The anticipation of launch came with many emotions. I was just so excited to see and hug every single one of my squad mates again since training camp. I was also nervous to see how my parents were going to handle all the goodbyes before I got on a plane to Cambodia (I often forget that they’re on their own journey too). After a few parent and racer sessions, we got to have a session with our parents, and the majority of it was worshipping our great God, and it was such an intimate moment, especially between my mom and I. During our final goodbyes with our families, there were many tears shed, but we have such an amazing new family within the squad and most importantly, we have a father who takes care of us.
After a flight from Atlanta to San Francisco, a 17 hour layover in San Fran, a 14 hour flight to China, another 6 hour layover in China, then a 3 hour flight to Cambodia, and an 8 hour bus ride to our final destination and home in Battambang, Cambodia! It was long and tiring (hallelujah for safe travels!!) I love it here so much already and it’s only the second week. It’s beautiful and hot hot hot, and the people are so so kind!
Daily life in Cambodia looks like biking to every single destination in big groups (we have some pretty cool dingy bells and baskets), sweating profusely 24/7 (not even kidding), eating a whole baguette at every single meal, and just spending time in community and watching the Lord’s plans unfold here in Cambodia. The Lord has been so good and faithful in getting me here. He has provided everything I need to be right where I am, and honestly, I keep asking myself “is this real life?” Ministry looks a little different for everyone here within the next month. Most of us are teaching English at a few different schools, some are doing outreach, ministering to victims of sex trafficking, visiting a children’s hospital and a few other things.
This past week for ministry, my team and a few other teams painted murals on walls at a private Buddhist school to brighten the place up, and make it more appealing to look at (before we painted over them, there were murals of creepy cartoon characters). My ministry looks like teaching english at a school, and visiting a children’s hospital, but it may change. I haven’t started my ministry yet, because of a huge holiday here in Cambodia called Pchum Ben (look it up!). We hopefully start our ministry on Monday! I’m so excited to see what God has in store for me at my ministries this month.
Please keep my squad, team, and I in your prayers for these next 9 months. Pray against spiritual warfare, comfort and peace when we face homesickness, grace and patience while living in community with each other, and especially pray for safety! Thank you for supporting me financially and spiritually!! My journey isn’t over yet, in some ways it has only just begun, and I’ve got a long way to go. I still need to raise a little under $4,000 to keep spreading God’s love for the next nine months!! Keep praying and keep supporting! Love you all.
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Until next time, God Bless You.
Love, Rebekah
