Since I have been in middle school I have been telling myself, as well as anyone who asked, that when I grew up I wanted to be a missionary. For the first time in my life I was ahead of everyone else my age in something. I was defiantly not the first to learn to read or to write. Or other things that kids usually succeed in early in life. However, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was so sure.
How can a 13 year old know what they want to be when they grow up? Well, sure, many kids have ideas, but I was certain.
You see, I had grown up in the Church. Grown hearing countless stories of those who have gone to distance lands. Those who have lived among people unlike them. Those who have been faced with eating strange foods. Those who have lived lives of adventure.
And even as an infant in my journey with the Lord, I knew that the reason all of those people lived they way they did...eating strange food...being away from home...learning to cope in a new environment...was because of love. Because of the love that God gave to them. Because of the love Christ showed to people when He walked this earth. Because of the love they had for other people. People just like them. People who messed up in life. And were lost. And were living in a state of brokenness. People who felt pain and joy. People who had dreams. And hopes. And people who wanted more than this world could offer.
Even in my small heart and mind, I understood that. And I knew that I wanted to be apart of that. Who was I to be selfish and not share with those people what I had found? I wanted to tell them about Jesus. Tell them that in Him they could find hope. And life.
Among that understanding and desire to spread the Gospel, there was still that appeal of adventure. Adventure that would take me around the world to unknown peoples with more interesting lives than my own. People with stories of living in the exciting jungle instead of the predictable Midwest.
It's only now that I think I'm beginning to understand just how much that desire for adventure blurred my view of reality. I desired the adventures a life overseas would bring more than I desired to show Christ's love. Once again (as it so often happens with me) my own wants and self-centered heart began to overshadow the Truth I knew. My view of life as a missionary became completely focused on the adventure that it promised to bring. And for a while I forgot the reason all of those people chose to live that way. I forgot that it was because of love. And suffering. And the desire to make Christ known to all peoples and nations.
But, the funny thing about growing up and learning about the world, is that along with all of the amazing things in this world (all of the possible adventures), you also begin to learn about all of the sad things as well. You start to learn about war and poverty. About hunger and diseases. About pain and suffering. About selfish governments and harsh leaders. About hopelessness. And you begin to understand there are no easy answers. That many of those problems are connected and effect other problems. And those things...the things that are in this world because of our searching for something other than God that will make us happy (as C.S. Lewis so beautifully states)...are the things that reminded me of the need for Christ in this broken world. This learning reminded me that the main goal of the Christian life should be to tell people about freedom they can find in Christ.
However, learning about the sad things in the world can also begin to weigh down dreams. These things can plant seeds in one's mind about not being gifted or talented enough to deal with and overcome the hard and terrible things in this world.
As I have been learning about the suffering in this world, I have found myself sinking into the pattern of panic. Panic because I don't see how my gifts can help deal with and help those that need help.
And with that panic comes doubt. I began to doubt what I was so sure of back in the seventh grade. I find myself doubting that I can live a life of a missionary. Because, let's face it, I've had a pretty easy life. I've grown up with two parents who love me unconditionally and are always looking out for my best interest. I've grown up in a suburb of America where I've never had to worry about running out of food. Or if the water I'm drinking is safe. I've grown up going to school and I'm now at a great university. I have never gone through the experience of losing someone close to me. How can I possibly relate to and help those whose lives are different than mine? How can I help those who have experienced things I can't even imagine?
That was what part of the summer was supposed to be. Exploring the ways God is working in the world. Exploring different types of ministries. Exploring how my passions and gifts could possibly be used by God in this world to bring love and hope and peace to his suffering children.
But since arriving, I have felt no closer to discovering that than from when I left. Sure, I have been able to explore the ways that God is working and see different types of ministries. And though those things I have become more aware of God. More aware of his love. And mercy. And goodness. I have been encouraged and humbled by the Church in Cambodia...for their joy and contentment in Christ when they have so little in the world's eyes. I learned much from talking to missionaries in many different types of ministry. And, here too, I have been encouraged through their stories of God's faithfulness. And I have finally been able to see what living as a full time ministry is actually like on a day to day basis. (Of course, I know that this is drastically different depending on the type of work one is in and where one lives, among other factors).
However, up until today I was feeling restless about finding how the gifts and passions God has given me can be used for his glory. There have been many times over the past month when I have wished that God had given me the skills and passion for medicine. It has been so evident that there is a need for doctors and nurses around the world. So many ways to use those gifts.
