Ian Kilgour Bio

I come from a Presbyterian background and became a Salvation Army Officer in 1970 enjoying Parish appointments in the North & South Islands. I had a strong conviction that God had called me to serve those who didn’t belong to the church and this lead to involvement in social and community issues, advisory roles to the Government in the fields of youth unemployment, community development, emergency housing and international aid work as Chairperson of UNICEF Auckland - hence my excitement about the opportunity to visit Pakpingjai. In 1992 I returned to Christian ministry as an Inner City Chaplain with the Methodist Church with my last appointment before retirement as manager of The Salvation Army Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit. Shirley and I have four married adult children and six grandchildren.

Annie-Rose Willis

Kia Ora! My name is Annie-Rose Willis, I am one of the latest additions to this amazing group and I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be able to travel to Pakpingjai! I am 18years old and grew up on an Avocado orchard in a small Bay of Plenty town called Katikati. I am currently on University holidays and I am living and working back home on the Orchard with my older brother William and my Mum and Dad. Helen Willis is also my younger cousin and we are great buddies! I love to travel and immerse myself in new cultures and love being around people and helping them in any sort of way. I have a passion for wildlife and the outdoors and love to cook! I have just completed my first year of University at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Though this year has been pretty hectic with the constant and unpredictable rumbling of the ground it has also taught me that life is most defiantly to precious to waste and when an opportunity (like Pakpingjai!) arises where you can help people in any sort of way, you take it. I can not wait to travel to Pakpingjai and be able to meet and make new friends and memories. I am counting down the days!

Herewini's Bio

Kia Ora,
Ko Herewini taku ingoa. Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu to awa, ko Ngati Porou te iwi. My name is Herewini. My mountain is Hikurangi, my river is the Waiapu and my tribe is Ngati Porou. I am of Maori decent and I am very proud of my heritage. There are five people in my whanau; Mum, Dad, elder sister Awhina, myself and my younger sister Sarah-Jane. I come from a musically talented family. I live in Mangere and attend Aorere College. I am an active member of the Sweet Sixteen choir and I also enjoy tinkering on the guitar, saxophone and bass. Dad and I play for division 1 mens softball team at Papatoetoe softball Club, we also attend the Maungarei Cadet Corp in Panmure, where I hold the position of Staff Sergeant. I have just completed year 12 and I am yet to complete year 13. I have a passion for music and the outdoors. I am looking forward to going to Thailand, and to all the new experiences and challenges that lie ahead. I hope that the talent and experiences that I bring to the team will be of great value and I am truly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the team in Pakpingjai.

Helen's Bio

Hello! My name is Helen Willis and I am 18 years old. I have just finished my last year of high school at Glendowie College and next year I am planning to go to university and study law. I have a twin brother and older sister, and spending time with my friends and family is of huge importance in my life.

I’m extremely looking forward to the opportunity to go to Pakpingjai and help those less fortunate than me. I feel I am well suited to this trip as I have a love for travel, children and helping others!

I am also very intrigued in experiencing other cultures, and love a challenge.

Some words from Frann

Anyone who visits Pakpingjia is never the same when they leave.

This will be my 3rd visit to the Project, and I’m looking forward to a different but as rewarding an experience as before. I am a Nurse in the Emergency Department at Auckland Hospital, with a special interest in research. I am also Youth Leader at our church. I have 4 adult sons, one of whom met his now fiancé because of his visit to Pakpingjai! I repeat – anyone who visits Pakpingjia is never the same when they leave!

Being immersed in the gentle nature of Thai culture brings with it a hope that we can emulate this in our own society.

Music is part of who I am – music transcends all barriers to communication. I am looking forward to once again meeting the children of Pakpingjai – to see how much they have grown both physically and spiritually. I am excited that some of our church’s young people are able to share such an opportunity.

What will I bring to this visit? I am going with an open mind and an open heart - I don’t believe I can bring any more this. I am led by my faith in Christ Jesus.

Hannah's Bio

Hello! My name is Hannah Nyce and I am 15 years old. I go to Pakuranga College where I have been for 2 years. I love music, reading and dancing in the rain. I can play the guitar and saxophone. I couldn’t live without music and I listen to all sorts of genres like pop, rock, classical, metal and country. I play tennis with my brother, and my sister plays softball. I live with my parents, my brother Liam and my sister Katie. My favourite colours are blue and green. My mum and I were born in New Zealand and my Dad, Brother and sister were all born in the USA where I lived for 7 years. I have been a Christian my whole life and have been a part of the St. Heliers Church for almost 7 years where I take care of all of the children and help them in growing their faith. I am so excited to be going on our amazing trip to Pakpingjai and I am looking forward to meeting all of the new people and seeing what the Thai culture is like.

Amy's Bio

Hello my name is Amy Caspersonn 

I am 27 years old and I am a teacher aid at Marshwood Montessori Preschool.  I have two sisters  whose names are Michelle and Joanne and a brother  whose name is David. I also have a pet dog called Bella and a pet cat called Phoebe. I love to sing, dance, act and work with young children.  I am a singer in the church youth band. 

   
This is my fourth trip to Thailand and Pakpingjai.  The first time for me was very exciting but also a bit scary because I didn’t know very much of what to expect but when you go back it feels as if you are going back to see friends and you relax a lot more and you feel more at home.

My reason for going a fourth time is to visit friends from the other trips and to help them out some more and  to have new experiences. And it will be a good place to practice speaking in Thai.  Also I love Thailand, Pakpingjai and the Thai food so much. The pace of life in Thailand brings peace to my soul. 

For those of you going to Thailand and Pakpingjai for the first time you will have the time of your life and learn a lot from everyone you meet and they will learn a lot from you too. Remember don’t be scared be prepared to try new things and give everything a go.