Well, I am writing to most of you from over a 100 degree temperature difference. I heard that there was yet another storm in North Dakota this week. Here in Cambodia, the “real feel” most days is in the upper 90s and it is very humid. The only air we have is a few fans and the breeze outside, so I’m getting used to sweating 24/7.
Anyways, I’m all settled in here and have a couple of weeks under my belt (crazy!) Our team of girls is a whole lot of fun! They are from California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. It’s been cool to learn from so many different life experiences and perspectives.
A typical weekday here looks a bit like this:
We start our morning ministry with house visits. We walk around the village with our translator and stop at houses along the way, getting to know the families, sharing a bit about Jesus, and praying for them. The visits can be challenging. The reality of most families’ lack of salvation is very evident and can be emotionally heavy. Conveying the power in the story of Jesus to people who have been Buddhist all of their lives is difficult. However, in the short couple weeks that we have been here, we have already been able to build some great relationships with members of the village and have seen a lot of curiosity when we talk about God! We continue to pray and revisit these people, trusting that the Lord is at work here.
In the afternoon we have been working on digging a very large fish pond that will be a way for the ministry home here to bless people in the village. Then we end the day with teaching English at a school! I think that this has been my favorite part of ministry. The class that I am teaching in has about 16 middle schoolers. They are so smart and pick up on things really quickly. We have a lot of fun too! I have also occasionally been able to help with a Kindergarten class in the early afternoon.
On the weekends we have quite a bit of time to rest and explore. I’ve read a couple good books, visited an island, and swam in the Gulf of Thailand. You know, the usual… 😉 We also play soccer with kids from the village on Saturday/Sunday, help with church on Sunday morning, and lead kid’s club in the afternoon.
Oh and I’ve been to two Cambodian weddings already! That was fun. They are completely different than weddings in America, but it was cool to see that part of their culture.
Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I’m up to on this side of the world 🙂
PRAISES:
-Our amazing host, Vuthy and his family, who have been so kind and welcoming to us
-A great first 2 weeks of ministry, breaking spiritual ground during house visits
-Students who listen well and are so eager to learn
PRAYER REQUESTS:
-For wisdom and discernment in what/how to share as we continue with house visits
-That we would continue to plant seeds here and trust that the Lord will grow them, even after we leave
-Rest and good sleep, the days get very long in the heat
