, I can relate to these girls on a deeper level.

The thing that's ironic about my initial thoughts is that while I have been sharing my love with these girls, it is really them that have been showing me the love. Somehow I thought it would be work to get them to trust me, but from the moment I first stepped onto the grounds of Udon Thani Orphanage, they loved me. Two girls immediately took my hands and showed me around. It wasn't long before I had a posse of four to look after my every need. They've carried my bag, gotten my chairs, brought me fans to stay cool, made me pictures, and on and on. These same four girls have been by my side every moment since.

When the vans pull up in the morning, the girls come running with open arms and vibrant smiles. When the vans pull away in the evening, the girls stay by the window waving and making the 'I love you' sign with their hands. So far, I've been okay leaving the orphanage in the evening (and even somewhat relieved after several very exhausting days), but I know that on our last day there will be no relief. I know this because even the thought of saying goodbye to these beautiful children brings up buried emotions.

Despite my sadness at leaving, these last few days have been healing for me. I know that despite the ugliness I had to experience, there IS love out there, all you need to do is reach for it.

My overflowing well of love is now more like a river that I hope will spill out onto the banks of my life to be shared with everyone in it. Whether I know you or not, I love you and I think these girls probably do too.

All my love,
Stephanie Toler

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