I apologize for my distance. I am suffering from bloggers block. Ahhhhh help me. I raised the bar in the Dominican throwing down a solid 12, and then we moved to Haiti where internet was non existent. Finally we get to Cambodia and there is so much to say, but how can I possibly convey it all. So here it is the pot luck of all blogs, a summary of the ministry, the team bonding, the housing, and the adventure. I hope you enjoy
Cambodia is yet one more country that captures your heart. I was immediately in love with the people who opened their home to us. The Cox family are fantastic. Not only did they share with us the large tall house they were blessed to have, they shared their stories, their great cooking, and the best thing, their hearts. Let me tell you, it is a beautiful thing to watch a 4 year old share why she loves Jesus, and how her heart is sad for all those who pray and their “gods” do not hear them. She is one special little girl. Her little sister who is 3 can whip out the best of prayers, thanking Jesus every night at the dinner table for our breakfast and that no one got hurt on a moto that day… AMEN to that kiddo.
University students, hmm I can honestly say, I was excited at teaching English, but a little nervous. I’m not used to teaching adults. Well let me tell you about my adult class. Long, a perma grin young man, I’m talking full mouth big toothy grins, was always full of silly jokes, and amazed at all things new. Gun and Seon Yung, the Korean duo; they are YWAMer’s. Gun was just full of energy, friendly, funny and again so excited to experience new things. Seon Yung was more quiet, and his English was not as good, but he had a passionate heart to serve God as a missionary in his country one day. I loved that he gave me a Tae Kwon Do lesson. Hi Yaa! Chivy, well he was a special one. He has such a heart for the Cambodian people. He is a servant in the greatest sense. It was wonderful to hear him play the guitar, and worship before class. Both, was our fashion, cookie, shopping obsessed student. He would drag me around on outings, and if anyone mentioned shopping or sugar that boy would jump for joy. Really in many ways, the innocence and genuine nature of our students made them seem more like children than grown men. It was hard not to love them. We all did. I was so grateful that God worked not just in the classroom, but in all the things we got to do with them. Relationships were built, and friendships were formed.
God gave our team many chances to relax, be together, learn more about one another, and really laugh. It was a great month. I am not sure if I say it enough, but I am so blessed by the people on my team. They do a great job of loving me, and keeping me balanced out and walking forward. Mom they take good care of me.
God also showed His faithfulness and love to me in two instances. He spared me from harm and loss of my possessions. We were riding home in a tuk tuk, when a moto drove by and the passenger grabbed my purse. I held on, partly because well it was wrapped around my wrist. Thank you Lord.
The second was during my students cultural day, that we went to in support of him. I was given something possibly containing shrimp by accident. It took less than 3 minutes before I knew that it definitely did. Jenn and I rushed to get my meds, on the back of a moto taxi. At one point I stopped breathing. Jenn prayed. I really felt like God said it would be okay. I relaxed, breathed, and we made it home. I took the meds, and slept. It was 25 minutes before I got the medication. It was a miracle. I never forget my meds. That day I did. God is good. He really is so good.
Our month was full of crazy adventures, and good times. It was quite the contrast from Haiti and almost hard to except. But we learned that for some this is just it. Serving as missionaries long term, living it day by day. It’s not always hard. It’s not always full of life altering moments. It simply just is. I think I had to learn to be okay with this month. It may seem silly but I struggled with feeling guilty about the fun I was having. There is a stereotype in me that says missions is hard work. Yes some missions are. But I also learned that being a friend to someone is a powerful mission. God called us to befriend and love those he gave us this month. So we did. We learned a lot about love. Sometimes love, means that you get to take 7 students out for pizza and ice cream. Oh Cambodia I will miss the fun we had together.
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