10 years, 3 months and 5 days.
That is the amount of time that has passed since my grandfather (affectionately known as Opa to my siblings and me) died. He was the biggest example of Christ I have ever known…and also hands-down the best grandfather a kid could ever have (even if he did always ask to help “clean up” our ice cream cones and take the biggest lick known to man). He taught me how to throw a football and that baseball really was one of the best sports ever invented (I still prefer basketball, but he tried). He taught me how to garden. He gave me his love of barley green and carrot juice…while simultaneously introducing me to the art of eating dessert for breakfast. He taught me the value of a dollar. Most importantly, he taught me about Jesus…not only through Bible stories but through how he lived his life. He exemplified this faith that as a child I thought was crazy but later realized how amazing it was and prayed that my faith would be a
s strong (or stronger…if that’s possible) than his. He constantly pointed me towards the Lord in everything.
Before he passed away, my grandparents heard a missionary from Cambodia speak at our church. She shared her testimony, spoke about Cambodia, and her dream of building an orphanage. My Opa helped support this orphanage because as my grandmother told me “we both were so touched by the testimony of her life and felt that the orphanage itself was a wonderful opportunity to spread the news of Jesus.”
Her name was Sue Singleton…and the orphanage in Cambodia was Shelter of Love.
Fast forward a decade and here I am.I am on the World Race…in Cambodia…working with Shelter of Love.
When we got our ministry assignment, I sat
and cried out of pure joy and amazement.
When the squad leaders assigned ministries for the month, they had no idea of this story. The only thing they knew is that this was the first place they all immediately agreed on for my team.
When I signed up for the World Race, I saw Cambodia on the list of countries and thought:
“That would be so cool if I ended up at that orphanage…but there is no way that would happen.”
How crazy is that?!
Actually, it’s not crazy at all…it’s all God.
He knew that I would apply to the World Race when I was a senior i
n college.
He knew, that someday, I would end up working at a place my grandfather was so touched by.
He knew that I would be homesick at the end of month 5…questioning what I was doing on the Race.
He knew that about half way through my race, I would need to hear that sweet Eastern NC accent all the way in Cambodia.
I am so thankful that my sweet Daddy reminds
me that He KNOWS me…He knows me better than I know myself.
(Fun Fact: I will be turning 23 on February 12…if anyone feels led, I would really like to enjoy a heart-shaped Bo-Berry biscuit from Bojangles….or some homemade sweet tea. You can just overnight it to Kampong Thom, Cambodia!)