And I've also seen ways teachers can be used overseas for God's kingdom. And, again, I have found myself picturing my life as a teacher overseas...telling myself that's it's ok that I'm not passionate about it. That it's ok to sacrifice the "passion factor" because there is a obvious place teachers can play in full-time ministry. However, I do believe that as Christians we are called to be people of passion. Passionate about loving God and loving people. And I believe that God made us as a body in order to express that love in different, unique ways.
Today I met a lady who works with an NGO called Partners Relief & Development. This organization works with Karen refugees from Burma. It was refreshing to hear about her organization because the needs went beyond doctors and teachers. I began to see how my gifts could fit into full-time ministry. She told us about her work and as she talked, it became so evident how passionate she was about her work and serving the Lord through her work.
And I found myself realizing that it's wrong of me to think I need to settle for something that I don't love. And it's wrong for me to look at myself and count my shortcomings, asking God why he didn't gift me in certain ways. I have spent too much time trying to convince God of what I should do when I "grow up".
And one of the most amazing things I have been learning is that amongst all of the pain, there is hope. One of the great things about God is that he can work beyond our shortcomings. We don't have to have all the answers and solve the problems of this world. All we need to do is allow God to guide our steps, trust Him to use us as he intends, and love Him and others.
It is in our weaknesses and inadequate lives that He is glorified even more!
6.28.2007
6.26.2007
One of my favorite things about summer is that I finally have time to read. I mean really read. I read all the time at school...and most of the time I really enjoy my reading. Who wouldn't want to read Ethnographies? Some of you may think I'm being sarcastic...but I'm not. I really do enjoy most of my reading for classes. For example: I was given the opportunity to read a research paper (similar to ones from my Social Research class) an intern from some school in Canada wrote for the NGO I'm working with. About child protection policies. Like why they are needed, ways different organizations have written their policies, and best of all, the importance of understanding the culture and cultural tendencies of the people you are trying to protect.
However, in the summer I have time to read books that are not covered in my classes curriculum's. Such as children's books. And memoirs. And historical fiction. Michael Jones, a good friend of mine and my (sadly) ex-CPO boss, has been suggesting different books for me to read for quite sometime now. Among the suggestions have been books about great men in the Christian faith, who at different points in history have lived miraculous lives for Christ.
Hannah handed me God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew a few days ago and insisted on me reading it. She has read it four times...maybe more. It is the story of Brother Andrew, a man who smuggled Bibles across the Iron Curtain. He never relied on his own cleverness or strength for anything. There are stories upon stories telling readers of the times when God showed his faithfulness to Brother Andrew and those surrounding his life. Often times while reading, the accounts were so miraculous that I found it hard to believe. I would find my self wondering, "oh...come on...that is crazy...how could the boarder guards not see those Bibles...they are sitting on the seat in plain daylight..." Brother Andrew brings up the point many times that it is instances such as this that we see God's work the clearest. Brother Andrew prays many times that just as the Lord made blind eyes see while he was on earth, that he would make seeing eyes blind when bring the illegal material into different countries.
I was struck over and over again by the faith and dependence Brother Andrew placed in the Lord. I am praying that the Lord would allow me to trust Him like that. And that no matter how little or how much of the future is clear to me that I would obey what I hear Him telling me to do in the present. As Brother Andrew says, " That's the excitement in obedience. Finding out later what God had in mind." It's encouraging to know that we in the here and now are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, whom have experience the surpassing joy of life following Christ...such as those talked about in Hebrews 11, Brother Andrew, and many others.
I encourage all of you to read this story if you haven't before. As for me...I think I try to read about George Muller. Or Hudson Taylor. Or whatever book I can find first.
However, in the summer I have time to read books that are not covered in my classes curriculum's. Such as children's books. And memoirs. And historical fiction. Michael Jones, a good friend of mine and my (sadly) ex-CPO boss, has been suggesting different books for me to read for quite sometime now. Among the suggestions have been books about great men in the Christian faith, who at different points in history have lived miraculous lives for Christ.
Hannah handed me God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew a few days ago and insisted on me reading it. She has read it four times...maybe more. It is the story of Brother Andrew, a man who smuggled Bibles across the Iron Curtain. He never relied on his own cleverness or strength for anything. There are stories upon stories telling readers of the times when God showed his faithfulness to Brother Andrew and those surrounding his life. Often times while reading, the accounts were so miraculous that I found it hard to believe. I would find my self wondering, "oh...come on...that is crazy...how could the boarder guards not see those Bibles...they are sitting on the seat in plain daylight..." Brother Andrew brings up the point many times that it is instances such as this that we see God's work the clearest. Brother Andrew prays many times that just as the Lord made blind eyes see while he was on earth, that he would make seeing eyes blind when bring the illegal material into different countries.
