It’s funny to me sometimes, looking back and remembering how things start. What sparks the flame? About this time last year I pretty spontaneously decided to go on the World Race, and from that choice stemmed a multitude of growth and experience in my life and in others. I’m not sure I could pinpoint exactly what I expected coming on this adventure, but I have no regrets.
Now I sit here, at Teen Challenge Cambodia, and get to participate in fanning the flame of a fire lit by Koy Chhim just six months ago for the women and children of Phnom Penh.
Last week we passed out flyers inviting the neighborhood kids to a VBS Sunday afternoon program, as well as promoting a discounted price (5 USD/month) to attend the TC pre-school. I should preface this story by saying that I have passed out many a-flyer around the world, with little to small success in most cases.
However, we’re here to get excited about whatever our contact is excited about, and passed as many flyers out as we could. To my surprise, a steady stream of parents have since then signed their kids up to get educated! The pre-school went from 3 to 24 kids over the weekend. On top of that, we had about 60 kids turn out for the VBS program. Even our football friends made an appearance! We played games, sang songs, and the staff put on a skit about the prodigals son that had the kids rolling. It was definitely a huge success, andjust the beginning of the kind of community center they are turning the TC women’s campus into.
Do you see what I mean? Things are
happening over here, and it all started when Koy’s heart broke for the streets. That is what lit him up, and ever since he’s been putting his passion into motion with a relentless effort. Just gets me thinking what I’m passionate about. What lights me up? What lights you up? Would we throw all that we are into whatever that may be? It is a commendable life that Koy and his family have chosen, and I admire them for it. My prayer is to be as on fire for whatever the US brings for me after this race as Koy is for his mission here. Oooooh – America – comin’ in hot!
Top Ten Tidbits 
1. My team is down to four people; Val went home to recover from pneumonia.
2. The heat index hangs out at ~130 degrees F
3. You can get cavities filled for 2.50$, but they’re too afraid to operate on foreigners. =/
4. My team still likes mangos!
5. Shower-time is in the yard under the stars, from a spicket drawing pond water.
6. Bedtime is at 7:30pm, and we actually fall asleep then. Days begin at 6am.
7. We eat rice at every meal
8. Our tuk-tuk driver knows exactly where to go when we draw pictures of ice-cream
9. We’re visiting one of the seven ancient wonders of the world: Angkor Wat
10. Next up is a children’s home in Malaybalay, Philippines, with beds for the first time in Asia. Holla!
