If I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with any of you this month, then you definitely heard how much I LOVED Cambodia! This country is filled with some of the kindest, most loving people I’ve yet to encounter in life. The Khmer Rouge ruled this country in the 70s and preceded to kill a quarter of the population. Anyone who was educated or looked so, was executed. The communist regime held power from 1975-1979, that was intended to ‘purify’ the country and allowed for complete self sufficiency. This brought extreme destruction, and endless lasting impacts. One of the biggest I’ve observed is fear and lack of confidence. Fear that history repeats itself. Fear that if one sends their child to college, that their fate would not be favorable. I had to go to the hospital this month for an illness and observed that the doctors were all from other Asians countries. Crazy!!
This is very much a developing country. One third of the population lives on less than $1 a day. Really let that sink in. That’s over 5 million people. In a village $1 can get you some rice and greens for lunch and dinner. That leaves no money for diapers, shampoo, clothes, books, shampoo, medicine, or even clean water. This very real fact has allowed me to carry an exceptionally heavy heart this month.
My team had the opportunity to serve many hours in a village, about an hour commute from the city center. A church there was planted three months ago, which ministers to a previously unreached people group. That means that these people have never heard the name Jesus before. They desire hope, and many have been very susceptible to something that will heal and bring joy to their lives. We helped teach four english classes, and a bible study. And in between, we would play with the dozens of children in the village. My heart broke and was filled every single day we spent there.
These people have next to nothing, and yet they are happy. They find joy in the most simplistic ways. And they love so hard. SO hard. I am so inspired by the level of sacrifice that the parents make for their children. The Lord really put it on my heart to empower this community and places like this in my future. I am so excited to see what that will look like. In the meantime, I will carry the lessons that this community has taught me. I’m determined to live simpler and more grateful. Birth place is accidental, but our life paths are not. It’s up to us to follow the one that our father carefully designed for us. God created all of you with great purpose, just like He did these villagers. Please keep them and the other 3 billion impoverished people in this world in your prayers. Be thankful, and pass on the kindness. xo
