As I write this blog, sweat is dripping off my face. 36 orphans are running around downstairs. A warm breeze is drifting through the windows. Strange music from the neighbors is hurting my ears. Smoke from the fire in the kitchen is stinging my eyes. Sometimes I really think I am living in a dream life is so good.
For those of you who don’t know, my squad and I are currently serving in an orphanage in Cambodia for the month of November. Due to visa complications, we were required to leave Thailand and our beloved ministry there. We knew that God must have something BIG up His sleeves.
Cambodia was His gift to us.
Only a few hours after we arrived at our orphanage, I walked past a little boy and went to give him a high-five. He put his hand up as if to return the gesture but then put a flower in my hand instead.
Ever since day one, we have been teaching, loving, and playing with orphans from 9:30 am to 7pm. But no matter how many hours I spend giving piggyback rides, playing Uno, watching Let it Go videos, playing rock-paper-scissors, or riding bikes, my heart keeps getting fuller and fuller.
These kids are the special ones in God’s Kingdom. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 There is something about the orphan that is so precious in the sight of God.
I never feel closer to Jesus than when I am at an orphanage.
It is so important to allow your heart to love orphans. Even when you know it is going to be broken a month from now when you have to leave. The love of God is all we have. And God’s love is what these kids really need.
I truly love every one of these kids so much. I love watching them play. I love making them laugh. I love praying for them day after day. These children don’t have parents praying for them. But God has placed me and my team in their lives to intercede for them.
God knows the little things about every single one of these kids. I love feeling His heart for them and falling in love with the little things too.
Words cannot express the joy and love that fill all of my days.
I apologize that this post is so scattered but the kids are calling me to play. Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Chanoth likes going on bike rides, singing, and getting his back scratched. Sreehi loves to laugh, play badminton, watch people dance, and poke people in the stomach. Sopan likes fruit, hugs, and climbing trees.
