Our last month of ministry.
That concept was hard enough for me to wrap my mind around when we started ministry in Cambodia.
And now, 30 days later, our month of ministry is now over.
That idea is even harder for me to comprehend.
Not
only has our time in Cambodia flown by, but when I think back over this
race, it seriously feels like I’ve only been gone a month.
I
could not imagine a better way to finish our time of ministry. We had
an excellent placement this month. We have been in Kampong Cham, one
of the biggest cities in Cambodia teaching English. Our contact was an
incredible woman named Cecil, from the Philippines. She works with
YWAM and runs a Youth Development Center here. She, along with five
other amazing women, teach English every day to the students here, many
of which are Buddhist and Muslim. I really loved our time here. My
team got to teach English classes and give the girls a break. This is
my second time teaching English in Asia, and I fell in love with it all
over again. In January of 2009 I got to teach English in South Korea
for a while. I loved it so much, and I am so honored to be back in
Asia teaching again. I love forming relationships with the students,
and helping them develop their English skills. Because the Development
Center is run by missionaries, English is just an entry-way into these
student’s lives. The teachers really strive to disciple and encourage
the students to a faith in Jesus. It was amazing to hear the Gospel
presented to our students, and watch them really accept the truths of
Jesus Christ.
We
also got a chance to tour this beautiful city and spend time with the
villagers here. One day, Martha and I took our bikes to the river and
just rode around. We came upon a sweet little village made of
cardboard and tin sheets. Instantly we were accepted in and all of the
children started posing for our cameras. I am really going to miss
being able to walk up to any community and be instantly accepted.
This
month has been amazing to get to pour out into the people here. It has
been filled with lots of great times with my wonderful “Phene Girls”
and has given us a chance to truly begin processing the end of this
race.
…And did I mention we had BIKES this whole month 🙂
And
now we are leaving tomorrow morning….We have just over a week left on
the race. The next few days will be filled with lots of reminiscing,
tons of laughing, filled with memories, and certainly a lot of tears.
I am really going to miss this incredible group of people that the Lord
has brought into my life. I am so thankful for the wonderful
experience. And I am still in awe of all the amazing things I saw God
do around the world this year
Thank you so much to all of you who
supported me throughout this journey! Not only has it been the
missions trip of a lifetime, but I truly feel like it is a launching
pad into my next step of ministry. I want each of you to know that I
would not be here today if it were not through all of your prayers and
encouragement. To my amazing supporters back home: Thank you so
much! I hope you know how many lives you have changed this year (If
not, then go back and read a few of my Africa blogs, and know that you
are making a HUGE impact on the world). I can’t wait to tell you all
stories in person when I get home. I am looking forward to lots of
hugs, tons of quality time, and certainly endless amounts of Starbucks
Coffee.
Until then, I am going to try to soak up these next 9
days as best as I can, and continually live in the moment – the amazing
little moments that God gives us every day!
