By the numbers:
3 – # of dead snakes I biked over. Yes, I freaked out each time.
4 – # of beds I slept in.
5 – # of times students brought me a flower to class. How sweet are they?!
7 – # of iced vanilla lattes I consumed at Common Grounds. Yumm.
96 – # of crazy bike rides I took (+ or – 20ish)
Best food:
Common Grounds Cafe!! Aka, american food in the heart of Siem Reap. We're talking grilled cheese, iced latte's and pumpkin muffins. I spent 99% of my months budjet here and I don't regret it for a second. Delish. We also became BFF's with the amazing workers.
Meet Chang Hai and Charile, 2 of my newest friends:
What God is teaching me right now:
This month God has been showing me that he cares about the small stuff in my life. He doesn't just care about huge world issues, he also cares about the things that make up day to day life. He cares how i'm feeling, what is stirring in my heart and about things that are important to me. I feel like i've stepped into a closer relationship with Him as I've started to allow him into all the small things.
Bucket list moment:
Something that has been on my bucket list for a while was to run a race… it could have been a 5k or a marathon, I just wanted to start and finish some form of a race. Last month I finally got my chance! Technically at the end of Thailand but for the benefit of Cambodia, B-squad took part in a 10k! Our squad leader, Stacey, started a non-profit called the27project. The idea is that people will host and particiapte in races all over the world, getting sponsors, and the money raised will go to help prevent human trafficking. Pretty sweet, huh? B-squad got to participate in the first ever 27project run and it was so much fun!!! For more info about Stacey's organization, check out www.speaktothehope.blogspot.com
Missionary Mama:
Ok, she's not a mama but she is one really cool missionary gal. This month we had the pleasure of getting to know Amy, a former World Racer and current day missionary in Siem Reap. Not only did she impart great knowledge upon us (like how you can use Tiger Balm on mosquito bites. genius.) but she also gave me a really great picture of what it looks like to be a full time missionary. I was super inspired by Amy -.she's a single 25 year old woman and she lives a completely normal life, it just happens to be in Cambodia. She doesn't live in a hut and she wears normal clothes and has a great community of friends. I think sometimes when I think full time missionary my mind immediatly jumps to long braids in the bush in Africa, but it was so great to see how she lives her life for Jesus here in Cambodia. Helped me to see that I could potentially do the same. Thanks for being so awesome Amy!!
Greatest Adventure:
Our mode of transportation for the month was bikes, and that made just about every moment a great adventure. I biked with possibly a bit too much freedom and abandon to all else, so Nikki was constantly shouting from behind me 'Becca – BUS!' There were more than a few close calls, but somehow we all stayed alive and with all of our limbs intact.
God Moment:
One of our greatest ministry opportunities this month was our last weekend in the city. We took a long, bumpy tuk tuk ride out to Bakong village and hosted a women's day for all the women in the village. The girls painted nails, washed/de-liced hair, did conditioning treatments and lots of other fun things. I held it down in the hair cutting department and was able to have good convos and fun with many of the women. It was so fun to help make them feel special, even if only for the afternoon. It's amazing how something so small like painting nails or cutting hair can really bring people joy. I loved it!
We have now made it safely to the incredible country of Vietnam! For the most part Facebook is blocked here, so if you want to chat this month email me! So old fashioned, right?! [email protected]
