Battambang, Cambodia. A small city of about 145,000 people with lots of farm land, cows, and Buddhist temples. The coldest it gets here, on average, is about 68 degrees and only during December and January. During the hot season (so right now), temperatures soar over 100 degrees. Sunny. Hot. Beautiful.
Prior to the Race, Cambodia wasn’t really on my radar. I had heard of it, sure, but it was just another country on the other side of the world. Now, this place feels like home. Coming out of month 6 I was pretty burned out and not sure how I was going to finish this Race strong. I was drained, I was discouraged, and I was unsure.
But it only took four days and ten girls to completely change my perspective.
As soon as we got to Battambang almost two weeks ago, we were greeted by our host, Vottey, who was super excited to have her first World Race team. Vottey runs Sending Hope Cambodia which is an orphanage that houses 10 beautiful young women of God. She lives at the home with her husband, two daughters, a teacher, and a cook. Ministry this month looks like hanging out with and loving on these girls who have so quickly captured each of our hearts. We get to teach them English, sing silly songs, and learn about the Word of God together.
I have no kids but if this is anything what motherhood is going to be like, my heart might really explode. I never knew I could love like this.
So far we’ve gotten to:
Play on bridges
Explore mountaintop temples
Put flowers in EVERYTHING
Celebrate Khmer New Year
And baptize our sisters in to the Kingdom.
My heart is already breaking in anticipation of leaving in a few days but I can’t help but thank God for my newfound family. The Lord is so good and knows exactly what we need, right when we need it.
All the love from Cambodia,
Katie Mere
