“I got robbed” not the grandest words for parents to receive in a message from their daughter in Cambodia. “I got robbed” is one of the toughest experiences to happen on the race thus far.
Tuesday night our team returned from our four days at the beach. That night we went out for Mexican food, walked through a night market, and enjoyed a fun cab ride home to our ministry sight. It was an ordinary night coming off of a great weekend of rest and adventure.
Before heading to bed I went outside and sat down to chat with my squad mentor. As we caught up and chatted I saw two guys walk by. Thinking nothing of it, I didn’t pay attention to where they went, but continued to talk on the phone. Minutes later, I felt a slap against the side of my face and a hand grab my phone.
As I shrieked and ran towards the house, I saw a guy run off with my iPhone knowing I would never see it again. Getting robbed was something we talked about at launch, but never something I ever pictured happening to me personally.
Once the shock of all that took place was over, a pain set in. A feeling of violation and complete fear. I could see the two guys’ faces vividly in my mind. As I sat in my bed that night, I couldn’t believe that someone would be so desperate as to grab a phone while I was making a phone call.
But this is the reality of Cambodia and where we are staying. Robberies happen quite often and the same guys get away with robbing people night after night. Where is the justice in all of this? A question I continue to ask the Lord.
Getting robbed was a terrible way to learn a valuable lesson. This is my shout out to my fellow racers and friends who are traveling around the world: keep your valuables locked up, don’t be outside after dark alone, and always be aware of your surroundings.
As cliche as it sounds, my prayer is that these guys meet Jesus one day. That they become overwhelmed in their pursuit of money through robbing others and find Jesus who will fulfill them more than a broken iPhone 5s.
Getting robbed was tough and I am still processing the whole thing. But, I know it’s not something that will stop me from living faithfully each day for the Lord and what He has for us to accomplish in Cambodia. Shoutout to my teammates for surrounding me with love during this hard encounter. And to whoever buys my iPhone at one of the street stands, good luck in getting the broken thing to work!
I’m hoping to not have another story like this one on the race, but wanted to share it because it was pretty crazy.
Until Next Time,
Michelle
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Team Ahava Chara at the BEACH!
