Ch Ch Ch Changes

After 7 years of participating in this trip, the last 5 as the trip leader, there are certain things that you come to expect. The early morning meeting at the church, the group picture. the long lines in the airports, etc. But the one thing that will no longer be the same is our wonderful week at the XANADU Beach Resort. We have changed locations for our home base this year to the Flamingo Bay. Now for those of you who have not been on this trip, the Xanadu was once a great Freeport landmark for movie stars from the 50's and 60's. Now it's just an empty shell of a hotel that we Woodside missionaries lovingly called home for the week. It was a special location that we sort of took over for the week since we outnumbered real guests by 10 - 1. The new resort is a lot nicer, almost too nice. It comes with working A/C, a mini-fridge, and a great view of the marina. Finally, the pool is a real pool. Not the greenish rectangle that we often used as a "pre-bath" tub before our showers. Not gonna happen this year. The veterans on the trip are a little nostalgic for the old days, but the newbies don't know any better. Once we settled in to our new digs, we ventured out to see the area. We had dinner by the beach under the pavilion, played in the ocean and the pool, then got ready for the usual first night activities. But the more things change the more they stay the same. The plans that Raoul and I made for the day were changed. Instead of lunch then hotel, it was hotel then dinner. (notice the missing lunch). That led to a bunch of hungry people. But as always the food here is worth the wait. Finally, the area that we will be working at and attending church will also be brand new location with brand new people. As much as we will miss working in the villages of Pinders Point and Hunters, we are looking forward to making our mark on Eight Mile Rock. Sometimes change is hard, especially when it is sudden, but when on a mission trip you must remember the first rule - Thou must be flexible. Second rule is just as important - Let go and Let God lead the way.