Hey all!
We just wrapped up our first week of ministry in Cambodia! I can’t believe it!
(At the market buying food with Singhi the intern.)
(Besides the German Shepherd guard dog they have here, there are two sweet puppies we get to love. This one is Jaycee. She can’t walk well because she’s partially paralyzed on one side.)
The theme for me right now has been, “just go for it!” To throw myself completely in to the challenges that come!
My first experience learning this occurred the other day when my teammate and I decided to take the bikes out to get some supplies. Little did I realize the challenge ahead! Riding in traffic here is totally different than home! There are bikers, motorcyclists, cars, trucks, and pedestrians all moving on the same road and often in different directions! Plus, these were road bikes, not mountain bikes! Shortly after we started, I became afraid and told my teammate that I didn’t think I could do it. But she encouraged me with a little pep talk! It then occurred to me, if I just believed nothing bad would happen and rode with confidence, it was actually easier! Also, if I rode alongside another vehicle, there was a better chance of success also. Amazing the world of difference these concepts made!
(My happiness after surviving the roads of Cambodia!)
Besides learning this when it comes to the streets, I’ve also learned this with the students. As my sister knows, when it comes to trying new things, I don’t usually shy away because I’m confident I can do it because most of the time I’m successful. (Phlebotomy was a perfect example – though I’d never done it, I never doubted I could do it and it turned out, I was a pretty good stick! 😉 So, one of the students asked us if we could cut hair. I’d mentioned I’d done it a couple times before. So, after lunch, I cut his hair. It went perry well!
(Cutting, or more like thinning out, Chan’s hair after lunch!)
All of this reminds me of David…. When he faced the giant alone (the challenge in his path), he didn’t shy away from him. Instead he ran towards Goliath and was successful. Not only that, but he proclaimed God’s power over the situation. Being in Cambodia is a bit rougher than it was in Thailand. There’s no running water, the food is unlike anything I’ve ever had before, the air is smoggy, and the supplies for doing work are minimal. It’s been an adjustment for us all. Despite this, it’s also been a huge blessing!
(Kristen sharing at Chapel.)
We are serving at a bible college. The students here are between 18 and 24. They are eager to learn English, to serve and get to know God, and they are gracious to us as we attempt to learn some Khmer. Most want to be missionaries or pastors. I love being here and could honestly see myself doing something like this long term!
(During game night, we taught the students the game of telephone!)
Thank you to those who have been praying for me, my team, my squad and our ministry. We are doing well, but I know there will be tough conversations ahead that we need to have. Pray that we have the courage to have them so that we can all grow!
