Wow. I've loved being in Cambodia. We've been living in a little village called Kampung Speu, teaching English classes, loving on some babies, hanging out with some amazing teenagers, and teaching them about Jesus.
Now, I love cities. The people, the constant action, the never ending list of things to do. I love it all. But this month, I've LOVED the village. Even the things that I never thought I would enjoy. Like the dirt. And the bucket showers. And the squatty potty. And the turtle that lives in the water we wash our dishes with. None of it ever got old to me. It was like I could never get enough of the people and the scenery and the atmosphere here. I just wanted to soak it all in, and then never, ever leave.
This month has been full of blessings and beauty. The Lord showed me how to be inspired by His creation like I never have been before. I found a big, awesome tree that I got to climb and hang my hammock in to spend time with Him. I got to go on bike rides with my team mates to the market to buy clean ice. And I got to go star gazing most nights and saw TONS of shooting stars throughout the month! It was amazing, and totally what I needed.
Teaching English class! (Photo cred: Stephanie)
And then, there was ministry, which was even more amazing than the scenery. Before the race, I was able to hang out with some of the awesome teens at my church, and I loved it. I've missed spending time with teens since being on the race! We taught English classes here which, I've learned, is not something that comes easily to me. But outside of English class, were one on one times. Usually, this turned into one on three or four (or sometimes seven!). It was such a sweet time to get to know the students and to love on them. Some of the students know Jesus and openly talk about their faith to their peers, which is incredible to see. Some of the other students don't know the Lord yet, and one on ones were an awesome opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Bible study (Photo cred: Travis)
And then, there were the nightly Bible studies with the kids. 30 children and teens meeting together every night to sing songs and hear stories that declare the Lord's goodness. It was incredible to see them earnestly and excitedly seek Jesus. They loved the song we taught them, Break Every Chain. Every night, as their sweet voices sang out "there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain," I could feel the chains that enslave these people breaking. And every time they sang "there's an army rising up," I got goosebumps because the Lord really IS rising up an army of believers here. The Lord isn't done here yet, and I can't wait to hear and see what He continues to do in and through these beautiful children!
