So. I did a bunch of stuff. I could have done more. That isn’t really the point though.
I’ve learned who Jesus was in all of his kindness. It’s the kindness of God that leads people to repentance (Rom. 2:4) and I’ve read and gotten to mirror however imperfectly, and incompletely that kindness that Jesus lived even in his grief (Matthew 14). I’ve learned to love with an aching heart and to show up for my teammates when they’ve chosen to be vulnerable.
Cambodia has taught me to laugh and be joyful “even when.” You see that in the faces of kids who have stories that take up files in a cabinet somewhere in a government office, but who live every day laughing and giggling and loving with their whole hearts because they’ve been shown a love through their house parents and through Christ, that dares to redeem their losses.
They’ve taught me lessons I can’t put words to but have been written into my story with permanent ink, forever bleeding through the pages. I’ve been loved beyond my own comprehension. I’ve been caught in the rain. I’ve danced to Taylor Swift with 50 Cambodian children. I’ve eaten epic banana cake made by a woman who signed a contract to serve these children “until she is no longer able,” at the age of 39. I have cried in the arms of friends who have only known me two months who I get to walk the rest of this journey with. I have laughed until my belly hurt in the back of a mini van that got stuck in the rain and your whole team leaves you behind to push it out.
That’s been month one. Redemption for things I thought were lost in the transitions and mistakes of life. Healing for my heart, my team. Love blanketing us with grace and strength and kindness.
I’m rambling. But I’m so grateful. Be praying for my team as we embark on another 15 hour travel day to Bangkok, Thailand tomorrow!
-Tipp <3
