These are pictures of the Pot Luck with Orphangae Team 2 and 3 last Friday , July 9th , 2010.

We leave tomorrow!

Wow, it's almost here.This is my first trip of this type and at some level I still cannot believe that I am actually going - much less that I am taking my son.Things have lined up well at work to allow me to go. I was afraid 3 weeks ago that that was not going to be the case but prayer and execution have prevailed.

I keep asking myself, "Am I ready for this? Has God prepared me enough? Have I prepared myself enough? Have I prepared my son enough?"Certainly I am physically prepared. I have taken new immunizations, and created a small pharmacy to take with me. I have clothes ready, travel toiletries ready, and enough fragrance-related items to attract a swarm of confused bees.

My son and I have both adjusted our diets as recommended by our teammates (thank you!), so we will limit our jet lag when we arrive. Mentally I am as ready as I can be. I have certainly travelled to many different places and experienced many different cultures. I have worked through interpreters many times also.

That said, this will be the furthest from the US that I have ever been, and it will be the most different culture from my own I have experienced. I am excited and open to the experience. I am more mentally focused on keeping my son engaged and involved in what he is experiencing. I do not want him to get overwhelmed, shut down, and lose out on the experience.

Spiritually, I have done all I can to prepare. I have prayed alone, with my son, with our family, with my small group, and with our team. While I am using the capabilities that God has given me to prepare, I know that in the end it is in His hands.

Last night, my son looked at me at said, "You are going to take care of me over there, right?" I told him that of course I am. But it reminded me of the same question I have been asking God, "You are going to take care of us, aren't you? You are going to use us and guide us, right?" I know by the calmness and peace I feel about this trip He has answered, "Yes."

Please keep us in your prayers as we start this journey! We will let you know how it progresses.

Scott Ryan