One thing that has been frustrating with our ministry in
Cambodia is the language barrier. Some of the older guys speak some English,
but especially with the younger boys, we have to play a lot of charades to get
anywhere. Somehow two of the words I have retained are the words for mango and
sour. This has brought about a fun avenue for bonding with the younger boys. I
grab a few of them, point towards the field and say “sawai” (mango). They get
excited, start nodding, and we all sprint outside to the trees. Usually 3 or 4
of us throw ourselves up into the trees and we start our adventure of searching
for sweeter mangos. The guys really like to eat green mangos, but I just can’t
take that much sour, so I say “chew” (sour) and wag my finger at them to say no.
For the next 15-20 minutes we race up and down mango trees and the only words
you usually hear are “Aimee!” or “chew?” It’s quite the funny experience. I
don’t know why the guys like picking mangos with me so much, but it seems like
quite the competition to find me the sweetest one in the tree (which is not
that easy). We come away with ant bites and sticky hands, but no one seems to
really mind.
It’s funny because this whole month has been kind of like
being up in that mango tree.
Every day consists of seeking out the sweetest experiences
and enjoying them to the fullest, despite any ant bites we get along the way
(stomach flu, heat exhaustion, sleepless nights…)
Our last night at Teen Challenge held so many sweet moments.
We bought s’mores ingredients for all the guys when we were in town and had a
big bon fire. We sat around and shared stories from our month, heard
testimonies, and prayed for each of the individuals. It was finally time for us
to climb down from the tree.
It is going to be hardest living without my little boys.
Chem and Mouse are like my little sons. It has been crazy to see Chem
especially transform over the month from going around and hitting every one
(“tough guy”), to running to me as I walk in the gate every day and wrapping his
little arms around me. If he ever found me sitting down he would always run
over and plant himself in my lap, cuddling into my arms. All I want to do is
love on him and his brother, but I have to trust God that he will take care of
them even when I can’t.
The greenest mango of them all: driving away from our
beloved friends. With many tears and promises, we bid them farewell, many of us
planning to one day be reunited with them. My heart will remain in Cambodia. I
know I should be excited for my month in Africa, but it’s hard when every part
of me doesn’t want to leave the place I’m at. If I could have it my way I’d
stay…but I know God must have more for me in the next 4 months elsewhere.
