Who is in charge here?

I guess I am not quite used to it yet..... I'm not in charge, God is!  If you know me, you know that I am a planner, someone who for 27 years in the Army was in charge of something and who thrived in that type of environment.  Even at work now as a contractor, my personality always gravitates to taking charge no matter what the situation.

Last year on our mission, I was so unsure of what was going to happen, I just relaxed and let events unfold.  The George's who planned the trip where already used to this type of mission knew that though we had a plan, it usually didn't last past breakfast and that the days events unfolded within whatever God wanted us to do.  You would think I would learn?

This year, I had it all figured out.  As is my normal, I had a picture of what was going to happen.  Fly into Siem Reap and see a number of orphanages, do some projects and then fly out of Phnom Penh.  When I first heard that we would not be able to do this and that we were going to the Kids Camp, at first I was a bit out of sorts.  It wasn't my plan!  Meantime, Wendy found a great deal on flip flops and bought a ton for me to bring over to Cambodia for the children.

It still is amazing how things work out.  Now it looks like we will be spending a few days in Phnom Penh and then going directly to the camp.  This will give us a good amount of time to minister to the people in the slums.  If you recall (or go back to the 2013 blog) my post on this portion of the trip, these people are of the most in need.  One of the amazing events of last year was Andy's ability to give sandals to every child in need in every crazy size.  A humbling day for sure.  Well.... who better for me to bring flip flops to Cambodia for!  When Wendy bought the flip flops, none of us knew how this would shake out.  It is amazing how these things work out.

So again this year, I now have the message!  Who is in charge here?  Not me.  I am going to serve and will do my best to keep my eyes, ears and heart open for those opportunities planned or unplanned where I can be a servant of God and help people who most need it.

My Visa is applied for, shots are done and medications are in the drawer.  Today I spent some time online ordering small gifts for some of the children.  I love to see them smile and laugh when you give them something small.  For all their troubles in life, they are children and the smiles are the same, just beautiful no matter if they have a dirty face and live in a jungle or if they are clean and shiny in American suburbia.

I think the trip dates are pretty locked in.  We depart 31 July - Arrive in Cambodia at 11pm the next day on the 1st.  Then depart Cambodia on the 10th and get home on the 11th.  More to come!