God is everywhere.
I think this is something many of us know but many of us do not take the time to recognize. I have found it quiet refreshing to take time to reflect or to be initially aware of God’s presence in everyday life. It’s easy to miss him especially during the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. I know for myself being in America it’s easy to miss with all the distractions at my finger tips. This first month my team and I didn’t have wifi at our host home and I must say that was a huge blessing, at least for myself. The lack of connection to home has allowed for my team to grow in relationships with one another and for us to see God more efficient. I remember the exact moment in Cambodia when I knew God was here. It’s in a beautiful moment that happens everywhere around the world and everyday. The first sunset I witnessed in Cambodia I knew in my mind that God is here and he is everywhere. I mean I thought God only gave Texas the best sunsets but he proved me wrong. Hahah. After the sunset I felt a sense of peace being away for 11 months because I knew that no matter where I go this year or in this life God will be with me.
In Cambodia I have seen God through the eyes of a little pig tailed girl who starred at me because she couldn’t communicate verbally. The funny thing is, she did communicate to me but instead of words it was through her gentle smile and precious laugh. I saw God in Cambodia as I witnessed a community in a village rally together to take care and include a little boy who was physically disabled. I saw God in Cambodia through the laughter of our hosts for they reflect the joy of The Lord. There are so many more moments and I will probably add a list to the end of this blog but I have been blessed to see God many times in Cambodia especially a lot in my teammates. They each carry a special piece of God and it’s been cool to learn/see the beauty of God’s specific design for each person in the world. Whether they are quick to serve, willing to pray for the broken, speaking encouragement or having fun; my team is a reflection of the creator and mirror his love so well. It’s been an answered prayer since coming into the World Race I wasn’t sure who I would be spending my 11 months with, but I couldn’t be happier. All to say Cambodia has been great. It’s been filled with growth through relationships, newness in living situations, laughter through fun times, frustrations in things we’ve seen or had to work through, and all around an awesome first month. Excited to see how God will continue to show himself to me throughout the rest of my time here and on earth.
Cambodia Top Moments:
-Attending a huge Cambodian dance party in the street. You best believe I broke it down and showed them that white boy can dance.
-Leading worship at church on the guitar. I have always wanted to do it and before I came I had a feel I was going to and look month 1 it already happened!!! WOOOO
-Having a rain dance/ water fight with the local kids as it started pouring down rain!!!
-Riding in a boat, that is practically 1 inch of the water, to minister to a village that is unreached. The people were beautiful and we always caught the best sunsets!!
-Growing in being intentional in prayer. My team and I have decided to grow in prayer together and turning to God first for every situation. (We are still growing so keep our desire in your prayers)
-Mouse hunts with the roommates. They have been crazy, hilarious and filled with lots of screaming!!! P.S. It crawled up my leg one night!!
-Having to explain America music to one of our hosts named Dom. He loves it and is curious what some of the rap songs are saying. Due to the explicit content my team and I would always have to make up funny more child like explanations.
-The food I’ve ate here had been rice, rice and more rice. I even wrote a song about how much rice I eat. It goes ” Breakfast, rice. Lunch, rice. Dinner, rice. EVERYDAY rice.” Hahaha. Besides that I’ve tried bananas cakes (which is fried bananas wrapped in rice), starfish, cow intestines and snails. Those are most of the crazy things…we do eat more enjoyable meals.
-The relationships I’ve built here have been amazing. Between the hosts, the local kids and the young men who attend church. I love them!!! It’s always hard for me to leave a friendship but I think this is the first time in awhile I can say I’m thankful for Facebook!
Now it’s off to Thailand!!! Please keep my whole squad and I in your prayers as we travel and start our new ministry within the first week of October!!!! AHHHHH!!! Crazy to say but 1 out of 11 months is done!!!!
