They Said They Wanted to See Snow So....

Yupa and Suradet,  Pastors and Parents at Hot Springs

It is with great excitement that we anticipate the arrival of Pastors Suradet and Yupa, as well as our friend and interpter Boy, to Canada next month!

January may seem like an undesirable time to visit Canada to Canadians, but as people who have no concept of snow, the idea is so compelling that they actually asked if they could please come in the middle of winter in order to get the full effect of what it's like to live here.  So we obliged them.

This snowy visit will happen between January 8 to 30, 2015, and already plans are falling into place to ensure a time of deepening relationships, inspiration and some truly Canadian winter fun.  We hope to provide lots of opportunities for Highviewers to connect with Suradet, Yupa and Boy in a variety of settings.

Here are some dates that have already been set:

Sunday, January 11 - Suradet is our guest speaker as we begin our 1 Peter series.
Wednesday, January 14 - Thailand Team 2015 meeting
Friday, January 16 - Hot Springs Sponsors' Appreciation Dessert
Saturday, January 17 - Toronto visit to the CN Tower  (snow date January 24)
Sunday, January 18 - Boy will share his story of faith as well as how God is directing his life.
Sunday, January 25 - Yupa is our guest speaker
Wednesday, January 28 - Suradet is speaking at City Watch (KW's Pastors' Prayer Group)
Thursday, January 29 - Goodbye Potluck dinner at Breithaupts'

Also in the works:

• Alpha - Yupa has agreed to prepare a traditional Thai meal (nut free) for one of our Alpha nights, (running Tuesdays from January 13 to February 24).
• Hosting a Meal - If you would like to host our friends for a meal in your home, please email me at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca with two possible dates (not Tuesdays).  I will do my best to accommodate as many invites as possible without overwhelming our guests :).  Offering to take them out to dinner is great too.
• Ice Skating (or other winter activities) - If you would like to treat our guests to ice skating, tobogganing, winter hiking, or other favourite winter activity (one family has already volunteered to take them skiing), and can provide the transportation and equipment needed, please email me at rabreithaupt@buildingbiggerhearts.ca.  Again, I will do my best to accommodate your invitation.
• Young Adults - Some of the great friendships that have already formed between Boy and our own young adults who've visited Hot Springs will naturally result in a few events, as yet to be planned.

  

  Boy and his Mom Dao

Other ways to welcome our guests:

•  Three pairs of extreme cold gloves - sizes teeny, medium and large.
• Three sets of thermal/long underwear - sizes small, medium and large.
• Two heating blankets (new or slightly used) - one double, one single.
• Financial contribution toward visit expenses - please make donations through Highview Community Church marked "SYB 2015 Visit Expenses".  For out of town contributions please email highview@buildingbiggerhearts.ca or mail cheque directly to Highview Community Church 295 Highview Drive, Kitchener ON N2L 4A1.  Tax receipts available. 

 And of course we ask for your prayers for safe and un-weather-hindered travels!

Over and over again, I am amazed at the astonishing way God connected two churches, from literally the other side of the world from one another, to love and serve together like this!!!

More updates to come.