After three days worth of travel and a 12-hour time change, we finally arrived in Phnom Phen. It’s towards the end of monsoon season which means it’s not only hot but the rain makes it VERY humid. After piling 23 of my other sqaud mates into a van (that clearly only fit about 14 people), we make our way through the city towards the Lucky Star hotel. Everywhere I looked, there was poverty and trash build up. This was the first moment of realizing I was no where close to home anymore. The hotel definitely was not what I expected. Did I mention A/C is not a thing in Cambodia? But it was some place to rest (that was not an airport) and I was thankful. The next morning, my team and I eat breakfast and adventure on to our final destination for the month, Kampong Thom. This was about a three hour van ride.
We finally arrive at our ministry site. Dirt roads are flooded. Cows, chickens, and stray dogs everywhere you look. Rusty barbed wire fences around the house. We get out of the van and take a look at the place we will be living for the month. It’s dirty. Stains on the walls. Similar to an abandoned house in American standards. As we gather our belongings out of the van, my team and I are warmly welcomed by the smiles and laughter of the children that call this place home. One little boy named David, helped me carry my bad up the stairs. I’m pretty sure my bag was taller than he was. They are all so incredibly joyful! This made my heart so happy. All I could do was smile.
The next day, we attended church accompanied by the pastors wife Esther and the Kampong Thom community. The guest pastor was preaching on 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 that day. Esther translated the main points (thank goodness). It’s hard to stay focused when you have no idea what’s being said. Until I heard “Hallelujah” in a prayer. This I knew. The universal language of praise to our Father. I instantly felt comforted knowing, feeling, and trusting God had met us here and that the Holy Spirit was vividly present.
Culture shock is so real and I under-estimated the effect it would have on me. I’d be lying if I said I was comfortable but then again, I signed up uncomfortable this year. Something I may have to be reminded of for the next few weeks. I’ve been challenged in more ways the first couple days here in Cambodia than I ever expected. Big bugs. Heat. Dirt. Language barrier. At the end of it all, God has reminded me many times that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I cannot tell you the comfort that brings. Knowing that I am within the Will of God. It’s the safest place I’ve ever experienced. The same God I worship and love back home in Texas is the same God here in Cambodia. The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, fair, and just God loves me is nothing short of astonishing. He is always with me. He will never leave my side.
Friends, The Great Commission is coming to life and I cannot wait to live it out.
