My time here in Cambodia has been surreal. As I realize that I only have two more weeks till I will be packing up my bags, to head off to my next destination, my heart moans. This month especially has made me feel as if this place is now my new home. I have become familiar with all the turns in the roads, I know where all the best smoothies are located, and as I bike by the kids greet me by name. My selfish desires wishes that I could take all these kids with me around the world. To give them more than what they have here but the thing is these kids already have way more than they could ever physically obtain. It is unbelievable to see their constant joy.
Prior to Cambodia I had never smiled this much. Their smiles are a persistent reminder that the Father’s joy is without borders. His love crosses oceans and within those waves He has reached these kids. Whether they are aware of it I have seen Jesus throughout all of them. There is a light within them that is ever so present. I have been privileged to witness this light when I teach them English. It is not easy teaching English in a place where you do not know the primary language but through this I have learned patience’s. Best of all I am able to make a fool out of myself. I think that is why I laugh so much with them. Much like the Father above they do not need me but they desire to have that relationship. Being able to share this time with them has made me aware of how deep the Father’s love is. I could not possibly love these kids as much as God does but having this opportunity to share just a fraction of that love is priceless.
Our host family often tell us, “We are not here to teach English, rather teaching English is our excuse to share the gospel with the children.” I love that I am here not only to help educate these kids but also to share with them the love that the Lord has freely given to us. There is not many days in our lives where we get to stop what we are doing to travel the world to share of God’s abundant love. If we are not careful we can allow the clock to keep running while we are down.Time can be a thief if we do not stay engaged with what is surrounding us. That is why I am thankful that God has not only blessed me with one month of ministry here in Cambodia but two. I have been able to see the Lord work through the children and my own heart. But as the time draws near to a close I pray I stay present these next two weeks. Living out each day to the fullest ability that God has left me with.
Therefore, I want to leave you all with this when you reach the end will you be able to say you lived this life to the fullest using all the gifts God had blessed you with? It is simply never too late to start living each day to the fullest. Run the race that has been set out before you! (Hebrews 12:1-2)
