Hello friends and family! This is my last blog post while in Cambodia! This week was our last week with the kids:( We spent our mornings doing manual labor, assisting in building a fence around the orphanage. Then, in the afternoons, we continued to teach English. It’s been a tiring, yet extremely rewarding week!
We will be traveling to Siem Reap on Tuesday and then to Bangkok on Wednesday! While in Bangkok, we will be resting, exploring, and recasting our vision for a few days. After debrief, we will head to Ratchaburi, Thailand, where will be staying for the next two months! As we make this transition, I ask for prayers for me, my team, and the children. We have formed so many relationships and leaving isn’t going to be easy! I ask that the Lord will continue to water and grow the seeds that were planted here, and that His love and hope will continue to overflow in this place.
Wow. I can’t believe it’s almost been a full month! As I write this blog, I’m reflecting on what I’ve learned during my time in Cambodia. The three words that I would use to describe my time here include surrender, obedience, and abundance.
I’ve touched a little bit on surrender and obedience in my previous blogs, so I thought I would write about abundance! My life here is far from normal… there are many moments where I’m uncomfortable and unsure of what’s next. I’ve been pushed spiritually, mentally, and physically. And through this, the Lord has taught me an immense amount about simplicity and seeking joy in the little things. (like finding a cold coke at the house next door… almost cried happy tears) Anyways, the definition of abundance actually means a very large quantity of something… Now you may be thinking, doesn’t that mean the opposite of simplicity? And yes, you’re right. I’m not talking about material or earthly things, because that’s not what we live for. I’m talking about an abundant amount of love and joy. The type of stuff that lasts a lifetime… and then for the rest of eternity!
This week, I’ve been reading into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John. I highly recommend these books if you want to learn more about God’s love and a reminder of how we should love those around us. A verse that stuck out to me is 1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” God and love go hand in hand. There is not one without the other. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:20)
Living in the orphanage among 23 kids who love each other, us, and the Lord, I’ve learned so much about childlike faith. Despite their circumstances and lack of possessions, these kids love like no other. They find joy in community, hugs, kisses, dance parties, fellowship, worship, and most importantly, Jesus. No phones, no distractions. Just real and genuine moments. Loving, and being loved by them has been a life-changing experience. I’m learning to find joy in the simple moments, like sitting under the mango tree and being surrounded by sweet smiles and giggles. I’m learning to embrace what I’ve been blessed with, understanding that the Lord has granted each of us different gifts, circumstances, and experiences. What God has placed in my life is unique and special, and what He has placed in the lives of others is unique and special and that I shouldn’t compare those blessings and challenges. Comparison is the thief of joy. And with all of this, I’m learning to surrender and obey the Father, stepping into the abundant life filled with everlasting love and joy!
I think the kids of New Hope have taught me more than I could have ever taught them. I will forever cherish the time that I’ve spent here and the relationships I’ve formed.
Thank you for following along and reading about my experiences!
With love,
Kat!
