There are few and far between quiet-er moments that I’ve experienced since arriving in Cambodia. Riding through the streets on the back of a motor bike or laying in the middle of the empty schoolroom floor after a long day and quick workout, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive for dinner. It’s in these moments all I hear is: “take it ALL in. Don’t forget this. Don’t forget this place. Don’t forget these people. But even more importantly, don’t forget what you’ve felt”.
I’ve caught myself paying extra attention to the little things. The sights, the smells, the feel. What does this cool floor feel like on my feet? How many lizards were there in the shower with me(for real tho)? How many little voices just said: TEACHER TEACHER!? The look on that little girl’s face when I handed her a snack because she never has anything in her bag when she comes to school. The cry of that little boy with a fever who was dropped off regardless of his illness. The young women who constantly tell me how beautiful I am, and how it makes me want to grab their hands and tell them how beautiful THEY ARE, how strong, capable, worthy, loved, and beautifully created in His image they are, how they have yet to grasp their own beauty. All this and more.
I see God in the family of the home where I teach English each evening. They open up their home for students to come and learn English in hopes it will not just better their futures academically etc, but also a small way into learning about Jesus. Just being Jesus to them, showing His love to them.
Tonight, after school we had dinner together. The husband asked me to pray about a new endeavor. Children in the countryside who are too far away to be able to come to a school like this even if they could afford it. Their heart is for them and they are creating a plan to reach them and teach them English at no cost whatsoever. As he spoke, my heart felt like it had a mind of its own, and I immediately thought, I need to help them. We have to make this happen.
Without them knowing my thoughts, they sincerely offered their home, a room, food, and everything that could possibly be needed when I come back(yes they said when). And I began to fall apart inside. They have asked me more than once when I’ll return, like it’s a done deal. I just respond with, I’d love to come back someday.
This family is the image of selflessness, servanthood, hope, and childlike faith. I will never forget them. I will never forget any of this. And God willing this is the first of many trips to Kampong Thom, Cambodia.
No matter what happens, I’ll always remember the time this family offered a stranger(me)a home. Invited me into their home-to live, work, and be a part of their family. Who does that? Jesus. Jesus does that.
I hope one day I get there. But dang I’ve got some rough edges and Jesus has got some work on his hands with me….I choose to grow In giving so freely, loving so fiercely, and hoping with childlike faith.
GOAL: When someone sees my life and they just say, “wow. She really loves Jesus.”
