Hello All!

WE ARE HOME!! After 18 hours of flying and a panicked ride to the Bangkok airport, we arrived in Toronto last Sunday safely. If you would like to hear more about our frantic ride to catch our flight in Bangkok (it's quite amusing) make sure to ask one of us in person, writing about it in a blog would not do it justice!

This past week we were in Kincardine, Ontario at a cottage on Lake Huron for debrief. It was a great week filled with lots of reflection on our experiences. It was great to hear from the other teams that went to Japan and the Congo. God is working around the world, it's incredible to know that we were part of His plan in Thailand, Japan and the Congo! God's plan doesn't stop for us because we left Thailand, He has plans for us here in Canada. We were struck with how we don't have to travel around the world to ultimately serve God. We can pick up a frisbee and get to know a child, help out in a ESL classroom, attend a Burmese church in Canada, smile at a complete stranger... the options are endless!

Today we had to say our "see you laters" (aka.. good byes) to the other teams and also each other. It was a sad "see you later" but we really were just glad to have had the opportunity to serve God together. "Rejoice and be glad" kept running through my mind while we were saying our "see you laters". I am so glad for the amazing group of girls that God handpicked for this trip, but I know that our journeys will not stop here!

We just wanted to thank you so much for your support as we traveled to Thailand. It was an incredible feeling to know that we had so much support back in Canada. We don't want that support to stop here and we want to continue to support each other! God intended for us to build a community together where we can encourage and support one another. How can we support you? Let us know!! We look forward to talking to you more about our experiences! Love you!

Thanks again and make sure to keep smiling!
Bethany Goertz :)

Hey all Sarah here!
Just thought I would give a bit of an update before we begin the trek home to Canada. Today began with a lovely wake up call at 5:30am to get ready to leave by 7 to Bangkok for a fun filled day of bargains and bartering!! We took a couple taxis with Sandy and Louise to Chatuchak market (35 acres market) and barely got through one section in 5 hours!!! Needless to say, we all ended up with amazing deals and plenty of wonderful things for family and friends... and who are we kidding stuff for ourselves too! Now the only thing that is in our way is getting it all home!!! This will be an adventure!
Anyways, this is our last post from this side of the world, which is crazy to think. I am full of mixed emotions at the moment; excited to get back and see family, but sad to be leaving my Thai home. God has really blessed me with this amazing opportunity and an awesome team. I have made life long friends here and can't wait to see what God has in store for each one of us
So that is about all I have to say at this point! It is definitely going to be a ton of fun flying for the next 18 hours... so pray for us!

Lots of LOVE
Sarah

ps... none of us of slept since we woke up at 5:30 :)

Hello family and friends!

We have been very busy here in Thailand. We have been able to travel outside of Chachoengsao a bit this past week. Lots of things have happen, so I will try my best to update you.

Last Saturday we headed to Chon Buri for the day to visit Ricky and Karen Sanchez. Ricky was able to give us a great tour of the beautiful town of Chon Buri and Karen (& the kids at the orphanage) gave us a very detailed tour of the orphanage that they are building. They are currently building 4 (beautiful) buildings to become a home to orphans that have been tested HIV positive. It's an incredible building project and it was a great experience to interact with the kids! While in Chon Buri we were also able to attend Ang Sila for their worship service. Cara had an opportunity to share her testimony with the congregation and allow her life story to potentially influence some of the members' own relationship with God! What an amazing opportunity and she did wonderful!

On Sunday, we taught the children Luke 18:16.. "Let the children come to me." God wants us to come to Him like children. As we were playing "Red light, Green light" (our version: "Come to me, Stop"), the kids non-hesitantly would walk or run towards me. Keep in mind that that they don't know me that well, we don't speak the same language and I'm a Furong (foreigner). I found myself wondering to myself "How can they do this?!" I ultimately want to imitate that non-hesitant run in my own relationship with Jesus on a day-to-day basis.

After Sunday school we headed off for our midterm retreat in Rayong. It was a beautiful place, and because it was "off-season" we literally had the beach to ourselves! The retreat was filled with lots of bonding and great conversations. God is so gracious and we thank Him so much for giving us that time to spend together as a team!

This week we have been busy painting at the Bermese church (light green... my favourite) and teaching our last English lessons. Last night we had to say good bye to some kids at the park that we have been at for the past 4 weeks. The good bye was definitely bitter sweet. I don't think I'll forget the 10 kids that stood in a clump waving furiously as we drove off. The kids, the park, the massive amounts of sweat, the hello's, the good-byes, the love and the smiles will never be forgotten. Thank you God!

Anyways, this post definitely does not give our week justice. Please make sure to ask us about our experiences when we get home, since we will be home in about a week and a half!

Miss you,
Bethany