So this is a couple weeks late, but totally needs to be posted.
What I learned from an awesome month of ministry in Cambodia!
Often times, I think of all the things that I can’t do and criticize myself for that long list. I think of all the things wrong with who I naturally am and constantly focus on what I need to change in myself.
Lately, God’s been showing me all the things that I can do and the things that are unique to me and don’t need to be changed. And in Cambodia, He showed me several ways how he can use me to further His Kingdom (which is totally awesome and completely what I want to be doing).
- I love scrapbooking.
When we first arrived at Bykota House last month, we introduced ourselves, shared a little about where we are from, what we like to do and when we met Jesus. After we finished, our contacts said “No one said scrapbooking, does anyone like to scrapbook?” I nearly jumped out of my seat! I love scrapbooking” I shouted!
I didn’t think that it was something worthy of listing in a brief “about me” introduction, and definitely didn’t think that it could be beneficial in ministry.
However, I was blessed enough to spend several mornings scrapbooking with one of our contact’s pre-teen daughters.
- I love art.
This is a whole new topic, but God has revealed to me how much art means to me and He has encouraged me a lot to begin doing artwork again and to express myself through art and to bless others with my artwork.
I was completely surprised when the opportunity to decorate our contact’s children’s rooms came up. I of course, jumped at the opportunity and ended up doing 4 rooms in the home!
I got to draw vines, leaves and birds in a couple of the girls’ room, cut of sparkly stars and squiggles for the other girls, wrote scripture in the boys’ room and wrote on the wall of the dining room. The coolest part- I used chalk! Who would have known that chalk would work so well to decorate a home?!
- I love teaching children.
Again, God blew my mind when the most amazing opportunity arose for this month!
I literally got to be a kindergarten teacher for 6 of the most beautiful, sweet, fun awesome Cambodian kiddos! I feel so beyond blessed that I had the chance to do this for an entire month!
The best part may be that it helped me realize that I really do love teaching young minds and impacting innocent lives. I was reminded of the whole reason I began to study Elementary Education 6 years ago. I feel very strongly about completing a bachelor’s degree so that I can have a classroom of my own.
(showing off their alphabet writing skills)
(Miss Nicole “mi nico” or “mi maco” and Miss Melanie “mi monie” or ‘mi mani” with the best kinders ever)
- I love the chance to love orphans.
What a wonderful month of seeing a beautiful ministry. 2 courageous, godly people dedicating their lives to being parents to the 23 children they currently care for. I was so touched by their stories and feel so encouraged by their huge hearts.
And of course, working at an orphanage/children’s home has reminded me how much I’d love to adopt someday. I have a heart for orphans and want to provide a home for a child from overseas someday.
(I’m so happy I got to hug these beautiful kids every day for a month.)
God used this month to show me my passions again.
(People, children, Jesus, all things creative and artistic and orphans)
And see how they can be used for Him.
Me, the scrapbooking, artist, orphan-loving, kindergarten teacher for Jesus! : )
Ministry in Cambodia totally rocked for me.
