What were your first thoughts when I told you I was going on the race? Do you think it was an awesome opportunity? Were you taken back by the length? Did you think I was crazy? I remember my first thoughts when God said go, I thought that sounds amazing! But also a really long time…. Are you sure, God?
Fast forward, here I am, one month in. I’m in Bangkok, Thailand with 54 other girls I had never met before August 10th. Sometimes I have to step back and take stock of where I am, what I’m doing, and what God is doing in order to remain in awe of His plan. I have to remind myself to be amazed at the craziness of it all. Month one has been quite an experience and I already recognize changes in myself. Sometimes I wonder if I went home right now if you would see those changes.
There are so many things I want to tell you, to make you understand, but I don’t know how to put it all into words. How can I explain deep truths that were revealed in an instance? How can I explain things that I don’t yet grasp myself? I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to explain all that has happened this month, but I’ll give it a shot. God spoke a lot of truth to me, truths I want to share.
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God has the ability to breathe life into a place, and He said he would do just that for Cambodia
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Jesus is the hope of glory, which is exactly what Cambodia needs; hope,hope that we have
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We will prevail, Jesus already won, so why do we sometimes act like we lost?
- We are living stones; Christ is the cornerstone we are built upon. We are alive, because of our foundation
- Giving with your heart makes a difference; often times it’s not about the physical things we can give, but the spiritual and emotional things
- We change the atmosphere of every place we walk into, the light we carry shines no matter where we go, we can’t help but leave footprints
- You reap what you sow; sometimes you do the hard work and plant seeds day in and day out, other times you get to be a part of a harvest
- Stories are meant to be told, just remember to tell the most important story; God’s- the greatest story ever told that’s hardly ever told
- Aim big, dream big, because our God is BIG- He wants us to dream
- Other gods require water from you, our God gives us Living Water, only He satisfies
There have been other lessons I learned too, some about living in community and being vulnerable. There have been tears and frustrations. There has been a lot of self awareness and grace towards my teammates. Luckily, there has also been a lot of good times, hearty laughter, and dirty chacos. Hard to believe it’s only been a month! It’s not about counting down the months though, it’s about the experience. A live in the moment, one day at a time kind of experience. One that actually lasts a lifetime.
We are on a journey for our entire lives. This side of heaven we are all just becoming.
Right now I’m enjoying my first squad debrief (a time of processing and rest) in Bangkok until the 10th. I have a cultural debrief on the 11th, then my team will head to Tak Fa to start ministry. Thank you, for deciding to come on this adventure with me. Your prayers are felt and greatly appreciated.
