Our last week of ministry in Cambodia was so great. We really bonded with our hosts and their family and we were given the opportunity to simply watch them live out their lives unceasingly for Christ. For me, that aspect may have been the most influential part of all of our ministry the entire time we were there. I feel so blessed to have been placed with the Aun family and I will continue to pray for a faith as steadfast as theirs.
This past week we have been on debrief. Debrief is a time to relax from ministry and it has been full of rest. My squad mates and I have had a decent amount of free time to explore the city and fill ourselves spiritually, physically and emotionally. Some of the activities I have partaken in are: walking around the markets, eating street food, visiting the Royal Palace, getting a tattoo and learning how to hail a taxi. All have been very interesting and a good change of pace compared to the village life!
One day in particular, 3 squad mates and I decided to visit the Royal Palace. We had to take 2 different metros and a boat to get there! (The boat was quite the adventure and involved lots of wind, a loud motor and some slight splashing!) After arriving and walking around a bit, 2 of us decided we wanted to go in search of a cafe and the other 2 decided to go into the palace and see the King’s tomb. My teammate Meagan and I went in search of a cafe. After a few minutes of walking we stumbled upon a store with the quote “What is done in love is done well. -Vincent Van Gogh” painted above the door. It was a phrase I had hanging on my bedroom wall and one I thought about often in my everyday life.
I have always been intrigued with quotes and the way people can craft words together to make them impactful. A few doors down we came upon a sign reading “Favour Cafe.” It looked good so we stepped inside and let me tell you in was ADORABLE. I have a love for plants and brick and cutesy decorating and this cafe hit all the marks. After ordering my ice cube Thai Milk tea I took a seat.
Looking around I was drawn to a neon sign stating “you are my favourite.”
Soon after, I spotted a painting of an ice cream cone surrounded by the words “life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts.”
We had a small time crunch so we didn’t get to eat lunch, but while leaving, there was a small wooden sign with the phrase “lalalalalalalalalala life is wonderful.” painted onto it.
I was overjoyed by all of these words I had encountered. The day had already been wonderful but I left the cafe in even higher spirits.
After meeting up with our other 2 squad mates and arriving back at the hostel, Meagan and I went in search of some real food. We walked to another cafe down the road. Walking in, I noticed there was a message on the front window reading “no negative thoughts allowed.”
I thought to myself that this must be the best day ever. I ordered my curry chicken and sat down at a small wooden table. “I won’t be impressed with technology until I can download food” was engraved into it.
WHAT EVEN. My day had been filled with so many whimsical and enlightening sayings. It was one of those “feel good” type of days.
As I thought about all the quotes, I thought about what a considerate and loving father we have. He knows I love quotes and cutesy decorations and new places and thrill and He had given me all of that in this day. More than just the things He knows I love, our amazing and thoughtful father had put depth into the words He put in my path. I recognized He was trying to tell me something with each string of words:
“What is done in love is done well” is both a reminder of home and also a reminder to consider the motives of everything I do. Every time I make a decision, I need to make sure I am choosing to do it out of love. Not so other people will do nice things for me, not to make myself look better, but because I have a love for people and I am striving to see them through the eyes of Christ.
“You are my Favourite” because I am God’s favorite. He loves me even when I get hangry, and that’s pretty impressive!! He created me with all my strengths, quirks and flaws. He made me unique from anyone else in the world and has an intricate plan for my life that is all my own. (p.s. you are God’s favorite too and if that doesn’t make you realize you’re special then I don’t know what will!)
“Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts.” BE PRESENT!!!! I am in THAILAND for pete’s sake! I can’t waste time reminiscing on a Tally’s reuben or letting anxiety about my future consume me or moping around constantly because I miss my family. God has presented me this amazing opportunity to see parts of His beautiful creation I may never see again!! I must enjoy this precious time!
“lalalalalalalalalalala life is wonderful.” Honestly, it is so, so, so wonderful. God blesses us every day with everything from an extra 30 minutes to sleep in, to spotting a beautiful flower on the street, to protecting our loved ones from harm. We have this wonderful life around us if only we open our eyes to the incredible blessings He gives us freely!
“no negative thoughts allowed” is a reminder to lift myself and others up always. Don’t pass judgment, don’t assume the worst and keep a positive attitude in not so ideal situations.
“I won’t be impressed with technology until I can download food.” Eating often involves company. When I have the opportunity to build intentional friendships and develop healthy community I should take it. We can’t download relationships either and technology will never suffice in place of them. I need to be enjoying the presence of people around me and getting to know them instead of staring at my phone screen.
All of these quotes could have just been ordinary sayings that passed me by, but I am thankful for a father who uses my interests to speak to me. He is so great.
We have a few days left in Bangkok before heading to our ministry for the next 2 months! Please continue to pray for my team and squad as we embark on our new journeys around the country!
I’m praying for you all!
Love,
Olivia
