The Van was swarmed by children

the first day at the orphanage was amazing. We drove up and the kids are waiting for us. We could barely get out of the van before they were taking our hands and clinging to us. The love they show us is incredibly amazing. They have been so loved starved from parents that all they want is your undivided attention. It's hard to not want to take several of them home. The Orphanage is quite nice; they have a good roof over the heads, great food (we do eat with them) and showers - the most important thing they miss is the love of a family. The staff is great and show them what they can but there are 300 children here. Boys are allowed up until the age of 5 or 6 and then they must leave for a boys orphanage. Please continue to keep these children in your thoughts and prayers - they truly deserve it.

Janet Briggs

picture at Amy's Baptism

here is the gang with Amy in the far back right corner.

Amy's baptism

On Saturday, the team (Paul, Jeff, Anna, Bank, Tim, Leanne, Marco, Jim and Janet) traveled up to a small lake resort to witness Amy and six others commit their life to the Lord. It was an incredible experience watching everyone recognize the love thata the Lord has for them.

It was a great bonding experience and a beautiful way to see the country side up by the Laos border. The food they served was delicious. We visit the orphanage on Sunday. We'll post pictures of the baptism and our first day soon. Thanks again for all of your prayers.

Janet Briggs

Visiting the Orphanage

The entire team met today in Udon Thani. We had a great couple of days together to re-group since some of us were traveling before the mission trip. We are very excited to start working and nervous at the same time. Please continue to pray for us that we would show these children the love they deserve. Thank you for your many kind thoughts and prayers and as a great "mama" used to say....many love and hugs to all my friends and family.

Janet Briggs

Thai massage

Anna, Leanne, Janet, Jim, Tim, Marco and myself are in Ko Samed, an island 3 hours south of Bangkok. Everyone is currently getting 1 hour Thai massages for $7... not a bad deal! We enjoyed our first night on the island and had a great thai dinner and took in a fireshow on the beach. We will post some pictures of it soon:)
Jeff

The Eastlake Thailand Team has landed!

The team of 8 people from Eastlake Community Church (Bothel, WA) are now all in Thailand. 7 of us will go to Ko Samed today, 3 hours South of Bangkok, for 3 days of working off the jet lag and cultural adjustment while accomplishing some team bonding. We will meet up with Paul in Udon Thani on Oct 15th. Joining our team will be Bank from Bangkok and Amy from Udon Thani. Amy has been a key support to Eastlake teams over the past few years and Bank was a great help to the last team that was here in April.
Once we settle in we'll start updating the blog with photos:)
Jeff Chachka

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