Just visiting another country and actually living in another country and becoming a part of its culture is very different than what I thought it would be. It’s challenging, but insanely beautiful and exciting. I’ve learned a little bit of the Khmer language and tried a lot of Cambodian food, including dog (please don’t hate me). To be honest, we’re not entirely sure which parts we ate, but it was pretty good. With the exotic foods and new culture, my squad found a western store that holds all of our American comfort foods like peanut butter, ice cream, chips and oreos that help us when we feel homesick.
Our leaders weren’t kidding when they said that all the odds would be against us when we went out and did ministry. You can feel the spiritual blocks that try and stop us when we go out, but it’s nothing to be fearful of. This actually excites me because I know that a great resistance from the enemy means that God is already placing miracles and great things before us.
My ministry for this week, next week, and all next month after debrief looks like:
5:30 wake up and shower
6:30 breakfast
7:00 prayer
8:00 teaching English and doing sports ministry at a Buddhist private school (where we painted the murals)
11:30 bible study at Ezra
12:00 lunch
1:30 perform shows and sing at hospital
3:00 teach English and create relationships with some rescued victims of sex trafficking at a cafe
Aside from ministry, we have had a lot of downtime and it’s been a struggle for me. I’m still in the American mindset of go, go, go and get as much done as possible. But here, it’s very laid back and I found myself feeling super restless. So, I learned the fine art of taking multiple short naps throughout the day and it’s lovely. I’ve also had a ton of time to be with God and read through my bible. I have read more of my bible just in these 2 weeks than my entire life and I’m very thankful.
