In September we worked with an organization called Teen Challenge. TC is a drug rehabilitation center and this particular one was for teen boys and men. It was so hard to believe that some of the guys there had dealt with and were still likely to be handling an addiction, whether to alcohol, meth, glue, pornography, or sex. Our first week involved “helping” them clear the rice fields and plant new ones. I used quotations because although we were helping and entertaining them with our rough techniques of pulling rice, I think we mainly slowed them down. The next two weeks involved teaching English, Bible, Art, Health, and as always, getting our butts kicked at volleyball.
From an outsider’s point of view, everything about our experience in Cambodia was wonderful. The people we met were extremely hospitable and friendly, our relationships with our contacts, and the men we were serving was great, team relations were great, I loved teaching English, we had food, shelter, and cool water for showers in the extreme humidity…I just hated life that month. Not everything, of course, but there was definitely something off in my spirit. My best efforts at defining it are that I was unsatisfied with my spiritual growth up to that point. Also, the oppressive heat and humidity, stacked against our one fickle oscillating fan for 5 people weren’t cutting it for me. I really can’t blame it on the heat though.
In January, at the beginning of the Race, I knew that I’d be up for any type of ministry thrown at me. The only thing I wanted for myself was to become free. I wanted freedom from fear, codependency, low self-worth, etc., and I very aware that I was not there yet. I’ve made lots of progress in those areas but I felt very frustrated realizing we’re getting closer to the end.
Looking back, I still cannot clearly define the funk I was in. All I know is that it was the low before the amazing high I’ve experienced in Australia. I was also a little disappointed to think that I might not be able to hack it in 3rd world countries. God needs people to places with beds and A/C too, right?! 
