As I sit at the wooden kitchen table and listen to the rain fall on the street below our home for the month, I find myself in total awe of the fact that in a little less than two weeks I'll be walking on African soil. 
While it means excitement, it also means this journey is halfway done…and my time is halfway gone.
My mind constantly races with questions I'm still searching for the answers to.
Is this it? How can this really be the halfway point of my incredible mission? Have I got everything out of these past six months that I know I could have? In that, do I wish I could go back and relive the moments I've shared with so many thus far?
Most nights, I lie awake as I think of those questions that I wrote above. I beg God to shed light on the answers and ask for His provision constantly as I continue to push forward into what He's called for me. I usually come to the conclusion that while there are things I could have done differently, I also know that all things eventually work together for the greater good that is His purpose and will.
When I've walked the streets here in Cambodia during the past two weeks, I've been reminded of the last few months. And what I've been blessed to learn. It's the faces here and how a simple smile can break even the biggest of barriers. It's the smells. And it's the faint laughter in the background as I speed by in a Tuk-Tuk heading to teach my English class.
So while I would love to paint a picture with my words of the joy and beauty I get to see on a daily basis, I'm not sure that I'm able to. Or, that I'll ever be able to do so. For the beauty I see is more than just a fancy word in my blog. This type of beauty is everything.
I can't tell you how the first half of my journey has gone, but I can tell you that this is how it felt and that these are a few of the things God has shown me along the way.
I've learned that if I love Jesus personally and passionately, I can serve humanity even though at times I may get treated like a doormat. That it doesn't matter if a person remembers my name or my face, just that they know they were loved and loved well.
I've learned that all endings are actually beginnings. That when a door closes, one (usually better) always opens in front of me.
I've learned that the most profound thing in a person is his/her will, not the sin they feel may trapped by.
I've learned the only way we can remove fear is to listen to God's assurance to us.
I've learned that God will never allow you to keep a spiritual blessing to yourself. It has to be given back to Him so that He can make it a blessing to others. In doing so, there's no greater joy.
I've learned the importance of trusting what is true, not just what is comfortable.
I've learned that when you learn how to die, you really learn how to live.
I've learned that sacrifice is a part of life. It's supposed to be not something we regret, but something we aspire to.
I've learned to not let go too soon and don't hold on too long.
I've learned that the only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we're alone.
And lastly, I've learned about love. And lost love. Lost in the sense that I'm not with the people I've met along the way right now. Those people in Thailand, Costa Rica, and Malaysia. There's something funny about lost love though if you think about it…that even though it's lost, it's still love. You may not physically see the smiles or bring those people a gift to brighten their day or even twist their small child bodies around on a make-shift dance floor…but it's when some senses weaken that another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. Your friend. In that, you tend to nurture it. You hold it tightly. You dance with it…?
So as the first six months of this journey have passed, I look forward to taking the hand of the next chapter and dancing until the music stops. Until I'm no longer halfway done…
Won't you do the same?
The race has been nothing short of amazing for me so far. I honestly can't begin to describe the spiritual transformation that I've experienced over the past 6 months. He has done a great work in and through me and the best part is … He isn't done yet! There are many other nations that are in desperate need of hearing the Gospel and receiving Christ’s Love. The Lord has created me for this very purpose and I look forward to continuing on this journey. Would you please consider giving? Every single dollar goes towards my financial deadline and will ensure I finish the race. As it currently sits, I'm around $3500 short of being fully funded. If you are able to give, please click HERE. Your small sacrifice and a few moments of your time will have a lasting impact of the people of these nations. Please consider a one time special gift or a monthly contribution. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to send an email to [email protected]. I would love to tell you more about what my team and I have been doing the last six months.
Love you all
(Thanks for the picture, KH)
