I sit in the back of a classroom in a village outside of Phnom Penh in Cambodia… it’s all in Khmer and I wonder why I am here. I haven’t done the math they are learning in 7 years, but it’s not so I can relearn it but to pray.
The thunder roars in the background with dogs barking obnoxiously, 4 little kids amusing themselves for hours on end surrounded by fearless ducks and puddles from the downpour rain.
It’s a month where things are clicking. I am far from comfort once again but pressing in to what I am surrounded with. There’s a whole lot of rain, leaky roof above my tent, no wifi, bucket showers, and too many creepy crawly things around. Despite all this.. I am thriving. I am reading The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp; realizing every single breathing human is broken, we all long to be loved, and as Christians we can help serve those around us. We can use our brokenness to lift up others around us because of the power of the cross.
I am not traveling to experience more of the world, but rather the world (11 countries) can experience more. More of Jesus. More hope, love, joy. Each month it’s looked different.. advocating for a starving and neglected young girl, to making the only meal students get a day packaged by people like you back at home, to making room in our schedule to go out to eat with locals and talk about our beliefs, to speaking English with young kids so eager to learn. There is a difference being made. Voskamp reminds me that “The only way to live a truly remarkable life is not to get everyone to notice you, but to leave noticeable marks of His love everywhere you go.” And that’s what I’m trying to do as I still have 6 months and 6 countries to visit!
It’s crazy to think this journey is almost half way done! And I am so thankful for each moment. I’m continuously reminded of all the prayers and support I have back at home on the best days and hard days too.
Merry Christmas! Praying blessings over you all as you celebrate our Saviors birth!
