I have to say, my initial emotion when I found out that we were working with another orphanage this past month was excitement. I enjoy being around kids and seeing their spunk for life. However, with it being our tenth month on the Race I was already worn out and I knew the constant noise, attention, and supervision that the 30 kids would undoubtedly demand might possibly spin me into an uncontrollable psychotic spiral.
Map – a very spunky 12-year-old
Pirek – an energetic 8-year-old
Now that we are at the end of our month in Cambodia and onto our last and final month on the Race (I still can’t believe it!), I realized that everything that I thought would happen did.
My excitement was met with those 30 crooked smiles and bright eyes.
Their noise, then, exceeded most sporting events at times.
The attention and supervision that developed at their first sight of us far surpassed the necessary boundary of any expectation.
And my uncontrollable psychotic spiral happened…a handful of times.
But now that I’m no longer going to see those crazy kids every day, my heart is hurting.
Ponlork – an adventurous 11-year-old
God has smiled an embarrassing amount onto this orphanage and it reflected within their spirits. Just like everything else in life, I expected to serve with this ministry pouring my efforts and emotions into it and, instead, was really blessed in return.
I’m not leaving saddened, or even relieved, but hopeful! Each child, despite their circumstances, carries huge dreams and faith to back it up. Thank you, God, for that humbling lesson.
Group photo at Cambodian Hope Association
Teaching typing class with my teammate, Angela
Teaching English class thanks to "Rosetta Stone"
Deborah – a 3-year-old with cerebral palsey
