My squad and I just got back from month one debrief in Siem Reap, Cambodia where we had the time to refuel for the next several months of ministry. I got the opportunity to do and see so many cool things, such as getting a cambodian body massage, eating tarantula, feasting on the best handmade ice cream I’ve ever had, and last but not least having the opportunity to tour Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world!
I had such a great time there, the place we were staying at was just amazing. We had ac, HOT showers (with good water pressure), our own beds, a pool to swim in, and mentors/coaches/leaders to debrief with. As a bonus, we got served the best coffee my taste buds ever tasted.
My highlight at debrief was witnessing and experiencing the repercussions of generosity.
Both of my squad coaches, Rich and Eileen came to our all squad debrief and it was awesome. They’re so hungry for Jesus and love each and every one of us so fearlessly. We’ve only known them for a couple of months. I mean, before debrief I think I had one conversation with the both of them. Now here I am pouring out my life and deepest struggles with them.
Eileen, Rich, my squad mentor and my squad leaders all selflessly loved on us. Whether that be doing a morning devo, writing an encouraging word, playing games or doing relays, having one on one conversations, anointing the sick with oil, or simply even praying over us. They were all there and covered us under their wings.
I have felt and experienced so much love on account of my squad coaches.
We’ll start with Eileen. This bold woman had a one on one with me and I swear she didn’t blink once. She was listening so intently and was fully fixated on me and my feelings, thoughts, and questions. It was the first time on the race where I felt comfortable and at home. I cried for the first time in this convo and got to get a better understanding of what God is working on in me. I felt so connected to her.
I’m so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to connect with Eileen, her spirit filled my heart with so much comfort.
I’ve never been so happy when I found out that there was a gluten free cafe in Siem Reap. Game changer ya’ll.
On one of the last days at debrief Rich and a couple of my teammates took me there. I was ecstatic. I walked into the nicely air conditioned shop and looked to my left and was delighted to see several fridges full on gluten free sweets…my heart dropped. I also may or may not have jumped up in the air for a copile of minutes.
We ordered what seemed like a plethora of things; pizza, cheese cake, chocolate mousse cake, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, date balls, coconut balls, donuts and chocolate covered brownie bites.
I was on cloud nine.
Grin ear to ear, I sat there relishing every bite of substance my teeth sank into. My taste buds were praising me as I stuffed my face. I was now able to smell pizza and eat it! To see desserts and eat them!
Rich payed for all of these things. My first instinct was to put up a fight, I mean how could this man pay for all of these gluten free treats just for me? I felt so loved at this moment. This man took time out of his schedule to go to this gluten free cafe with this girl he barely knows. He did it just for me. And to top it all off, Rich pulled my chair out for me to sit in when going to the table.
Needless to say I felt like I was being treated like a princess. I was so shocked to be treated like royalty, taken back even. He took that extra step. This guy doesn’t even know me and I don’t even really know him, yet he loved on me.
Rich and Eileen’s attention to detail, generosity, and love opened my eyes up to how Jesus views me.
I think that too often I hold myself to a low standard. I often think about how much I am worth to the people around me yet never really stop to think about how much I am worth to my Father. How Christ thinks of me, how much he loves me, how much he cares for me, how much he did for me to live freely.
Christ sees me through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I am a daughter of THE King, I am His princess, He is my king and he takes that extra step just for me.
How gracious is our God?
Sincerely grateful for you, Rich and Eileen. Thank you for the selfless love you pour out on a day to day, hour to hour, and moment to moment basis.