I was struck over and over again by the faith and dependence Brother Andrew placed in the Lord. I am praying that the Lord would allow me to trust Him like that. And that no matter how little or how much of the future is clear to me that I would obey what I hear Him telling me to do in the present. As Brother Andrew says, " That's the excitement in obedience. Finding out later what God had in mind." It's encouraging to know that we in the here and now are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, whom have experience the surpassing joy of life following Christ...such as those talked about in Hebrews 11, Brother Andrew, and many others.
I encourage all of you to read this story if you haven't before. As for me...I think I try to read about George Muller. Or Hudson Taylor. Or whatever book I can find first.
6.21.2007
Khruu Khwan
She's crazy, ok? Like perfect-for-us crazy. In a really really good way.
Khruu Khwan is our Thai teacher.
The first day of class she pulled out a picture of her "American friend" and asked us if we knew him. You know how in different countries around the world people have the impression that our entire nation is the size of Small Town, America? And, like, they'll ask you if you know Michael Jordan. Because you're both from America, so of course you'll know him, right?
So she pulled out this picture and asked us "the question". And we looked at the picture.
And it was Steve Yu, fellow Wheaton College student. Weird, right? He had stayed at her house last summer while on a missions trip (SMP) with Wheaton. Again, weird...
Khruu Khwan has a very vibrant personality, which is a perfect trait for teaching languages. When she is having a hard time translating a word for us, her naturally animated character goes into full swing. Example: Two days ago, Khruu Khwan was attempting to narrate her experience with swimming. She wrote "waaynaam" (to swim) on the board and then pointed to us and said, "you teach khruu". And she showed us, using caveman language and body movements, that when she swims she moves backwards. She was standing in front of the white board, moving her hands around in circles- to show us how she swims- and she was running backwards.
Khruu Khwan makes learning Thai exciting and interesting. Which is definitely needed to keep me motivated. We are planning on going to some of her favorite Thai places (like a really sweet park she talks about) which should be great.
More to come soon...
She's crazy, ok? Like perfect-for-us crazy. In a really really good way.
Khruu Khwan is our Thai teacher.
The first day of class she pulled out a picture of her "American friend" and asked us if we knew him. You know how in different countries around the world people have the impression that our entire nation is the size of Small Town, America? And, like, they'll ask you if you know Michael Jordan. Because you're both from America, so of course you'll know him, right?
So she pulled out this picture and asked us "the question". And we looked at the picture.
And it was Steve Yu, fellow Wheaton College student. Weird, right? He had stayed at her house last summer while on a missions trip (SMP) with Wheaton. Again, weird...
Khruu Khwan has a very vibrant personality, which is a perfect trait for teaching languages. When she is having a hard time translating a word for us, her naturally animated character goes into full swing. Example: Two days ago, Khruu Khwan was attempting to narrate her experience with swimming. She wrote "waaynaam" (to swim) on the board and then pointed to us and said, "you teach khruu". And she showed us, using caveman language and body movements, that when she swims she moves backwards. She was standing in front of the white board, moving her hands around in circles- to show us how she swims- and she was running backwards.
Khruu Khwan makes learning Thai exciting and interesting. Which is definitely needed to keep me motivated. We are planning on going to some of her favorite Thai places (like a really sweet park she talks about) which should be great.
More to come soon...
6.19.2007
6.16.2007
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
~Isaiah 61:1-3
I am back in Thailand after an exciting and challenging week in Cambodia. Coming back was sort of like coming back to the States. Thailand is rich compared to the parts of Cambodia we visited.
The visit to Sivy’s village was a really neat experience. It was hard because they spoke no English and I don’t know any Khmer except for “hello” and “thank you”. “Thank you” became a very helpful phrase because the people were so set on serving us. I almost felt unhelpful and sort of like a snob just sitting around watching them make meals. However, I did not want to offend them by insisting on helping. Basically for two days I spent my time sitting with them, smiling a lot, and enjoying the opportunity to observe the way life runs in the village and how the family interacts.
