First off, I just want to praise God for being our almighty Provider. As of March 31st I am fully funded! Wooo HOOOoooOOOoo!!!I can't tell you all how much this has meant to me. This past month I have relied so much more on prayer for finances than anything else like emails, blogs, etc. I have recognized my dependence more on myself than God. In the gospels, Jesus teaches that we should not be anxious for our lives. That He knows the things that we need and He gives them to us. I've witnessed God's faithfulness in it's entirety. Praise Jesus!
Just to catch everyone up, after a nice long travel day from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we were able to take a night's rest in a guest house with beds and hot showers. It was awesome to have some pleasantries, especially before this rugged month.
We are working in the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia with Teen Challenge. This organization is committed to getting boys and men off the streets and into a year-long program to help them with their varying addictions. Most of them were addicted to serious drugs like crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin or alcohol. Some of them lived in dangerous environments and were sent to Teen Challenge to keep then from a precarious future.
A bit of imput from the website:
Teen Challenge provides practical solutions to people with life-controlling problems, primarily drugs and alcohol. Teen Challenge is widely recognized as the largest, most successful program of its kind. Today there are about 500 centers in 90 countries.
Teen Challenge has seen the great need of those who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Because of their heart of compassion, they have come to Cambodia to bring the message of hope and love to those whose lives have been shattered. The 12-month residential program is designed for those who are seeking freedom from the chains that have them bound.
The moment I walked onto the property, I felt welcomed. They all stared at us as we hopped out of the van during dinnertime. Imagine 31 faces pressed on us as we interrupted their meal. Eek! That awkwardness didn't last as the shocked expressions turned into smiles and we began hearing broken English phrases being yelled to us! Hooray!
One of the most exciting parts of the day is our sports time. Can anyone say volleyball?????? Yes, Emily and Charlie Wright, I will come back ready to go. I squealed when I saw the sand/rock court. These guys are not playing around. Apparently there was a past World Racer who played college volleyball and taught them how to play for real. I was so impressed yesterday when they were practicing their spikes. I felt like I had just walked up to a team practice. I was very impressed.
We also teach bible and English classes during the day. Zeb, Amber, Janee and I are going through the gospel of John and Proverbs. Cody, Danielle and Aimee will be teaching on Matthew with the younger ones. Please pray for these men/boys that they may receive the Word of God. Some of them are believers but some are still experiencing withdrawals and are unsure that Jesus is Lord.
They also have a self-sustaining organic vegetable farm. A vegetarian's dream! Fresh veggies every meal. Amazing!
We are living in Takeo, Cambodia. I would like to tell you a few fun facts about where we live:
We live in a house on stilts. Very Asian.
Buddhism is the major religion practiced.
There are over 5 obnoxious roosters that
Dogs howl as we fall asleep
On the weekends there is an outdoor movie shown with loudspeakers right by our house
We sleep under provided mosquito nets, thank God
It's about 100 degrees here in the day… Sometimes at nigt too
The people here love white people
We drink a fresh fruit smoothie every day just to cool off
We have electricity for 2 hours a night, that's it.
Sweating has become a major form if exercise.
Birds have found a perfect nest in our ceiling.
This is undoubtedly he most rural location we've had this far.
All that to say, we are livin' World Race style.
