Greetings family!

As some of you may know, and others may not, our family is part of a team travelling to Thailand in January 2012. We will be serving alongside a missionary family that our church in Grand Forks helps to support (Ricky & Karen Sanchez). Karen Sanchez is founder and director of the Abundant Life Home (ALH), an HIV+ / AIDS orphanage for children. The original mandate was to provide loving care to as many children as possible in a home environment. Their care includes the cost of medication and schooling, shelter, and much needed love after being rescued off the streets, completely abandoned by Thai society. The Thai do not understand why anyone would come to give assistance to these children; it is totally beyond their comprehension.

Currently, 25 children are cared for in three homes built exclusively for them. The forth home within the acreage has just recently been completed. So there will be construction projects, finishing jobs, as well as landscaping, preparing the site for a community playground, and simply "helping" in any way needed by the orphanage. Each home has an adopted "mom" (like a loving nanny) giving them guidance, encouragement, and love. This is a huge lifetime commitment that is taken very serious by these ladies. They certainly are to be admired. Our family will be there to offer respite and support for these caring ladies, and needy children, in addition to other duties.

The ALH orphanage is approximately one hour south-east, of Bangkok, and fortunately not directly effected by flood waters. The population of the town of Chonburi and the village of Ang Sila has swelled with the influx of flood victims escaping the waters. It is sad to see the local shelves run bare of some basic necessities as those in need forced to try to obtain these necessities wherever they are available. We are thankful that needs are being met just the same, and will be there in January to offer any assistance we can.

The Sanchez family, along with other committed volunteers are also providing aid to flood victims as much as they are able. There is a couple from our church who are in Thailand already. They will still be in Thailand when we are there in January. You can look at, or follow their BLOG if you like. 

We are busy doing fund-raising, planning, and organizing. Our team is conducting a Silent Auction (final day of bidding is Nov. 27th) which includes a Samsung, limited edition, signed picture of Bobby Orr's famous goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup final (yes, we have been overwhelmed by local people's generosity!). This past weekend (Nov. 13th) we had a training session with a leader (John Best) from the MB Missions board in Abbotsford. John brought along a couple who are preparing for long-term service in Thailand. Reg & Faa Wall (she is Thai) were able to share with us about their experience in and with Thailand (Faa was especially valuable as to culture and language).

Breeanne is trying to save up for a good camera to take along to Thailand, and both children are getting really excited about this life-changing opportunity. We, as a family, are looking forward to having our perspectives changed and our eyes opened to a different way of living ...and perhaps this experience will cause us to think twice about how we live here in North America.
Otherwise, all is well here. It's snowing!!

Take care. We'll try to keep you posted on our adventure!!

Love,
Rob & Lee-Anna, Breeanne & Nate