An Open Letter To Potential Asia Trippers

This is a copy of a letter sent to those at Highview who have indicated an interest in going to Thailand on one of two ESL trips planned for next year. It is posted here to widen the invitation. Who knows? Maybe this is your chance to move out of your comfort zone and see what God is doing in Regions Beyond!

If you're interested in finding out more, you can email our Pastor, Ruth Anne Breithaupt at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or our Sponsor Coordinator, Jen Huggins at keepersmom@sympatico.ca.

Hello Potential Asia Trippers :),

Right off the top, I'm going ask for a three point reply, once you've read this email :).

i) That you received this email.

ii) That you are participating in the Garage Sale, yes or no.

iii) That you are attending the Team Trip meeting, yes or no.

Next, I am sending this email even to some of you who have since indicated at this point that you probably will not be coming to Thailand this year, and that's okay. I wanted you to still have the opportunity to participate in some of the Teams' preparation, AND I want to make sure you read the note about the length of the trips as indicated below in 2. Team Trip Meeting.

But mostly, this email is to put two things on your radar:

1. Garage Sale - Saturday, September 17 (exact time not yet decided) at the church

Here's how it works.

Just by giving us your name, you can have a table at the Garage Sale. Al proceeds from your table go directly to your ticket....you take that money home that day and put it safely away somewhere until we're ready to book the flight. We will be asking each table to provide their own pricing and cash box.

Anyone else who has items do donate but who is not going on the trip, can donate that to the "general" table. All proceeds from that table will go directly to the expenses for doing the ESL camp itself. We need $500 Canadian to run the camp.

The Garage Sale will go on Rain or Shine, moving indoors if necessary.

It is our goal to have a "Trip Package" ready for you by September 17th to prepare for the meeting on September 29.

2. Team Trip Meeting - Thursday, September 29 - 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Among other important topics, one of the main elements of this meeting will be to talk about the dates of the two trips, and the LENGTH of each trip. There has been some feedback already that two weeks is too long. Suradet has also indicated that he would prefer to do only ONE week of ESL Day Camp. So, there is some dialogue that needs to happen before we can determine for sure how long each trip will be. We will also talk about team fund-raising opportunity, what you need to begin to prepare, and a bit more about what exactly we'll be doing when we're there (each time, March and July).

Also, please come prepared to share briefly with the group what you believe are your reasons for going on the trip, personally. This is part of our spiritual preparation for what God will want to accomplish in your heart through this trip.
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The other day I sent a quick email to Suradet that simply said: "Dear Yupa, I miss your cooking!!!" I do! Not just the cooking, but the amazing hospitality of this couple who, let's face it, invited 15 kids to come live at their house....all because God has told us to feed the poor.

Our kids are no longer orphans, and they are no longer hungry. But there are others. more kids who could come live at Hot Springs. AND neighbourhood kids who know nothing about Jesus, but are hungry for what He has to off, just the same. That's what these two trips are all about in 2012.

What a remarkable opportunity God is giving us, to partner with Suradet and Hot Springs Church, to reach out to their own backyard.

Sawat-dee, ka!
Ruth Anne