A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER: Year 12 Thailand Mission Trip

BY PETER CLIFFE (PRINCIPAL)

On 20th November, a group of 23 Year 12 students, accompanied by five staff members (Caleb Lobbe, Bryce McDowell, Georgie Armstrong, Jacinta Leed and Peter Cliffe), embarked on an incredible journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Over the next 11 days, the team experienced an unforgettable blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and heartfelt service. Whilst our students enjoyed some fun activities, the true highlights of the trip were rooted in mission service. Our team focused on supporting children in vulnerable situations, participating in kids' club and youth programs, and facilitating a two-day English camp in a remote mountain village. The time spent in the village left a lasting impression on our students, who were deeply moved by the children’s joy and resilience despite having so little in material wealth.

Our BHCS students were exceptional. From the get-go, our students were absolutely ‘all in’ for every challenge we encountered. To the parents of future Year 12 students: consider this trip as an incredible opportunity for your child. It’s a journey that strengthens faith, builds confidence, and creates lifelong memories. The experiences shared on this mission are truly life changing.

STAFF REFLECTIONS

GEORGIE ARMSTRONG (SECONDARY TEACHER)

What an absolute privilege and honour it was to be part of BHCS Thailand Mission Trip 2024! 23 Year 12 students spending their equivalent of ‘schoolies’ serving others was enough to pay tribute, however, beyond expectation, was a profound journey of transformation, service, and shared values. United by a common purpose, this group embraced selflessness to make a tangible impact on the lives of the children they met at School, Youth and Kids Club. It was often noted that whilst being a blessing, they too were blessed and they not only forged deep emotional connections, but an offering of God’s hope, love and peace. Students remarked, ‘they have so little and yet are so full of joy’. Our motto was quickly adopted the saying, ‘H A P P E E’ which became our mantra, especially when tired and running on empty.

The trip offered countless opportunities for life-changing moments. Whether it was teaching children English through song, craft, sport or directions, or simply listening and telling stories through basic English lesson, or walking through the remote and rural village, each experience afforded the opportunity for deep reflection and sense of gratitude. The students and teachers aligned their values to embody empathy and servant hearts, demonstrating that true service goes beyond material aid—it involves giving time, attention and love.

For many, the experience was transformational. Students discovered the power of unity and the joy that comes from lifting others and sharing of God’s love. Teachers found inspiration in witnessing the growth and maturity of the students. The mission trip not only served the Thai communities but also reshaped the perspectives of those who participated, fostering a lifelong commitment to service and reinforcing the belief that even small, selfless acts can spark meaningful change.

Thank you to all who participated in this mission, you made this one of the highlights of our teaching experiences and to all who supported this opportunity to attend, we say thanks.

JACINTA LEED (SECONDARY TEACHER)

The trip was filled with moments of joy that deeply impacted me. I loved the sense of unity that comes from being connected in Christ, transcending culture and language. Serving at Youth and Kids Club and visiting ‘The River Church’ highlighted this beautifully—despite cultural and language differences, there was an undeniable bond.

I also found joy in watching students step out of their comfort zones, whether leading English activities, adapting to the simplicity of mountain life, or embracing Thai culture wholeheartedly.

Perhaps the most profound impact came from witnessing the pure joy, happiness, and contentment in the children we met.

BRYCE MCDOWELL - SECONDARY TEACHER

During our recent mission trip to Thailand, we experienced a profound demonstration of how the gospel transcends cultural boundaries, bringing unity while celebrating diversity. In a vibrant worship service, believers from various tribes and languages gathered to praise God, each expressing their faith in their native tongues. This beautiful tapestry of voices created a heavenly atmosphere, reminding us of Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation worship before the throne. The experience reinforced our understanding that while our backgrounds may differ, our shared identity in Christ unites us in purpose and love. Together, we witnessed the power of the gospel to bridge divides and foster a community that honours both our unique heritages and our collective devotion to Jesus.

CALEB LOBBE (SECONDARY TEACHER)

The Thailand Mission Trip was incredible!

To go as a staff member was an absolute privilege and for me personally like a dream come true after having been on some mission trips myself at a similar age which had changed my own life.

I loved spending time hanging out with our Year 12s, having lots of fun and great chats along the way. To watch their transformation across the whole trip was phenomenal.

The Year 12s did a brilliant job teaching English to Thai students through vocab, games, sport, songs and more. One of the main highlights was going to the remote mountains for 2 days and teaching English at the school there. This was a real eye opening experience for everyone; seeing kids and adults in a community who were just so happy, regardless of how much they have. The reflection at the end was a really precious time, hearing each member of the trip talk about what it meant to them and how it will impact us going forward with our lives.

From rides in the back of a Songthaow car, to feeding and washing elephants, to singing fun kids songs with a whole school, to ziplining through the mountains, and singing worship in 2 languages; this trip had it all!

Each day I was pinching myself at how epic this experience was.

Each trip member will share a bond forever over this unique and amazing experience we had together.

If you are considering going on the trip when you are in Year 12; make sure you do everything you can to do it!

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

MIKAELA SESKIS (YEAR 12 GRADUATE 2024)

Spending time in the mountains teaching English to the Thai children was truly one of the best days of my life. We were greeted with the warmest, most heartfelt welcomes, and the overwhelming love and joy we experienced left a lasting impression on us all. My group chose to teach English through songs, and it was incredible to see how music bridged the language barrier. Watching them run, dance, and sing with such enthusiasm was nothing short of amazing. The children’s energy was infectious - we couldn’t help but beam with joy ourselves. At the end of the day we gathered for worship, accompanied by nothing more than a guitar and everyone singing. The atmosphere was so peaceful and beautiful beyond words. We ended with a devotion, reflection, and shoutouts, sharing laughter, gratitude, and heartfelt appreciation for one another. Best day ever.

KAILYN VELLIN (YEAR 12 GRADUATE 2024)

Words can hardly capture this incredible journey. It has been an absolute blessing to experience life through a different view and witness firsthand the rich diversity of cultures overseas. Although our first day spanned many hours, and it felt like Joel’s 18th birthday went on forever, every moment of weary travel was worth it. This trip has been a series of unforgettable moments, connecting with others not through words, but through actions.

Things like soaring through the treetops on a zip line in Thailand; and receiving a slobbery, heartfelt kiss from a gentle elephant have been also treasured. Yet, nothing compares to the profound impact of the mountains. The opportunity to touch the lives of Thai children was a privilege, but the joy and selflessness they shared with us has left a profound mark on our hearts. The beauty of this place, reflected in the smiles of its people, is a testament to the goodness of God's children.

The staff here has been nothing short of amazing. From multiple first aid cases, to unforgettable moments of laughter over orange sunglasses, those we once called "teachers" have become lifelong friends. There are no words that could fully express the depth of this experience, but if you're considering it, my advice is simple: do it. This journey has transformed us in ways we never imagined. The growth in faith and maturity we've experienced here will resonate in our lives for years to come.

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