Saturday, October 31, 2009

Two years in the making.

It was two years ago this month that John and Bobbi were last in Cambodia and Thailand serving on a missions trip with Aisa's Hope. John has returned there several times since, but this trip for Bobbi has been two years in the making.

Let us pull you into some of the planning and share with you where we are going and what we will be doing. In the last two years, Asia's Hope has grown to be 13 orphan homes, a widow's farm, a Christian school, and is just beginning some micro-enterprises to give our older children job skill training for their future.

Bobbi and John can't wait to literally greet and hug every one of the orphans in these homes. It is the immediacy of the mission that attracts us, knowing that the children and staff receive the money directly to use for the children's needs. (Asia's Hope has only one paid director in the states and a part-time secretary; all other staff are in SE Asia in direct service with the children).

So what are WE going to do on this trip? During the two years of planning for this return, Bobbi has been impressed with the need to encourage the staff. They work 24/7 on behalf of the children, with few breaks. It will be a privilege to spend time with each of them, encouraging them to continue with their love and good deeds (Heb.10:24)

John has been working for two years with staffing and medical issues for Asia's Hope. His specific assignment this trip will be administer encouragement to our staff and to work to secure competent, affordable health care for the children and the staff. Though Asia's Hope has provided inoculations and general exams of children and staff, and has a nurse hired in each country, there is limited safety net for more serious ailments or injuries.

Come along for the trip- we'll try to make it lively through this blog. We'll get the hugs and tears and pass them on to you in words and pictures. We welcome you on this journey with us and covet your prayers.