Dear friends and family,
Hi! I am writing this letter to share with you about my trip I will be going on this summer to Mae Tang, Thailand. Every year students at my University are given the opportunity to serve on mission trips abroad in different third world countries through a program called Love Works. I decided to apply to the Thailand team because it is very different than anywhere I have ever visited. The emphasis of the Thailand trip is to teach children and teens in the village how to speak English as well as to build strong relationships with the people there. Teaching has always been an interest of mine, and I have always had a huge heart for children so I felt led to apply for the Thailand trip. I was beyond excited when I found out I was accepted to the Thailand team, and after meeting my team the past few weeks I am getting even more and more excited about our trip. I am looking forward to growing a strong lasting bond with this team of people who will serve as my immediate family for the month I will be in Thailand. I am most excited about meeting new people of a different culture and being able to serve them in an environment where our main duty is to love and serve others.
There are several things that I need to do in order to prepare for the trip, and one of the main areas of focus is fundraising money. The total cost that I need to raise for the trip is $2400. I have been brainstorming ideas on how to raise money, because in the past I have had to mail out support letters for previous trips. This time I wanted to be more creative than just asking people for money. Many of you know that I am an art student at Point Loma Nazarene University, and in my spare time I love making crafts and creating things for people. My emphasis in my major is painting and drawing, and my hope is to eventually be a children’s book illustrator. My thought was, how can I use what I love to do and what I am good at to raise some money for my trip? In thinking about this question I thought of all the things I love to make and create, and decided, why not sell them? So I have started a blog called, ‘Crochet My Way To Thailand’ and on it will include homemade craft and art pieces for sale , as well as more information about my trip to Thailand and I will provide updates on the money being raised. The items that I am going to sell will be: crocheted headbands, stationary, tote bags, and paintings. Additional items may come and go but you’ll have to check out the blog to find out more J I figured this is a great way to do something I love and and at the same time raise money for a trip that I am very passionate about. I hope that if you buy one of my items it will give you something you will love in return.
You will be able to order these items through the blog. If you wish just to donate you will need to use the enclosed blue donation card for check or credit card payment options. You will also be able to donate online at www.pointloma.edu/loveworks. All gifts are tax-deductible as well.
I really appreciate your time to read through this long letter. Your support is vital to me on this trip. I completely understand if you cannot provide any financial help at this time, but your encouragement and prayer are just as significant.
If you have any questions about my trip to Thailand or further questions about the blog I would love to answer them for you, or just catch up and chat! Feel free to call me at (916) 622-4740, or e-mail: lgarb100@pointloma.edu.
Thank you so much for your support and influence you have been in my life.
Sincerely,
Leslie Garb
