It begins with a girl

Miz Shelby is leaving for Cambodia on Friday. I’ve asked her to guest blog about the trip. So over the course of the next 10 days, there will be updates from Cambodia.

This will be her first excursion across the International Date Line.

Shelby will appreciate your prayers on her behalf.

And so will her mama.

Please feel free to leave any questions you might have for Miz Shelby and I will be sure and pass them along to her.

But here’s her thoughts in her words:

Have you ever sat in the pew, or in front of your television, listening to someone’s call to get involved in reaching out to others, and then folded your hands in your lap (least they try to raise themselves up to volunteer) and thought to yourself …

“Well, isn’t that nice of them  . . . but it’s just not my thing.”

I did just that earlier this year when my pastor came back from a trip to Cambodia asking for anyone with a heart for victims of human trafficking to get involved, that our church would be partnering with Transitions Global, a nonprofit that runs aftercare facilities for survivors.

It wasn’t that I didn’t care about the girls, but volunteering to get involved in anything requiring a long-term commitment is not usually my thing.

I call my generation the NONCOMMITTAL GENERATION. And as much as I hate it, I am one of them.

But then, I was asked directly to join the team. That’s when I began thinking, “Um, God, are you trying to tell me something here?”

So I said, “Yes.”

I joined the planning team.

When they said, “Will you go?”

I said yes, again.

For the past few months, we’ve been planning a journey that will last just over a week. A trip to the other side of the world to learn and educate ourselves about Transitions Global, about the people and history of Cambodia, about how we here in Oregon can get involved in meaningful ways to help restore hope to these young survivors.

On Friday, I depart with nine others to begin this journey. My bags are almost packed. Bursting full of gifts, candy and nail polish, balloons and beads, and coffee beans. (Don’t worry there’s still room for a few changes of clothes.)

The coffee beans are one way you too can get involved in the work of Transitions Global. A local Central Oregon coffee shop, Backporch Coffee, is roasting a special brew, the Philanthropi Cambia blend, to raise funds in support of Transitions. You can purchase the coffee here, and can even sign up for a monthly subscription.

And next time you’re asked to step out and get involved, try not to hesitate. Refuse to be a part of the noncommittal generation. Jump right in. You never know where the journey may lead you. It’s taking me to the other side of the world, and I’m bringing a computer & YOU along with me.

Stay tuned.