Cambodia stole my heart, and I don’t think it is planning on ever giving it back. I didn’t realize a place I knew so little about would captivate my spirit in such a special way. Sometimes on the race, you get used to picking up and leaving. Around week three, I usually find myself saying, “Alright, I am ready to see what is next”. Not here. With tears flowing down my cheeks and arms wrapped around my sweet sister VoLeak, leaving Cambodia was the last thing I wanted to do. Every day held a new surprise in its hands.
When I look back on Cambodia, I don’t think back to the ancient temples, the fair trade stores, or the palace. I think back to 10 little girls running around singing 10,000 reasons at the top of their lungs in a tuktuk. I think of water fights on Khmer New Year. I think of the sweetest prayers that hold such wisdom and truth. My heart is overflowing in a way I haven’t seen yet on this journey. This month, it wasn’t us just a month of outpouring Jesus, this month was a month of receiving. Receiving joy, laughter, kindness, and life.
Thank you Jesus for blessing me this month. My soul needed it, and I feel so loved and energized after leaving month 7. You are faithful and so good, even in the hard months.
Thank you Vottey. Your selflessness, compassion, and joy is contagious. The way you love without any selfishness or expectation to receive something back taught me so much. You are a warrior for His kingdom. Keep pressing into Him.
(not pictured: Sivan)
Thank you to my 10 new sisters. Thank you for loving me without holding anything back. Thank you for teaching me how to love Jesus better. Thank you for making me laugh until it hurts. I cannot wait to see the big plans Jesus has for you. This blog and poem is dedicated to you.
“A letter to the daughters of Cambodia”
You are not who they claim you to be.
Dirty cotton, something worthless and unclean.
The Lord declared you CHOSEN
Worth more than silver and gold.
He said, “It is finished”.
You were bought forever in His blood, never to be sold.
Speak life into existence and crush the lie
That says you were born to serve man and just die
You are more than what they say.
More than who you marry or where you sleep
So much more because of how His love runs deep
As you rest and lay your head
May wild, courageous dreams blossom instead.
