For some reason something resonates with my spirit here in Asia. I love the culture. The food tastes good, the markets are an experience, the transportation is fun, and the people are great. They are friendly, so polite and have such a calm, cool manner about them…and it’s really funny because I think the guys are more conscious about how they look than girls – they are always grooming their hair! I know that I could live here! If I did I would have to own a moto, they are the very best mode of transportation. I would have to own a personal fan, sharing with 30+ people = lots of sweat. I would also have to live somewhere that has some kind of balcony; late at night it’s my favorite place to be.I wish I had more interaction with people. Even in a ministry with 700-800 people I feel like I haven’t gotten to know or spend time with many people. I have been teaching English which is very relational, but it is not extended outside the classroom. When the class is over, they run out the door fast! But hopefully we can build and develop that. One relationship that I’m greatful for is with Angie Prosser and her 3 children. Natalie and I have been going to her house some afternoons to babysit. Her and her husband, Jason, are missionaries working with NLF. She has been so helpful, hospitable and friendly. Their kids are amazing as well. Caleb turns 6 today, Justice is 2, and Emma is 7 months. They have been so much fun to play with. It’s been such a pleasure to give Angie a chance to get some stuff done and get together with her friends.
NLF has been a great ministry, because it is so big their is a lot of variety. My teammates have loved the variety, some have gone to the provinces, and for that I am greatful! My love for Asia is growing more and more strong everyday. As we go I hope that love will continue to grow and that in Thailand I will be able to build relationships with Thai girls who need to know more about Jesus.I think about how I would love to live here, but for me it would be so different from someone born here. I have so many options. If I ever get tired of it here, I could just pack up and move to another country or I always have the option of going back home. But most of the people here have no options. Doing what they have always done is the best that they can do. Even with knowing that, the people have incredible optimism and are always trying to improve themselves, so many know English or want to know it, which helps them get better jobs. 
One of the things that they know well from their ancestors is Buddhism. One of the boys in my English class asked how many Buddhist temples were in America. I told him I personally didn’t know of any. The students could hardly comprehend that. They don’t know life without Buddhism. It is ingrained into their lifestyles and who they are as a people. They are so friendly, cam and cool because they don’t like to show their emotions or to “lose face.” They don’t like to inconvenience others or to show affection for those of the opposite sex (but lots of affection for those of the same sex!) Buddhists do not comprehend sin in the same way as Christians do. To them any attachment or desire that could cause pain from losing it is bad. Doing things that are wrong or harmful isn’t necessarily sin in the way we think about it, it just keeps them from nirvana longer. The first Sunday am church service we went to talked about how Cambodians don’t think of themselves as sinners. They think of themselves as ultimately good, but they just do bad things now and then. The pastor then taught on sin and went through the “Romans Road.”It’s such a simple lesson, but a huge lesson for these people. Buddhism causes people to suppress their emotions and never deal with the underlying problem. They rely on their good behavior so that one day, in one of their “future lives”they will have peace.
One of the things that they know well from their ancestors is Buddhism. One of the boys in my English class asked how many Buddhist temples were in America. I told him I personally didn’t know of any. The students could hardly comprehend that. They don’t know life without Buddhism. It is ingrained into their lifestyles and who they are as a people. They are so friendly, cam and cool because they don’t like to show their emotions or to “lose face.” They don’t like to inconvenience others or to show affection for those of the opposite sex (but lots of affection for those of the same sex!) Buddhists do not comprehend sin in the same way as Christians do. To them any attachment or desire that could cause pain from losing it is bad. Doing things that are wrong or harmful isn’t necessarily sin in the way we think about it, it just keeps them from nirvana longer. The first Sunday am church service we went to talked about how Cambodians don’t think of themselves as sinners. They think of themselves as ultimately good, but they just do bad things now and then. The pastor then taught on sin and went through the “Romans Road.”It’s such a simple lesson, but a huge lesson for these people. Buddhism causes people to suppress their emotions and never deal with the underlying problem. They rely on their good behavior so that one day, in one of their “future lives”they will have peace.
God, Savior of the Cambodian people, bring your spirit of truth to these people! Overwhelm them with your love. Let them overcome their cultures way of thinking! Give them the desire for more; much more of You!
