Date Set

Ok, date for trip has been made. May 1-12th, is when I will go over with Northwest Medical Teams. Woohoo. I am so excited, anxious, and abundantly blessed.

I recently attended the Christian Musician Summit up in Washington. What an awesome and amazing experience!! Even with little sleep I came home so rejuvenated, thankful, humbled, and so BLESSED!! And I made some new friends. The only thing I would have done differently is to bring our entire worship team up to experience it too. . . Kathryn Scott sang a song during worship called At the Foot of the Cross (Ashes to Beauty), the really touched me and spoke to my heart.
That was the subject of my journaling when I came home:

From time to time, dreams that we had, hopes that we held, people we trusted, things we thought, don't quite turn out the way we thought they would. When it's a disappointing day, what I'm learning to do is come back to the cross again. It's there that I remember that God knows the power of pain; the burn of betrayal - it's there I can so clearly see that He understands the brokeness of dreams shattered, that His grip on reality in all it's harshness is firmer than mine. And it's there that the promise of redemption, of resurrection, of a sure outcome breaks in. We serve a God who chose brokeness to demonstrate His great love for us - who has walked the road before us - who has the power to change the most disappointing days into the most glorious tomorrows.
Now I can....trade these ashes for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown.
Coming to kiss the feet of Mercy,I lay every burden down.....
At the Foot of the Cross, where I am made complete
I don't know what the future will bring for me, for my husband, children, my church, my friends, my family. But I do know that I don't want fear to stop me from following God's plan for me. As disappointed as I was to learn that the September mission trip was not going to happen, I realize God has a much bigger plan, or trip if you will, for me, my team members and those we are going to help. And for that I'm thankful.

God is Good!!! :0) Many Blessings~M

Change of Plans

Ok, this has been a long last two weeks. I received an email stating that our team doc (& team leader) has pulled herself off of our mission and our trip is postponed. Our choices included:
1. NWMT contacting partner in Cambodia about facilitating a smaller team this fall.
2. Going with the May 1st 2007 medical team to Cambodia.
3. Going during same time, Sept 1st-12th, with another medical team to Kabul, Afghanistan.

I declined the third, as this is too much of a 'hot spot' for me and I don't feel comfortable going there. So I told them if a team does still go to Cambodia this fall I'd like to join them, otherwise put me in for the May 1st trip. As saddened as I am about not going Sept. 1st, I know there is a reason, and remain optimistic that all will work out, as this is not 'my plan'.

My community held a benefit dinner to raise funds for my trip and medicines/supplies to take over. It was a success and I am so grateful for the support I've received from everyone, from those who have donated time, to money, to spiritual support, to items for our silent auction. It is overwhelming and humbling. Thank you and God Bless you all.

Acts of Kindness

What an amazing and humbling adventure this has been to prepare for this mission. I've always struggled with asking for help, and letting others help me. Here I've been thinking this mission is about me going and helping others. Without the love and support of my friends and family, I can quickly see that this mission would not be possible for me. I've had to sit back because I'm not the one in control. What a blessing and priviledge it is for me to be able to witness God's spirit and love in the hearts that surround me. It brings me to tears because, just as I'm so honored to be able to help those in need, but to know that my community, my friends and family are also helping those in need, and they are an essential and vital part of this medical mission.

Someone stated, "What difference does it make in the long run, it's all a drop in the bucket."

Yes, while that is true, it does directly help to relieve human suffering for some, even for just a while. I am a common person, and I will die a common person, but I was blessed to be born an American and have access to opportunity that billions in the world will never have. I have also been privy to multiple acts of kindness by strangers that made a lasting impact in my life. I have long since subscribed to the theory "pay it forward", if someone does something nice for you the best thank you that can be given is to pass it on by doing something nice for someone else.

Added to all of this, I am a Christian, and I believe unwaveringly, that it is my duty and privilege to use the gifts and talents that God has given me to help others. By looking at the example of Jesus' life and what He instructed His disciples' it shows that when you have a personal relationship with God your life focus changes from one that is self serving, to one that is outwardly focused and serving others.

God Bless and may He keep you in His breath always! :o) ~Mel

Itinerary!!!

I'm so excited!!! Today I received my flight itinerary. The countdown begins!!!

I'm so thrilled and blessed with how things are coming together for this trip. I'm floored by the support this great community my husband and I call home has given. People are coming out of the woodworks to show their support, people I don't even know. I am just in awe.........