When I saw that the World Race route included Cambodia I was indifferent about it. Cambodia wasn’t a country I was the most excited about but it wasn’t a country I was nervous about either. Instead it was a country that didn’t require a lot of thoughts or feelings toward it. And the beautiful thing about being indifferent is I feel God took my expectations or lack thereof and blessed them.
When reflecting back on my time in Cambodia it is one of my favorites on the race. We slept in an apartment on sleeping pads surrounded by mosquito nets. We ate noodles or rice with vegetables for lunch every day. We lived right next to a local street market that sold everything from freshly chopped meat to fried crickets to a haircut. And it was in Cambodia that I felt like a real missionary for the first time. This feeling came in the moment while the Khmer language was playing over a loud speaker for the second straight day and I was using a squatty potty. And because most great thoughts come in the bathroom, it was in this moment I realized I knew I had made it has a missionary.
As for ministry, for all of these things we partnered with the Good Seed International School in Kampong Thom, Cambodia. My team, which is made up of seven women and named The Spice Girls, did several different things during our time in Cambodia. We taught English, led student assemblies, painted murals, hosted game nights for the school staff, taught ESL classes, and helped with Extreme Makeover – School Edition. Thankful for having a random water fight with my host, teammates, and school staff. Thankful that when I introduced myself to my ESL class they thought my name was Messi like the famous soccer player so instantly wanted to play futbol with me. Thankful for a karaoke and game night with the staff. Thankful to sing and dance to worship music with the students at assemblies. And most of all thankful to the good Lord above for Cambodia.
During our time in Cambodia, I could have remained indifferent about the country and ministry. Instead the Lord moved my heart to a place of thankfulness. And because I chose to focus my attention on the opportunity God gave me to serve in Cambodia, I was truly blessed.
