What perfect timing. I’ve fallen in love, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
How could I not? He treats me so wonderfully…offering me romantic tuk-tuk rides around the city, quiet dates in hipster-style coffee shops, and his people are so receptive to my visit…they immediately welcomed me as if I were part of the family with friendly smiles and big hugs.
Who is he?
His official name is “The Kingdom of Cambodia”, but you can call him Cambodia for short.
He resides in Southeast Asia, snuggled in-between Thailand and Vietnam.
Believe it or not, he’s had a really rough past, and has gone through a lot of tough things over recent years. During the 70’s he somehow got pulled into the Vietnam War and was injured badly. He accidently was hit by a number of U.S. bombs that were meant for Vietnam. However, he is strong and pulled through. However, he really struggled to get back on his feet after the war. He lost control and a Coup took over everything he owned. One-eighth of his folks, who are mostly simple rural farmers, were killed. Thankfully, he pulled himself together at the end of the 1980’s, with the help of the United Nations.
Now, he is doing much better. Most of his people are pretty young, with the average age being 22 years old. But they are so friendly. He doesn’t come from money, and his folks struggle to make ends meet. Yet, they find joy despite their poverty. Also, His folks have been Buddhist for a long time, but I have hope that God will change their hearts one day.
When I’m around him, I feel so happy and I’m encouraged. I see potential for my faith to grow as I share about Jesus to his people. He’s letting me teach English in a little village, a 30 minute tuk-tuk ride from town. His children are precious…you’d love them. They hug my legs and call me, “Teacher.” They jump up and down, clap their hands and loudly sing songs for Jesus when I come to visit.
I am so happy to spend this Valentine’s Day with my new love, Cambodia.
Here are some pictures of what he looks like… maybe he'll melt your heart like he did mine.
The village children, who have so little yet possess so much JOY!
Holding sweet little Cambodian children, who have stolen my heart.
These two boys were all over the place and so fun to play with. They made a dazed look at me when I took their picture up close (Left) and then decided to run around in circles to stir up dust. (Right)
One of the village boys showed off his toy car to me, which was made of a waterbottle, string and coconut shells (Left) and a little girl was too shy to say hello, but watched everything from a distance (Right)
Cambodian-style "noodlin,'" which my dad would appreciate (Left) and the squad leaders look at the day's catch (Right)
Happy Valentine's Day!
