I'm going to try and describe where I am as I write this. I'm at Empowering Cambodia's centre in Kampong Thom province. All around me 70 kids are running, playing basketball, yelling, playing on the swings, and just in general making a racket. Beside me two managers are engrossed in a business conversation and talking very, very fast in Khmer. I catch random words, usually numbers, but that's about it. A few dogs are running around waiting to catch anything the kids drop from their snack and of course there's always the ants and the geckos. And yet for all that it's extremely peaceful. The trees are swaying in the gentle breeze, it's the perfect temperature. The rustic fence separates us from the rest of the Khmer world and here the kids are safe. Everything is green and dirt and laughter and blisters and noise and hugs and friendship. I love this place.
The fact that I can say "I love this place" is evidence of the huge work that God has been doing in my heart. When I had my passport stolen and was left in Cambodia I did not have a great few months. I was lonely and grumpy most of the time and I was surviving not thriving. Not that I would admit that to anyone but God. I begged God to get me to a place where I loved it here, loved the people, and love my work, and here I am with blisters on my feet from running barefoot in the dirt and I'm completely happy. God is amazing. God answers prayer.
But enough about me, LAUREL IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My soulmate/cousin arrived about three weeks ago and it has been such a fun adventure since then! I have loved playing tour guide and introducing her to the world I have come to know. And seeing her fascinated with things (like motos, tuktuks, cows on the road, and squatty potties) that for me have become commonplace reminds me to look around at the world I get to enjoy.
Ironically enough, though, Laurel caused my first bout of homesickness. I had had twinges of homesickness but nothing that really lasted until Laurel came and reminded me of how effortless being with family is. But as soon as we got back out to the province and there were kids to hug again that passed.
So life is good. God is better. English classes are going well, the kids are really opening up (and learning a lot I hope!) Tomorrow I give another Bible lesson (like every Wednesday) but I'm feeling nervous about it. Please pray that I speak clearly, the translator understands and translates well, and that, ultimately, despite what we do, that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of these kids. They are so precious I can't even imagine what God thinks when He looks at them!
Also please pray for continued health and safety. So far Laurel and I haven't been sick and have stayed safe on the moto everyday but we never want to take that for granted or forget Who is watching out for us. There is also an Australian couple here for the next month doing some training with the teachers please pray for their work and transition, they are so lovely!
I love you all.
:)
The fact that I can say "I love this place" is evidence of the huge work that God has been doing in my heart. When I had my passport stolen and was left in Cambodia I did not have a great few months. I was lonely and grumpy most of the time and I was surviving not thriving. Not that I would admit that to anyone but God. I begged God to get me to a place where I loved it here, loved the people, and love my work, and here I am with blisters on my feet from running barefoot in the dirt and I'm completely happy. God is amazing. God answers prayer.
But enough about me, LAUREL IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My soulmate/cousin arrived about three weeks ago and it has been such a fun adventure since then! I have loved playing tour guide and introducing her to the world I have come to know. And seeing her fascinated with things (like motos, tuktuks, cows on the road, and squatty potties) that for me have become commonplace reminds me to look around at the world I get to enjoy.
Ironically enough, though, Laurel caused my first bout of homesickness. I had had twinges of homesickness but nothing that really lasted until Laurel came and reminded me of how effortless being with family is. But as soon as we got back out to the province and there were kids to hug again that passed.
So life is good. God is better. English classes are going well, the kids are really opening up (and learning a lot I hope!) Tomorrow I give another Bible lesson (like every Wednesday) but I'm feeling nervous about it. Please pray that I speak clearly, the translator understands and translates well, and that, ultimately, despite what we do, that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of these kids. They are so precious I can't even imagine what God thinks when He looks at them!
Also please pray for continued health and safety. So far Laurel and I haven't been sick and have stayed safe on the moto everyday but we never want to take that for granted or forget Who is watching out for us. There is also an Australian couple here for the next month doing some training with the teachers please pray for their work and transition, they are so lovely!
I love you all.
:)