There are no driving laws here in Cambodia. It’s actually madness.
Today I almost got hit by a motor-bike (sorry mom and dad). As I made a quick turn to avoid a serious accident and possibly death, I have never felt so alive. As I composed myself, I glanced back at my team-mates Erin and Jenny to see a flash of pure horror cross their faces and all I could do was laugh and grin from ear to ear.
I might sound like a psycho, I know!!! BUT I have some incredible reasons. A moment that could have brought death, lit a flame of life in my heart. The rest of the day I couldn’t help but think about my life and how blessed I am.
I have come to the conclusion that not only, am I cat with 9 lives…. But I am walking proof that God is holding my hand and has never let me go.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I am in a constant overwhelming state of gratitude this month. And this is why:
– I am thankful for the heat. Something about it brings us together to complain but only to realize life could be worse and we are actually blessed.
– I am thankful for frozen coffee!!!
– I am thankful for the rain that cools the city down so we can sleep peacefully.
– I am thankful for cafés with AC.
– I am thankful for the wonderful banana bread made by the hands of women rescued from slavery in this city.
– I am thankful for my bike. For the freedom it represents. How I can cruise around the city and experience joy as the wind gusts through my body and sparks memories of my childhood.
– I am thankful for spur of the moment haircuts. That not only looks good, but gave me an opportunity to love on the women in the salon. (PS: my head rub felt like I was getting scalped… still thankful though)
– I am thankful for Ezra. Our ministry hosts. I am thankful for how their main mission is to just love the people of Cambodia and share Jesus with them. How they always point us to Jesus and trust us with coming along side of everything they are doing for the Kingdom (they are amazing!)
– I am thankful for Maddie, our guest host who doubles as our nurse and has literally fixed all of us. (shout out for rubbing my charlie horse, you da best!!)
– I am thankful for VBS the first week. For the opportunity to love the neighborhood kids, and the time we got to teach them songs about God, belly laugh with them and share our joy with their little faces.
– I am thankful for our ministry at the trauma hospital that allows us to smile at the patients, love on Mrs. Ann, and spend time with her assistant Rachel.
– I am thankful for my education and having the ability to teach English to the kids of Cambodia. This not only sets them up for success in the future but gives us an opportunity to share Jesus with them and they love it.
– I am thankful for Chaumblaun and his friendship. For God opening a window of time for us to talk to him. I am thankful for Chaum’s heart and his interest in Jesus, and for all the questions he has for us. I am thankful for our mornings spent loving him.
– I am thankful for this life I get to live. This life of adventure chasing God and loving His people. IT’S THE MOST FUN!!!
– I am thankful for Jesus loving me first. For Jesus choosing me as a warrior for His kingdom. For Jesus undeniably wrecking my life and saving me from the despair I was living in. For Jesus loving me in all my messes. For Jesus wanting an intimate relationship with me. Gosh I love him!!!
– I am thankful for the freedom Jesus offers. For the way He loves us. For how welcoming our God is.
– I am thankful for this near death experience that has left me to reflect on how amazing my life is.
My heart is full. My heart is thankful. I am more alive than ever!
Love,
Katie B
PS:
I am thankful for my family. For how they love and support me in all of my endeavors. I am thankful for my mom, and for the constant love she showers me with. I am thankful for my dad and for the rock he is for me. I am thankful for my grandparents, for just being the actual best humans and example of Christ’s love in everything they do. I am so thankful for my brother, for showing me how to chase our dreams and never giving up (you’re actually my favorite human in this world). I love you guys.
I am thankful for my friends back home and on this race. Wow you guys just literally never fail to always point me back to Jesus. You always show me grace and love. Thank you guys for how you live your lives and love people the way Jesus loves his people. I look up to you more than you know and I miss yall so very much.
