Introducing my new team, Daughters of Zion (DoZ)
We have been in the beautiful and friendly country of Cambodia for the past week and a half. Our ministry consists of living in a small, incredibly rural village (Douch) and teaching English in a neighboring, equally as small/rural village.
Every morning my teammates and I wake up to run down the dirt path leading to our compound, occasionally dodging cows and ox drawn carts. Over the fields that surround us on our runs we are blessed by the beauty of hard working Cambodians doing life as the sun rises. At various points throughout the morning we are met by tiny children waving and cheering us on as we pass by.
Returning, we shower with the same water used by the many animals that roam freely around our home. Realizing how grateful I am to have had clean water the past six months and 21 years. Then we have some quiet time, devotions galore. We thrive off of thirst this month, whether that be for the Lord or a literal tall glass of water. Feeling slightly more dirty but pleasantly centered, we begin our day of ministry.
The people of this country are generous and kind, beautiful and yet somehow different than the rest of the people we have met on this continent. The pain from their past is not evident in the kind smiles and easy laughter that is extended towards us foreigners. But this country is damaged by the corruption and hatred of its past. Around 30 years ago an enormous genocide took place here, leaving the people frightened, confused, and lacking in many aspects.
The village we travel to for ministry, Peng Tom, is where the grandmother of our contact, Vuthy, lives. Beside her small house is a tiny straw roofed school room where we teach English to the children. In between the classes we are able to go on prayer walks, do house visits with a translator, and teach a bible lesson. Sometime in this next week, we are also looking forward to having a lice party with the children.
In our contact's testimony it was made clear that his first priority is the children. He refers to them as 'his salary'. The love and passion that he has for this ministry is undeniable. Because he lives in a country where Buddhism is the main religion, Vuthy is looked down on for being a Christian. But his call to love and serve the people in his community drives him to dream big and follow through!
After starting up two English schools in two villages, Vuthy is now looking towards the future. He hopes to create a home where children can live and become part of his family. Not an orphanage due to the corruption of the country and their laws, but an extension of his family. He also hopes to someday open a Christian University which is risky in this country, but would be incredibly beneficial!
The hopes and accomplishments of this man are amazing. I am reminded of the goals that I have for my future and the greatness of a God who can do big things through those who are willing. I am incredibly encouraged and cannot wait to persue the plans that the Lord lays out for me. Even if that means bathing with animals and wearing a constant coat of grime. His will for me may not be glamorous, but it will be worth it!
