Month 7 of 11: Battambang, Cambodia
Ministry: Crossing Cambodia
Overview:
Crossing Cambodia is a ministry committed to “compassion unbound.” Their goal for 2014 is to let loose God’s compassion on the kids and families living on the streets of Battambang, Cambodia. They are currently living out this goal through their sponsorship programs that sends street kids to a school as well as through a preschool located on sight with about 10-15 kids. The kids at the center are given two meals a day to make sure they are given the proper nutrition.
This month my team and I were able to serve Crossing Cambodia by spending our days with kids during their summer break from school. This allowed the staff at the center time to under go the proper training.
A typical day went from 7 am-4:30 pm and looked a little like this:
- The kids show up with Greg (the man behind the ministry) in his truck around 7:30 am Monday through Friday.
- The kids strip down and we give them bucket showers and change them out of their clothes into ones already at the center.
- Devotions after breakfast
- We spend the day playing organized games, puzzles, bingo, coloring, dancing, etc.
- Lunch was served around 11 am-12 pm
- Nap time for the preschoolers after lunch for 1-2 hours
- More play time until 4:30 pm
- We drop them back off to end the day
This month was a really growing month. Spending so many hours a day with the rambunctious kids was honestly exhausting, but it was so powerfully rewarding. We were able to tell the kids “I love you” in Khmer and give the greatest of hugs to the street kids who face so much neglect at home. Although they tested our patience and wore us out many days, we were able to practice patience and extend grace while showing them what love and compassion unbound really is.
God has continued to grow and push me this month by pulling me closer to him and allowing me to fully experience his love. This month I was more intentional with my prayers and intimacy with the Lord through prayer and fasting, and it has really encouraged me in my relationship with Him. The past couple of months have been really hard for me trying to make sense of a lot of things, accepting what is and moving forward in that, as well dealing with the emotions of certain doors closing in my life. I have been completely wrecked, but more importantly by experiencing all that has taken place the past two months, I have new gained new perspective and spiritual growth. By being completely broken I have been able to experience God’s love and grace in new ways. I am continuing to learn to trust Him completely. I am giving Him all of my heart. I am living out the rest of this race not defeated in the spirit but with my head held high.
I’m excited to finish this race strong and in great spirits. I’m turning over a new leaf and looking forward to the last 1/3 of the race with my chin up. I’m thriving; I’m no longer just surviving.
Sights
- Tuk Tuks
- Palm Trees
- Dirt Roads
- Anghor Wat
- Disorderly traffic between tuk tuks, mopeds, busses, and cars
- Lots of children
Sounds
- Lots of horns
- The Khmer language
- Children laughing
- Children crying
- Dogs barking
- “Hello!” everywhere we went
- Rain
Smells
- Burnt rice
- Burning trash
- Bug spray
Highlights of the month
- Spending a few days in Siem Reap before heading out to ministry for the month
- Exploring Anghor Wat
- Eating a tarantula
- Getting to know our Host and his heart behind his ministry
- Building relationships with those working with Crossing Cambodia
- The hugs and laughter from the children
- Saying “I love you” in Khmer to the kids and them jumping up in a full body hug
- Picking the kids up and dropping them off everyday
- Bath time when they arrive to the center
- Playing Gangnum Style 4x+ for the kids
- Experiencing the Lord in new ways through prayer and fasting
- Trying heart and liver
- Spending time with the squad in Phnom Penh for a Leadership Development Weekend
- Giving a teaching to my squad on Business Modeling and Business Plans and encouraging others to follow their dreams
I want to thank all of my friends and family for all of the encouraging words and prayers you have shared with me. It means more than you will ever know and I am so thankful for the support.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8
Activities during the day with the kids
Bath time!
One of my absolute favorite parts of the days: getting these ones squeaky clean
Birthdays and celebrations on the race! Happy Birthday Jourdan!
Our team and the staff and volunteers of Crossing Cambodia
Visit to Anghor Wat at the beginning of the month
Visit to Anghor Wat at the beginning of the month?
Visit to Anghor Wat at the beginning of the month?
Eating a tarantula because, why not?
