I had sweat coursing down my face and dripping off my chin as I finished sharing my testimony at the prison. When I sat down and scratched my ankle, dirt clomps made their new home under my fingernails. The flies swarmed my legs and wet, salty liquid dripped down my kneecaps. (I still find it utterly fascinating that knees can sweat. Who stinkin knew!?)
I leaned over to Noah and informed him I was the reason the flies were out in full force- it'd been nearly 4 days since I'd showered.
When I live near or in the slum, I stop showering. All I wanna do is be covered in dirt, if not dirtier than the kids I play with. I've only taken two since I've been here and I love it. Luckily every time we go to the gas station, Jake sprays me with this awful Old Spice wannabe cologne to mask any odor I might be carrying.
Sweet Aroma? I think yes.
Cambodia is rapidly finding a special place in my heart. I am in love with the people, the city, the devasatation they have survived and the presence of God that displays itself all over Kampong Cham.
There's something about living amdist the poor that makes my heart race. I guess it's official, I'm a sucker for love. The love that flows out of these villages is enough to send a space craft into orbit. The people teach me how to love. I see the smiles of Jesus on their faces and the joy of a loving God shining in their eyes.
We go into villages and sing and talk and wash and feed and its this sweet little reminder that this big ole world simply isn''t about us. It's about these kiddos and their moms and the dirt floors they live on. It's about the ribs sticking through their skin and the lice running behind their ears. It's about anything and everything besides the 5'3 white chick pedaling her bike through the streets and nearly wrecking everytime. It's about the laughter this brings the people on the sides of the road as they try not to stare but can't help but laugh.
When I started the Race, I wanted to know what it could do for me. Perhaps sitting back now and asking a different question has changed my perspective for Cambodia.
Jesus, what can I do for you, here, today? How can I make your name greater, increase Your reputation amongst a people eager to love something?
I don''t really think I knew what I signing up for last May while I sat on a recliner in Florida and pushed submit. I dont think it dawned on me that we are ambassadors for Christ that literally tell people about Jesus in hopes that His Spirit will move and they will accept Him. Please laugh with me because I find this equally hilarious. It hit me in Malaysia that we are truly ministers of the Gospel, telling some people, for the very first time about Jesus. That we are here to teach and proclaim His name to the nations- to any and every person that will listen. Did I think we would only talk to Christians? Did I think this was just about me for an entire 11 months?
Ohh lawww, Christin.
Emily and I met with an older woman named Som at the village on Monday. She's paralyzed and lays in a lame excuse for a hut day in and day out. I stared and simply smiled as I readjusted the child on my hip. The sun was scorching our skin and if eggs had been cracked they'd be sunny side up and ready to eat.
As I gazed into this woman's eyes, I thought, what are the right words to say?
I'm sorry doesn't seem to do it justice.
So instead we simply sang. We sang of how great our God is. We sang our little hearts out and I watched this woman's eyes come alive. They pooled in tears and she slowly leaned in to get a better look at these white girls praising a God who is alive and moving.
We're going back tomorrow and I can't wait to sing again. She was comforted by the praises sung to our God and if I can, I'll hang out there all morning, just to see her smile. Her teeth are rotting and her bones look like they'd snap if the wind blew too hard but there's something special about her. This story is just beginning and I can't wait to see what God unfolds.
Something sweet is stirring in Cambodia. It's molding and shaping us. It's quiet and reassuring yet bold as it infiltrates through our hearts and souls. I'm thankful for this place. I'm thankful for my team and the hearts they have that chase after God no matter what. No excuses. We love because He first loved us.
Show us where you want us, Jesus. Say what You wanna say and do what Ya wanna do. It's gonna be good, I know that full well. Thanks for who You are and for Your patience and Your grace. You're awesome, You really are.
**pictures by emily chant. look to the left of your screen to stalk her more!
