Our month in Cambodia wasn't one of the most glamorous months, but it was a month that we truly needed. Two days before we arrived at our host home in Cambodia, our hosts lost their son, who lived in America. They quickly had to pack and book an emergency flight back to America to begin funeral arrangements. They took most of their children with them, but unfortunately 3 of their children are still in the process of being adopted, so legally they couldn't fly to America with them.
As soon as we arrived, we got a quick run down of our ministry for the month and said goodbye. They left us in the hands of two very capable people, but they definately needed a lot of help.
Ministry looked different for everyone on our team. Some people taught the middle, elementary and high school kids English, others did therapy with the special education children, and others taught and took care of the preschoolers. My ministry for most of the month was taking care of two precious babies or cooking in the kitchen.
Sometimes it was hard, because it was a lot of sitting around, but there was no doubt in my mind that we were there for a reason. No one knew that our host's son was going to pass away, but without our team there, it would have been extremely hard for them to run the orphanage.
My favorite part of the month was spending time by the riverfront. This was an area with restaurants and a lot of hostels that was probably one of the more touristy areas of Phnom Penh. It was also the place where a lot of Cambodian children were out selling things (bracelets, books, etc.) on the streets. While we were in Cambodia, God put so many of these kids on my heart. I couldn't buy anything from them, but I could show them the love of Jesus! Multiple times I would just stop and talk to them. Asking them about their lives and just spending time with them. It was such a joy to see their faces light up when someone took interest in them.
One day our team was in town for Kimberly's birthday. We went to Dairy Queen to buy her an ice cream cake. When we arrived, there were 3 young girls and a boy selling bracelets. I told them I couldn't buy one, but that I would buy them an ice cream cone. They came into Dairy Queen with us and for an hour, I was able to spend time with them and love on them by just giving them attention. When we split ways afterwards, I got 4 big hugs. It will be a day on the World Race that I will never forget.
These kids reminded me of the reason I came on the World Race. I wanted to show people around the world the love of Jesus. Jesus doesn't care about skin color, economic status or where you live. He loves those who are poor and weak because through their weakness you can see his strength. I want to show "the least of these" all over the world the love that Jesus has for them!
People often follow our teams on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and see all of the adventures we are experiencing. They see the beautiful scenery or interesting places we have been in each country. What you don't get to see in pictures is the way children's eyes light up when we show interest. You don't get to hear their laughs while we are throwing them in the air or tickling them. You don't get to see the expression on men and women's faces when we decide to sit down and spend time with them. Those are the most beautiful parts of The Worldrace. The opportunities we are given to really love on "the least of these". When we get to spend time with the people and share just a small portion of the love that Jesus has for each one of us.
Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
