The journey from Colorado to Cambodia has been a wild ride. The day I left Colorado to make my way to Atlanta, Georgia for launch was a tough one. I had to say goodbye to two of my very closest friends, my siblings Sydnie and Tryceton. Saying goodbye to them for 9 months is truly one of the hardest things I have faced, but I know the Lord has amazing plans for them while I am gone.
When we arrived in Atlanta, the day I set aside to spend with my parents was amazing. We just spent time hanging out with and spending quality time each other while exploring Atlanta. It was a good day.
That night, I began finance training to be a treasurer. I still can’t believe I was placed in this role, however I feel like as I get used to it, the Lord is stretching me in some big and exciting ways. The role isn’t as stressful as I originally thought it would be and I feel as though it is preparing me well to steward my money better in the future.
The next day, the rest of the squad showed up for launch. Just as it was at training camp, it was a little overwhelming, but quickly that feeling left as I realized the amazing people God has placed in my life. That night, we had a worship/session with our parents which was both emotional and amazing.
The next day, I was faced with another hard goodbye, my parents were leaving. After a glorious lunch of Chick-Fil-A, I walked back to my hotel with my parents and the moment we had been trying to push away for so long was there. It was so hard to say goodbye, but as I said about my siblings, I know the Lord has some amazing plans for them in the next year. I can’t wait to see them at PVT, Lord willing, and show them all the amazing ways the Lord has and will work in me and through me throughout the course of the trip.
After that, starting on Monday, we faced three long travel days to get to Battambang, Cambodia for ministry. Our first stop was in San Francisco, California where we had a 17 hour layover. We were able to leave the airport and went to see the Golden Gate Bridge. I also had In-and-Out Burger for the first time which was an experience. After that, we flew into China (14 HOURS) where we had a 7 hour layover. We flew from there to Cambodia, stayed in a hostel for the night, and then traveled to Battambang by bus. We finally arrived last Thursday (September 14th).
This past week has been spent mostly working on little tasks around our host home for the Ezra ministry such as painting puppet theaters, deep cleaning the house, writing notes in Khmer (the native language) to give to the street kids, prayer walks, etc. This isn’t the ministry my team and I will be working with, however due to a Buddhist holiday this week, all of the schools were closed.
Finally, on Friday, we had our true first day of ministry. It was so amazing. Ashley (one of my teammates) and I are teaching English together in a classroom at New Hope School. Our first class is younger (probably between the ages of 6 and 10), and their English isn’t the best, but they are adorable. We worked on spelling/pronouncing more simple words and sang/played games with them. Our second class in the afternoon is older kids (between 11 and 14) and their English is amazing. They are able to understand and speak a lot which makes teaching them so much fun. I feel like we are already building relationships and it has only been one day. The kids even gave Ashley and I Khmer names. Mine is Kanna (pronounced different, but it is hard to spell haha). It directly translates to girl, but means sweet and beautiful heart. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for my team and I in this ministry.
So, as you can tell, the past couple of weeks have been a wild ride full of ups and downs, but right now I am in such a good place. I am still so excited about all the newness and can’t wait to live out the Lord’s plan for me. I love my team and my squad and look up to each and every person. It is so great to live with a group of people and constantly be around those who call you higher and live their lives for the Lord. God is good and he provides.
