I was both excited and apprehensive at the beginning of this month.
Most of this apprehension had to do with the fact that I was on a new team this month, I was nervous about how being the new person on an already established team would work. I was also apprehensive about what ministry could look like this month, last month was a big learning experience and I had no idea what this month would hold.
I can see now that there was no need to be apprehensive, this month has truly been one of my favorite months on the race. It seems that every time I start to doubt that God is really watching out for me He swoops in to remind me.
“If you then who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask!”
Matthew 7:11
This month has been nothing but a reminder of God’s good gifts.
While I’ve discovered that I in no way ever desire to be a teacher, I absolutely love my student s and I’m going to miss them dearly. I’m going to miss being greeted with “Good morning teacher Jessica” by my 2nd graders. I’m going to miss the running hugs that knock the wind out of me from my evening English students. I’m going to miss the “Goodbye sseacher see you ssmorrow”. I’ll miss seeing Chanti on my way to the coffee shop and our walks in silence (she barely speaks English and I know no Khmer) while she holds my hand.
Chanti
I’ll miss the beach ( yes we’ve been in a beach town this month). It’s been such an awesome gift this month, to be able to relax and just stare out into the water and be reminded of God’s beauty. I’ll miss the conversations I’ve had and the people I’ve met in this tourist town.
I’ll miss Tuk Tuk man. We’ve in essence had our own driver this month. He always seemed to have the knack for showing up exactly when we needed him most.
I’m beyond grateful for the time that I’ve had this month with my team. For the opportunities I’ve had to know them, love them and be loved by them.
I’m thankful for buddy times that lasted way longer than 30 mins. For walks to the fruit stand and bakery stand in the morning. For talks over ice cream, on the beach, at night in our beds. For snorkeling adventures and random dance parties. For nights cuddled on a bed watching Casablanca, Pride and Prejudice and Boy Meets World. For girls nights. For the safety to cry and not be ok. For the encouragement and the love.
Today was our last day of ministry and this time next week we’ll be in Vietnam. Cambodia has captured a piece of my heart and I hope to return some day. I’ve truly loved this month and I am excited to see what God has in store for the coming months.
– Jess
