The past three weeks have been life-changing for our family—Andy and Rachel’s lives were expanded in Asia, and our family has expanded by one!
RReach Ministries (really their name, not a typo) is a small ministry that wanted to run a big conference but didn’t have the manpower. They desired to train people who could, in turn, train pastors where they live. Our former office leader, Matt Anderson (who now serves in New Zealand) and Campus Crusade—Thailand were recruited to be the operations team for this gathering: registration, sound, lighting, meeting projection and video, translation broadcasting, etc. Andy has worked with Matt on international conferences, several of them in Thailand. Since 2004, when our whole family went to Thailand, Andy has wanted to take each of our girls on an international trip. In 2006 he took Cady to London, England, to help run a conference. Matt talked to Andy last summer about coming to Thailand. Andy said he would come on the condition that he could bring one of our children. Rachel was done with school and thrilled to help.
The conference drew more than 2500 attendees. Eight Cru staff and about 175 Thai Campus Crusade staff were the operations team. Most of the conference attendees came from Central Asia, Eastern Asia and Africa. The content was translated live into 18 different languages. Andy shared, “It was amazing to hear familiar praise and worship sung in 18 different languages. A true taste of heaven.”
During the meetings Andy worked on the technical production. Andy was responsible for all visual media — praise and worship lyrics, speaker PowerPoint presentations, videos, advertisements— anything that was presented on the two, 12-foot by 20-foot projector screens. Andy also supervised two Thai staff who were wizards at presentation software. Andy beamed, “It was wonderful to work with such dedicated, like-minded, servant-hearted Campus Crusade—Thailand staff members, even with the language barrier.”
As always, traveling internationally means that even the basic things can be interesting. Needing bottled water to brush teeth. Looking for medicines when all labels are in Thai. Trying to find appealing foods. Rachel was willing to try almost anything: green curry, calamari (not fried), LOTS of noodles (with unknown ingredients). And there were some obstacles — at one conference dinner the Thai staff said the food was, “too spicy,” and right away Andy and Rachel knew that meal would be out of their league. Fortunately, even in Bangkok, McDonalds and KFC are “almost like home.” And fruit is plentiful and fantastic! When in doubt, they could walk to Starbucks.
“Rachel and I had an absolutely fabulous time, a great two weeks of bonding. Yes, the best part of this trip was just getting to spend two weeks working and playing and shopping and laughing with Rachel.”
“ELEPHANTS, LEMURS AND TIGERS, OH MY!”
Getting my daughter to sit down long enough to get her perspective on the trip (between work, training regimen for lacrosse and the gym and friends) isn’t easy. Andy gave me an overview of what Rachel did during the conference: “She helped with registrations as a luggage mover; she ran a television camera during the conference meetings; and she oversaw elementary-aged children (of our Cru staff).” With pride Andy shared, “Rachel got quite proficient at the Bangkok mass transit system, knowing how to get into town from our conference location, and getting money exchanged.”
I did get a moment with my college girl: “The travel over to Thailand was really long. Dad taught me to play Gin Rummy during our layover in Japan and told me stories of his grandfather playing professionally. I’ve downloaded the game onto my phone.
“I loved that we went shopping a lot! Every day I tried to eat something new — curried chicken, and other things. When the Americans went out to dinner we all agreed that we wanted American food.
“I really wanted to pet a tiger, so when we visited a small zoo, and they had one there, I jumped at the chance. The handler said the tiger was drugged and well fed. I moved in and put my hand on the tiger’s head — it started to move and make noise. The handler took his hand off really quick, they took the photo and got me to move away. I was a bit sad I didn’t get to lie down with the tiger, but in the end… that was probably best!”
I asked Rachel where she saw God at work in her heart. “It was strange to see people begging who were sincerely trying to support themselves. They weren’t wanting drugs or alcohol, they were helping their families. I tried to always have change for them.”
My sweet-hearted girl.
More pictures from Thailand (but be sure to keep scrolling for some exciting family news!!…)
She Said “Yes!!”
Becca and Zach Rettig met through his friend, Zac Chambers. Becca knew Zac through a class at UCF, and in late spring of 2014 they went to the beach together. Zac invited his friend Zach to come along. Becca went off to Juneau for the summer, and Zach graduated that May and left for Honduras to teach for a year. Becca worked that year.
Becca spent last summer in Colorado. Zach, who was back from Honduras and had previously lived in Colorado, contacted Becca on Facebook in September, commenting on a photo. They went on their first date at the beginning of October, and Zach was smitten right away! He called his best friend that night and said, “Dude, I am going to marry this girl.” I must say, he pursued Becca very well. They have been inseparable, a great encouragement for each other and serving together at their church.
They hope to marry in early Spring, 2017. We are thrilled for both of them, and thrilled to add another son to our family!
We’ll keep you up on the wedding plans.
The Kelloggs 