Hey fans!
Thank you or reading Cambodia pt. 1. Hopefully you’ll enjoy pt. 2 even better. The country was so nice I had to write on it twice.
Let’s get into island mode shall we? It’s a place I like to go every single day. Because let’s be honest, who DOESN’T like islands? They’re wonderful.
Islands are sunny, islands are balmy, islands are breezy, islands are beachy, islands are beautiful, islands are wonderfulness.
This is why I like to find an island everywhere I go. I tried to include a picture of my island in Cambodia. This isn’t a REAL island topographically speaking. But in a sea of lush green rice fields where there is some nice grass, nicer palms trees, and a place where a hammock sways perfectly – that’s an island.
God always meets me on islands. In places that reek of his beauty. Where I can sit and bask in his glory. Islands can be found in the Caribbean, in the woods, near a lake, in your comfiest chair, at your desk, in your bed, your favorite hiding spot or in a corner with head phones in – Anywhere you go to get away, and get into God.
Like I said before my month in Cambodia was wonderful, for many reasons, but the Rice Field Island (RFI) takes the cake.
Here’s why…
RFI is all by itself, in the middle of rice fields, perfect size for one castaway.
RFI quickly became a place of retreat and rest for members of our team and Jo’s (our co-team)
RFI was used for discipleship, both with my team and the contacts we worked with.
RFI was where guitar jam sessions and lessons took place.
RFI is where CC’s therapy sessions took place.
RFI had beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
RFI was where I started almost each day, with God on this awesome Island, basking in his presents.
RFI is where I recharged. Where I worshiped. Where I took afternoon naps. Where I watched stars. And Where I smiled, a lot.
RFI took my breath away.
RFI wasn’t the only great thing about Cambodia. Let’s take a look at some of the other ingredients of wonderfulness in Cambodia.
My contact Vuthy: This guy quickly became all of our best friends. So caring and selfless. Hilarious and a rockstar for Jesus. He is everything I could’ve asked for in a contact. His heart is a mirror to Jesus. His personality a window to a zesty life.
The boys: Around 10 boys lived with Vuthy to study English intensely and become disciples of Jesus. These guys were awesome, such a joy. I especially appreciated Pektra and my guitar sessions along with great laughs and discipleship times. David was another great guy, we taught public school together, he was beyond hilarious :).
These guys made my month overflowing in wonderfulness. Relationships were my favorite part of the month!
Christmas: My first Christmas away from family and the great state of Michigan didn’t include snow. It did however include lots of parties, and lots of Jesus! We had three parties, complete with 200 kids, skits, music, dance parties and awesome food. Jesus was made known to so many kids that have been Buddhist their whole life. Praise God!
Santa Clause: Ho Ho Ho! MERRY CHRISTMAS! This was my favorite thing to say as I brought Santa alive (in complete character and attire) all day. Santa showed up to Team Jacob for presents in the middle of the night, at the morning market, in classrooms, at parties and even on the dance floor, especially the dance floor. The Santa flame was rekindled in all of our hearts :).
Public school kids: They picked me flowers everyday. I got high fives and hugs from nearly everyone everyday. We got to learn anatomy 😉 We played lots of hangman. And started everyday out with “Ziggy Zaggy Ziggy Zaggy – Oi! Oi! Oi!”
The morning market: I love breakfast. This was the best smorgasbord of non-western breakfast I’ve ever been exposed to. Mmmmm.
Cool nights: While most of you reading this are in a real winter. On the race it’s been 95 degrees everywhere, but here it got down to the 50’s at night. Relief.
My team: Team Jacob was roaring on all cylinders. We had a wonderful month. Played cards all the time. Laughed too much. Enjoyed God, Life and each other.
The beach: I had beach blinders on…it earned me two great off days on the beautiful Cambodian coast.
Angkor Wat: As Apne of the 7 wonders of the man-created world, Angkor Wat’s enormous, breath taking temples were outstanding. The ruins made me feel like I was in a movie shoot, so real so authentic. I had never seen any building structures like it in my life.
Rose Bowl: Incase you didn’t know, Michigan State has been killing it. They beat number 2 OSU to land themselves in Pasadena, Cali for their first Rose Bowl in 25 years! Go Green! Go White!
God: God stretched me, grew me, wore me out an filled me out. Most of all God and I walked together in Cambodia. It was wonderful.
That’s Cambodia in a chestnut-shell. I hope you had a wonderfulness filled December and got to love on Jesus, Family and Santa Clause during Christmas! Build a snow man for me 🙂 (no shorter than 7 feet tall, go hard or go home).
I hope you can all find a wonderful breezy island to get away to and enjoy your creator, if not, you can just come join me on mine.
Have a most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
Jake
Sent from my iPhone
