This month, my team has been partnered with Ezra Ministries in Battanmbang, Cambodia. Through their partnership with organizations around town, I’m a teacher! And a painter and a bug killer and a librarian. And it’s been a blast!
Cambodia is a country full of beautiful, resilient people.
If you didn’t know, Cambodia endured a genocide around the 70’s. It is a tragic part of their history where they lost so much of their population. The Lord challenged our hearts on how to help the need we see around us. He lead our team to fast two of our meals and use that money to bless others.
We took our #adventureday and spent the day with each other in fellowship. We hammocked, swam and prayed next to the lake. He refreshed our spirits, then the fun began! Traveled to the market, Western store, and bought TWO tubs of ice cream! Strawberry and chocolate to be exact. One of our teams has been doing ‘outreach ministry’ with a community down the street from us, so naturally six American girls pull up with a table, some ice cream and big smiles. We set up the table and the response was immediate. Before we knew it, we had a table surrounded of Cambodian children ready to receive. Soon, we started seeing parents and elders lining up and what a joy it was to serve them! They saw a cup of ice cream, we gave a heart full of love and a whole lot of Jesus.
In a couple of minutes we cleared through both ice cream tubs and 100 smiles were served. We took some time to play, dance and sing with our new friends. It was beautiful to watch how quickly the atmosphere had changed on the street. From a quiet Friday afternoon to an ice cream block party!
So today, and everyday, I am thankful for ice cream. Not only because it possibly is my favorite thing in the world, but because it can break any barriers and bring a smile to those who receive.
From one vulnerable heart to another,
Diane
