MY SQUAD AND I HAVE MADE IT TO CAMBODIA! So far, we have gotten to spend time with God and each other and explore the city to get used to cultural norms (yeah, I've been smiling at everyone and saying "hello" in my goofy American accent… found out today that making eye contact with men is promiscuous… woops! That explains the raising of eyebrows every time I smiled at dudes… wah wah waaaah). So far, the food has been delicious (there's this really yummy sweet and spicy sauce that you can put on everything), the weather has been nice (it's very hot but very windy so that helps), the traffic has been hilarious (yeah, people drive on sidewalks and if we don't walk we take tok toks), and God has been good!
(Myself, Nani, and Julie arriving at the airport)
Moving forward, tomorrow our ministry work begins. My team and I are the only team who actually get to live on our ministry site rather than at the guest home where the rest of the squad will be staying, and tomorrow morning we head out. The details I know are as follows: we are doing preventative work in a home for girls ages 5-13, we will be teaching the girls English and hanging out/playing with them, and there is no internet or hot water… woohoo!
Spiritually, I am falling more and more in love with God daily. He has been showing me something for our team: our team name is Freedom 5:8. The "5:8" comes from Ephesians 5:8, which says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." God has been showing me that our team is going to bring freedom to people by being an example of light which once was darkness. We know what it's like to live as darkness, but we also know the ridiculous joy of being a child of light, a child of God. We are going to omit light and freedom to people… sweet!
I am already loving every bit of this journey, from the thrill of a new place to the meekness of the people to my breaking behind closed doors. I am beyond excited to start ministry tomorrow; I know God is going to do great things through my squad, my team, and in me.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and encouragement. By doing so, you are on this trip with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart; I wouldn't be going strong without you. Have an amazing day and I love you. (And a wonderful snow day for all you high schoolers). 😉
