Shhhhh... can you hear Him?

I've been thinking a lot about this mission.  I know that we are going not only to assemble beds, not only to help the children of Cambodia, but to show the love of Christ through our love for strangers on the other side of the world.  But what about me?  I've been trying to understand what has drawn me to this.  For about two years now I have felt I needed to do something like this.  Today during church services I think God showed me a part of the mission that is for me.  This is a chance to get away from the hubub of a busy life commuting up and down 95, meetings, employees, clients, etc etc.  Its a chance to have some quiet time where I can listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say.  I hope to grow in my faith and grow closer to Christ by getting out of my own way.

We had our commissioning today at church.  James did a wonderful job leading us in prayer asking the Lord to bless and protect us.  It was humbling.  I love seeing the depth of the love and emotion from the George's.  The children in Cambodia and our church is blessed to have them.

Here are the lyrics from the song.  It speaks volumes.

"Word Of God Speak"

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

The Bunk Beds have arrived!!!

Here are some pictures of the folks in Cambodia unloading the beds.  They will be positioned at the orphanages awaiting our arrival in 3 weeks.  Its amazing to think that these were created by the good people of Fredericksburg as a demonstration of our and God's love for our fellow man.  I am so excited to go to Camobia to share the love of Christ and learn about myself and do some good for those who are not as fortunate as I.

Group Meeting

Tonight we had a nice get together with most of the group at the George's house.  It was nice because Wendy got to meet everyone. 

What a wonderful crew.  I really think this will be a great trip.  Of course we ate Chinese food and Oh my what a ton of food.  I think we could have fed a hundred people!  Thank you to the George's!!!


Rachel George put together informational packages for all of us with lots of great information.  Inclusive was a new map and also now I know the locations of the orphanages we will visit.

We will be flying into Siem Reap and visiting that orphanage, then on to Banteay Meanchay to the north west.  Then to Kampot and finally we fly out of Phnom Penh.  The organization we are working with is NHO.  New Hope for Orphans.  Here is a copy of a flyer with some pictures of the orphanages.

Finally with over 100000 orphans on the streets any one day in Cambodia which is roughly the size of Oklahoma, obviously they cannot take in every child.  They have developed a policy guideline that details how they approach which children they try to help.  It is a wonderful Christian based organization.  I am looking forward to meeting them and the staff that gives so much.

Clothing choice and preparation

In studying the climate in Cambodia, it doesn't take long to figure out its HOT, HUMID and there are lots of mosquito... I know. DUH its a jungle.  :)

I have been trying to figure out what to wear,  We will be without washing unless its a hand wash for a week and so will need to wear clothing multiple times.  It will be hot so it needs to breathe and of course BUGs galore which carry Malaria and other fun things.  I have chosen to go with two main sets of clothing which are specifically for hot weather and made to breathe and dry very fast.  tropic wear from LL Bean.  In addition, I am treating them with Permethrin which we had used in the Army.  It penetrates the clothing and provides an insect repellent barrier for up to 6 washings.  This should protect me from sun and biting little friends as best it can.  My clothing is hanging out drying now....

Now a month out and I am still looking to find some small giveaways for the children.  That is the next prep item on my list.

Then I need to think hygiene... dry soap/shampoo and wipes and TP and the such.