I’ve been in Cambodia for 18 days. Over Two weeks. It feels like two years. Since arriving in Cambodia October 7th, I’ve seen happiness, regret, Angkor Wat, sickness, health, a Cambodian funeral, muddy Chacos, Tuk Tuk overloads, and Jesus through it all.
But of course I will unravel these stories of my short time here so far, because it has been a blessing of a wild ride.
Upon arrival in Cambodia at the Siem Reap airport, my squad was rushed to the guesthouse we would be staying in for the next week. Noises and mosquitos buzzed around my head as I walked across the steamy pavement of the airport to the crowded bus that would take me to my first location. What am I doing? Why am I in Asia? How long will it take me to cave in and go home? In the duration of the short ride to the guesthouse, I had convinced myself that I would never last, I would be going home in a week, and that I was not supposed to be here in Cambodia, much less on the Race.
The first day was not the best at all. First, I had a scare that I had lost my passport for good, but thankfully, Jesus is good and it was found. Then, my camera broke somehow I am still unsure of, and no matter how much I charged it, it would not turn on. Unfortunately, to this day it still will not work and I do not have a camera to use to document my trip. But in that, I can use my words! I will use what I saw as a tragedy, (yes, it was that traumatic to me) and make it something good. If I had my camera, I would have blogged much less than what I will do now. Documenting everything on video is good, but I was avoiding the gift of writing that God has blessed me with. So I would say it was a blessing in disguise. (I do miss my camera, though!)
The rest of the week was a mix between wonderful and chaotic. The guesthouse was lovely, and I was very thankful for the warm showers and running water. But at the same time, my patience was being tried. I am a very sociable person, so I loved being around 50 girls…. For about two days. After the third day, I was very ready to leave and go to my ministry site. I would avoid people and retreat into myself and seek God.
That was the right thing to do, wasn’t it?
In a way, yes. But my attitude about it was wrong. I let every little thing bother me without giving grace; I let my desire for everything to go smoothly cloud over the vision God had for how it should be. I was not letting God take control, I wanted control. So instead of retreating into myself, from then on I retreated into God, and never into myself, and then God.
Unsurprisingly, the week started getting better. I started to enjoy myself and the time I had with girls who were not on my team, and those who were. I explored markets, ate Indian food for the first time, saw the incredible Angkor Wat, played with children in a market alley, played with little girls outside of their house, rode in many, many Tuk Tuks, and above all, I rejoiced.
I learned that this journey was not something I had to do, but something I get to do. That God is letting me do.
Without Him, I would never be here.
P.S. I still have $3,283 until I am fully funded, and need the funds by the middle of January! Please prayerfully consider making a donation as I will not be abke to finish the race without being fully funded.
(Part 2 coming next time I have Wi-Fi!!!!!!!!)
