Attitude and preparation

Here it is the day before I'm scheduled to leave for Belarus and I am in desperate need of a new attitude and some serious packing.  I am usually a very organized traveler.  I know exactly what I'm doing and what I'm bringing.  Not this time.  I am leaving tomorrow for a 12 day mission trip to Belarus and I would be lying if I said I was looking forward to the trip.  Is it wrong to feel this way? I know that the purpose of the trip is to visit three orphanages, bringing Christmas gifts to the children, establishing a relationship with the orphanage director for the deaf school in Bobruisk, and of course visiting with Krystina, just to name the highlights.  Anyone who knows me has heard me talk about Krystina or has met her when she has spent seven summers with my family.  I almost feel guilty for not being "into" the trip.  I truly believe in the cause that I am working for and have very specific goals I am trying to accomplish during the trip.  Having done this before I know how difficult it is on several levels.  It is a very emotional and physically draining experience. 

I'll try to give some of the background information in future posts, I'm a little short on time right now.....I have to pack.  The basic information is that I'm involved in a Christian relief organization called ABRO (American Belarussian Relief Organization, ABRO.org).  Belarus is a small country of approximately 9.5 million people who have had some difficult things to deal with throughout history.  One third of the population was killed during WWII when the German army marched through Belarus on their way to Moscow....and then back through Belarus a second time when Stalin's army drove them back towards the end of the war.  The effects of WWII is not why I'm involved with the people and children of Belarus.  In 1986, the worst nuclear disaster in history had a devastating effect on the people and will continue to have devastating effects for generations to come.  Chernobyl dumped 70% of its radiation on Belarus...and the children suffer worst of all.  As you can imagine they have many social problems as a result of living in contaminated land.  Mostly, ABRO tries to bring children to the U.S. for a period of six weeks in the summer.  This gives their immune system a chance to recover and potentially adds years to their lives.  

I'll get into the physical and emotional parts another time.  Right now I have to finish packing and spend some precious time with my family. 

I will try to post when I have access to the internet.

Rich