What I Want for My Birthday

Dear friends and family,

I've had a few people ask what I want for my birthday, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you all the answer to that question. On Easter Sunday this year, I am leading a service trip to Manila, Philippines with many of the youth and families at our church here in Guam. The trip we did last summer to work at Concordia Childrens Services orphanage was the first of its kind for our youth group, and our youth had such a great experience that their parents asked if we could do the trip again over spring break. Our work there involved running an after school program for urban poor/street children, and integrating in with the orphanage staff to feed, bathe, and love on the 18 or so babies and toddlers there. It was simple but meaningful work, and all our youth learned a lot from the experience. Our biggest lasting impact, though, was the $1,200 donation we were able to leave to help pay for the costs of caring for these children while they wait to receive families. 

Nick and I are so blessed out here. We really have everything we could possibly want or need. Which is why the thought of receiving actual presents and cards for my birthday seems, well, unnecessary. Instead, I would love your help in supporting our trip to Manila. All the youth going on the trip this year are from active duty Navy and Air Force families. Our Manila team includes two families of 5, a family of 4, one college student, and three youth going on their own. The trip costs about $800/person, so any support would make a huge difference, not only in our military families being able to afford the trip, but also in the impact we can make at the orphanage. 

If you feel led to join us in serving at this special place, please forward a donation of any amount to my home or church address (below). Thanks to everyone for your support, your prayers, and your enthusiasm for our Manila service over the last year and a half. Preparing these trips has been a wonderful part of my experience here in Guam that I never would have anticipated being part of. Another one of the countless blessings I have received. My cup runneth over... 

Blessings in Christ,

Peyton

Read about our trip last year: 

Miracles in Manila

Images of Concordia

More about CCS Orphanage: www.concordiachildrens.org

Please make checks payable to Lutheran Church of Guam, 

Memo line: Manila Service Trip, and mail to

Lutheran Church of Guam

787 W. Marine Corps Dr.

Hagatna, GU 96910

Thank you!!