Who are the Koch Kamotion, you ask?

We’re a regular Canadian family with a Dad, a Mom, 3 daughters and one son. We started this blog to share our one year volunteering adventure to Mae Sot, Thailand with our friends and family. We lived in Thailand from September 2009 to July 2010 and are now back in Canada, living in the Okanagan Valley of BC.  When it was time to come home to Canada, we found that we just couldn’t leave it all behind!  Starting in August 2010, we are working with Imagine Thailand as their North American representatives.

See below for more details…

DEREK has worked as a pastor for 15 years, mainly with teens, children and people in our local community.  He is our “Pied Piper” , attracting the attention of children in whatever context or country he finds himself.  Whether teaching in the Thai school, or migrant school, leading  life camps or bringing children to swim in the reservoir, Derek’s “kid skills” have been put to good use.  Back in Canada, he pastors our Peachland campus part-time and works on behalf of Imagine Thailand part-time.  He connects with churches and organizations in North America to promote the work of  and fundraise for Imagine Thailand.  He coordinates and trains short-term teams, as well as other International volunteers who are interested in working with Imagine Thailand.

IRISLEE has been a stay-at-home Mom for the past 10 years, as well as mentoring teens, teaching in women’s ministry and children’s ministry.  She is our “team manager”, making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time.  Co-ordinating the life camps and gathering school resources have been Irislee’s main focus in Thailand.  Connecting with schools and other organizations to promote the adopt-a-school program and fundraise for projects in Thailand is her new focus in Canada.  She also partners with Derek in his new role with Imagine Thailand.

ELLIE is a great student, friend and passionate lover of the less fortunate.  She is our “creativity co-ordinator”, always coming up with ideas on how to raise money for the issues of the world, making fun crafts, and keeping the others entertained with exciting games.  Her co-ordinator skills were put to great use every Tuesday, as she led our team for 3 hours of teaching the Nursery class in one of the migrant schools.  Back home in Canada, Ellie is focused on school, youth involvement, and children’s ministry in our local church.  She also speaks about Imagine Thailand in the Children’s ministries of churches we visit.  The year in Thailand has stretched Ellie’s capacity and she is determined to use her gifts and talents wisely!

ISAAC is a talented athlete, friend and patient brother of 3 sisters.  He is our “energizer bunny”, who is always on the look-out for fun things to do and who keeps us active.  Isaac loves people and his generosity is shared among friends, family and people who are in need.  The boys at the migrant schools loved to see Isaac arriving on their campus with a soccer ball tucked under his arm.  His soccer career has taken a more serious turn as we returned to Canada, with Isaac being selected to play in the provincial Y-League.  God has given him amazing athletic talent and we are pleased to see him using that talent.

HANNAH loves all things involving creative communication, speaking both English and French, dancing ballet and singing like an angel.  She is our “public performer”, always ready to use her talents to bless others and give praise to God.  Thai and Burmese can be heard on her tongue these days too.  Hannah is focused on using her creative communications skills this fall as she plays one of the lead roles in a Christmas musical drama.  She also shares her Thailand stories with churches and friends.  Since coming home, Hannah has been passionate about raising money for the children she made friends with along the Thai-Burma border.

OLIVIA is a keen student, an enthusiastic friend and earnest helper to all.  She is our “justice of the peace”, always making sure that everyone is being treated fairly. Here in Mae Sot, she is frequently seen giving her money or her food to the street children and demanding that the rest of the family do the same.  Upon returning to Canada, Olivia’s heart remains broken for the people she loves in Thailand.  She formed a “Money for Kids” organization with Hannah to fundraise for her friends in the migrant schools.