It’s hard to believe that this is my life. I am going into my second week here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Last week my mind was filled by numerous thoughts which I was unable to process, however, there was an underlying peace. A calm that was completely welcome but confusing at the same time. Logically, this doesn’t make sense… how is it possible that I am thousands of miles from home, my family and friends, in a completely different culture, yet I feel complete and at home here?
When I look at my life over the last year, I don’t even recognize it and it’s hard to believe it was real. It has been a beautiful journey of growth and my life was forever changed by going on the World Race. I don’t recognize this new person but I like her. I was consumed by fear, doubt and unwillingness to step out. But here I am, a year later, living in Cambodia, pursuing the Lords calling on my life.
Last Sunday, I was sitting at a coffee shop after church, enjoying my latte and taking in the scenery. I sat there in awe… how am I here? How is this even possible? How am I not a complete mess? And just like that, the answer came to me. This is what I was made for. This is the something “big” I have always wanted for my life. This is the answer to so many prayers that I would do something wonderfully big with the Lord. All I wanted to do was love and serve people. So in this season of my life, He has brought me here to do exactly that. To serve and love on the teachers, staff and children at Ace American Academy.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I know that there will be hard days. I know I will be stretched and challenged like never before. I know that I have so much to learn when it comes to being a leader and being a director at a primary school. But I also know that this decision was not my own. My Heavenly Father has called me here at this time and when He calls, He equips. Another truth I know is that He is in me and I am in Him, so my “home” is wherever I am. Over this past year, my home has changed multiple times. It has been with 30 other people, my home has been a tent, my home has been a sleeping pad, my home has been sharing a bed with my sister or my mother… regardless where my home is… as long as He is with me I am safe and at home.
I hope you consider to follow and partner with us. Please know that even though we may be thousands of miles apart, I carry you in my heart each and every day. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful community, which is all of you. Please keep sharing your lives with me wherever the Lord may take you. I am blessed beyond words to have you all and I pray I never let you feel otherwise. You have made this life possible. Please stay posted for weekly updates. You can subscribe to my blog at https://rebeccabannister.theworldrace.org/ and follow our journey through my website at https://www.modernday.org/field-workers/RebeccaBannister/.
xo,
Rebecca
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
