I’ve never met a more generous culture. Ever. They are always sacrificing some part of them for the better of the people around them, as that maybe their hands getting extra dirty from cleaning the mud off others hands or feet, or giving their food away to us as they may not have much themselves. Constantly humbled in my own actions as I watch them and their sacrifices. I’ve been here in Cambodia for 2 weeks now, having worked a total of 7 days in ministry. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I stay in awe of the people, my team, and this country. Loving every minute of it.
My first week here..
So I started to feel sick a few days before our official 3 day travel.. haha! It t’was an experience. Never felt like such death, but also so alive, traveling on multiple plane rides with varying long times, fevers spiking, stuffy nose, and trying to lean on others in my time of need. Why I said it twas an experience, but what a learning curve. Thankful I’ve been given the joy of the Lord and that I’ve chosen to have an optimistic mindset a lot in my life, bc boy did I need it in that time! I stayed sick the following week and ended up losing my taste and smell ending in me not being able to go to the first day of ministry. I was sad and disappointed, but chose to have the mindset of “things happen for a reason,” so spent my day resting and resting in Him. God is good and I got to go to ministry the next day, because my smell and taste returned 🙂 Ministry was and is SO amazing. These kids and adults are so receptive. They are so hungry to know more and you can see it!! It’s so encouraging. I did sit in a bit of confusion that first weekend after our week was done in ministry, because I couldn’t completely see our purpose of being there. We are loving on the kids and sitting in on bible studies with the Women in the villages, but without the action of “constantly doing something” on my feet, I wasn’t seeing the purpose.
My second week here..
As the second week went on I began to see how much this ministry is pouring into these villages and how being at the villages is so helpful. I’ve hugged on so many people, taught English to kids, explained how I’ve gotten to trust in the Lord and reap the benefits of trusting my father and allowing Him to love me. I gave it time, I prayed and my eyes were opened. I’ve seen how much our hosts have poured into this country and how as time goes on, these people get to know our Father and get to receive His love and that’s what’s most important. I’ve seen the Holy Spirit fill these places up and I’ve got to see how much my team has already grown. We sit down every night and give and receive feedback. I don’t know what I thought that was going to look like when I first found out that we were doing it, but it continues to amaze me how much it does help out. The lasting positive affects it’s had on me and my group surprises me daily.
Our hosts and the ministry in serving..
I’ve only been here for 2 weeks and am learning so much from these people. Our hosts, 2 from America and 1 from Cambodia are 3 of the most selfless people I’ve met (besides this whole country) haha! My host from Cambodia is this woman that carries so much love as she walks and talks. She has a heart of gold and carries such tenderness for the people of Cambodia and us <3 In awe of her story and how she ended up here and am excited to continue to walk side her for these next two weeks! Our 2 hosts from America are so goofy and full of light. They bring the realness factor of what’s going on and are full mom and dad for my team and I! They are always checking up on us, making sure we are fed and hydrated, adjusting well to Cambodia, and that our hearts are in a good place. Couldn’t be more thankful for the work they are doing here and have been doing here. So thank you to my hosts!!!
To my people..
Wanted to thank you for your prayers and the impact that your words have had on my trip so far. As my days go on here in Cambodia, God will remind me of something that was said to me as I was leaving home or just in my life in general. It keeps me encouraged and brave, so thank you thank you thank you! Couldn’t be here without all my wonderful people in my life <3
Here are some cutie photos that have been taken while here in Cambodia, enjoy 😉
this is Ezra (our host moms cat) and he is perfect
