Month 8 in Kampot, Cambodia:
This month we lived out in the middle of a rice field, away from civilization, internet, and distractions of the city.
It was kind of a wake up call to come into this month from last month.
Last month my team worked in a kindergarten for 4-5 hours in the morning and then we had the rest of the afternoon to walk around, relax, and spend much time with the Lord.
This month, however, I had difficulty finding quiet time, away from children and the three teams who were staying on the property.
Our team of 6 broke up into three pairs, each having 4 classes to teach five days a week. Jacob and I taught 2 two-hour classes and 2 one-hour classes each day.
Between those classes we had about an hour to plan for the next class.
The days pulled a lot out of us. We were planning each class, teaching English to about 40 students total, and, in the midst of this, having team time and seeking out personal time with the Father.
This month I encountered the first times on the Race where I was tired of constantly being in community. I haven’t minded being with people 24/7 since starting the Race 8 months ago, but this month it was getting to me.
There wasn’t a place on the property I could go without having someone in close vicinity. Most mornings I woke up early and started quiet time around 6:45 and I would have some wonderful time, sitting in a hammock, watching the sunrise, and asking questions and listening to God; but that time never lasted long – people eventually started waking up and making their way outside.
While still in Malaysia I had a prophecy about this month, saying that I would be overwhelmed but find peace in my foundation.
This prophecy proved to be correct. Many times I did feel overwhelmed by how busy our days were, but the more reason I had to become overwhelmed, the more I felt peace in just feeling the Father within me, in each step and class of the day.
I was able to stay busy in my flesh, but have a peace in my Spirit, knowing the reason why I was teaching English to Cambodians in the middle of nowhere.
Despite our gray-brown shower/cooking/toilet water, I was able to know that God had cleansed my heart… even if my physical body were not clean.
No matter that most kids did not speak English, I was able to see and experience God’s love by being with them.
It was okay that I had challenges with finding alone time, because I know that I am a woman of God and that He knows my heart behind everything.
