I stepped into Cambodia with what I would call a hardened
heart. I had looked forward to the countries in Europe as it was the beginning
of the Race and I was eager to experience new things. I looked forward to Africa because I was
desperate to feel God’s presence through His heart for Africa. I was even excited to head to Asia although,
I really didn’t know what to expect.
But, after a pretty fierce battle with the enemy in Thailand I was left
victorious but drained. I wasn’t
prepared or eager to begin ministry again in Cambodia.
As our
van pulled up to our new village abode a group of young men surrounded us to
carry our bags. I plastered on a smile
and tried my best to shine Christ through my fatigue. These young men I came to know later as my dear
friends and brothers were the ones I was to bring hope to, but they in turn
brought me some of the greatest joy I have ever experienced. I have grown to love them so deeply. I realize God has used my love for them to
show me how much He loves each one of
His children. I realize I don’t care
about their mistakes, I don’t even care if they make them again, I love them
uniquely and genuinely and there is nothing they could do to change the love I
have for them.
A
common saying here in Cambodia is “Same Same but Different” I spent a good
amount of time explaining to these boys how I loved them all the same but
different. I could see how God had
created them each uniquely and very talented in different ways. Through, their stories of redemption and freedom
from addiction I got to see how powerful
God is to touch hearts and lives. This
month has been the most pleasant surprise of the Race. The country I was least excited to visit has
turned into one of my favorite countries I have been to. The Lord has used this month to bring healing
to my heart and has reminded me of His power. He has showed me new depths to
His love and how much he loves each and everyone of His children. The boys I came to serve taught me such a powerful lesson I could learn that Jesus loves us mistakes included.
Cambodia doesn’t get the
recognition it deserves. It has the most
loving, peaceful, humble and kind people I have ever met. I highly recommend visiting this amazing
place, and of course I advocate for visiting Teen Challenge Cambodia as I have
seen the amazing stories and results.
As of now I am at our month 8
debrief where we begin talking about RENTRY to America! I can’t believe it. I should be home around May 12th. We are in Siem Reap, which is an awesome
little tourist town and will be visiting Angkor Wat the largest religious
structure in the world. Next month I will be heading back to
Thailand for our “Ask the Lord” month (more to come on this).
