Serendipity?

I am grateful and blessed to have been invited to volunteer at an Orphanage in Cambodia with my long lost (and recently found) friend Tracey Bell.

Having had the fortune of travelling to many interesting and beautiful destinations, I recently ran into a travellers block. Me, the frequent flyer, couldn't come up with any inspiration when I asked myself  "where next?".  I knew the thought of awesome shopping wasn't enought to lure me to any destination. I've shopped Toronto, L.A., Palm Springs, New York, San Francisco,  Las Vegas, Honolulu and more ... shopping vacations have lost their appeal for me (I can't believe I just said that. This loss of appeal may be temporary).  Another vacation consisting of "fun in the sun" seemed ... vapid.

Then I made a connection. I've been feeling spiritually stifled as of late. When this happens I know I haven't been "giving back" enough, I haven't been doing enough meaningful service work.  I could feel my spirits lifting as I contemplated possible volunteer opportunities.  And then the serendipitous moment presented itself, as it always does when we are patient, quiet and open to seeing the wonderful opportunities that are all around us. Only I wasn't being patient and quiet, I'm anything but "zen-like", but still ...
I have learned that despite our individual creed and religious and philosophical beliefs one thing is for sure; to live an authentic life we must be painstakingly honest about our intentions. It had started to weigh heavily on me that I needed to mend a fractured fence and I intended to make a sincere amend. I did. Now I've re-connected with one of the most unique, talented and inside-out gorgeous friends I ever had, a truly authentic woman who could spread joy blind folded, in her sleep, with her hands tied behind her back. Tracey Bell is a shining light wherever she goes. It had been years since we'd spoken.  The opportunity to re-connect happened "by chance" in the midst of my dilemma regarding vacation & service work. Tracey's face popped up on my computer screen. Here was my chance to clear the slate! She responded quickly (whew!) and we corresponded  back and forth. She told me about the Cambodian Orphan Save Project to which she generously donates time and money. Living in poverty with less than basic essentials are 72 of God's creatures relying solely on the donations of tourists and volunteers. There are days when these orphans don't eat.

I am humbled and honoured that Tracey invited me to join her. It's been said "to whom much has been given, much is expected". I have been given much. Fantastic, healthy, loving adult children who are living rewarding lives. A very comfortable lifestyle. My family lives in a Country where there is much "stuff". Although we can criticize government spending and lack of funding for many social programs, my family, neighbours & friends have more than our basic daily needs met. I have too much and share too little. There are people in need everywhere,  I know it but choose to be too busy, or plead helplessness, when it comes to making a contribution of time and effort.

As one who has been given much, I am guilty of forgetting about the wonder of the simple things by taking for granted all that I have, as I keep my eye on the proverbial dangling carrot. At times I don't even remember what that dangling carrot represents.

This blog is all about my "Travels with Tracey".   Hopefully I will stumble through this process and learn how to post photos, links, etc. I hope to be witty and entertaining but can't guarantee it.  If I'm not witty and entertaining please don't feel compelled to let me know. Just shine me on and we'll all be happy.

Note to Jenna & Dean Haugan, Dustin Allen, Carmen Kuziemsky & Ian  Young - you'll be there in spirit!
 http://www.coso-orphanage.com/