We walked around the village visiting different family members (it seemed as if the entire village is only a few families) delivering different gifts we brought them, such as toothbrushes and pain killers. Sivy had the opportunity to talk to some of them about Jesus. One family we were talking to used to be Christians. However, they were the only ones in the village who were not Buddhist and they did not want to be looked upon as outsiders, so they turned back to Buddha. Please pray that they would not fear persecution from their neighbors and they would realize that following Christ is more important than being accepted by others. Please also pray that God would send someone there to bring the Gospel and start a Church in order to provide support and encouragement to those who are believers.
While in the village we got to experience true Cambodian food (i.e. crickets, frogs, and duck baby eggs) and showering outside from a huge jar of water. It was really fun and Hannah and I decided that is the way we are going to shower next year at school. I wonder how we’re going to install the pump…
I always joked about crazy Chicago drivers. Now I know what crazy driving actually is. The only rule of the road is to follow the flow of traffic as it meanders all over the place. If you don’t, if you hesitate at all, you are going to get hurt. I think I only saw a handful of stop signs and stoplights. Most intersections were seemingly a free-for-all. On our three hour drive back from Sivy’s village we didn’t get passed once. Hannah named our driver the Road Boss. He was crazy.
Among one of my favorite things we did in Cambodia was visiting a church there. I was able to attend New Life Church twice during our time there and both times I was struck by the joy and hope present. Amongst the suffering and poverty in the country, the Church is alive and growing. Many of the missionaries I was able to interact with talked about the importance Pol Pot and the genocide has played in the growth of the Church. It is so evident how God is using that evil and pain to bring about good. The Cambodian church is acting the way the New Testament teaches the Church should act. They are giving food and clothes to their neighbors in the name of Jesus. They are radically loving God and his creation. Praise God for the work He is doing in Cambodia!
Yesterday was Mrs. Veldt’s birthday so we went up into the mountains to this really sweet waterfall. You could climb up and down it. I’ll try to show pictures soon.
Today was the perfect lazy Saturday. It rain this afternoon which was great. I love when it rains here. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite things about Thailand. I convinced Hannah and her brother Tristan to come play in the rain with me. It was great…we ran around and jumped in puddles. Even the puddles are better here.
~Isaiah 61:1-3
I am back in Thailand after an exciting and challenging week in Cambodia. Coming back was sort of like coming back to the States. Thailand is rich compared to the parts of Cambodia we visited.
The visit to Sivy’s village was a really neat experience. It was hard because they spoke no English and I don’t know any Khmer except for “hello” and “thank you”. “Thank you” became a very helpful phrase because the people were so set on serving us. I almost felt unhelpful and sort of like a snob just sitting around watching them make meals. However, I did not want to offend them by insisting on helping. Basically for two days I spent my time sitting with them, smiling a lot, and enjoying the opportunity to observe the way life runs in the village and how the family interacts.
We walked around the village visiting different family members (it seemed as if the entire village is only a few families) delivering different gifts we brought them, such as toothbrushes and pain killers. Sivy had the opportunity to talk to some of them about Jesus. One family we were talking to used to be Christians. However, they were the only ones in the village who were not Buddhist and they did not want to be looked upon as outsiders, so they turned back to Buddha. Please pray that they would not fear persecution from their neighbors and they would realize that following Christ is more important than being accepted by others. Please also pray that God would send someone there to bring the Gospel and start a Church in order to provide support and encouragement to those who are believers.
While in the village we got to experience true Cambodian food (i.e. crickets, frogs, and duck baby eggs) and showering outside from a huge jar of water. It was really fun and Hannah and I decided that is the way we are going to shower next year at school. I wonder how we’re going to install the pump…
I always joked about crazy Chicago drivers. Now I know what crazy driving actually is. The only rule of the road is to follow the flow of traffic as it meanders all over the place. If you don’t, if you hesitate at all, you are going to get hurt. I think I only saw a handful of stop signs and stoplights. Most intersections were seemingly a free-for-all. On our three hour drive back from Sivy’s village we didn’t get passed once. Hannah named our driver the Road Boss. He was crazy.
Among one of my favorite things we did in Cambodia was visiting a church there. I was able to attend New Life Church twice during our time there and both times I was struck by the joy and hope present. Amongst the suffering and poverty in the country, the Church is alive and growing. Many of the missionaries I was able to interact with talked about the importance Pol Pot and the genocide has played in the growth of the Church. It is so evident how God is using that evil and pain to bring about good. The Cambodian church is acting the way the New Testament teaches the Church should act. They are giving food and clothes to their neighbors in the name of Jesus. They are radically loving God and his creation. Praise God for the work He is doing in Cambodia!
Yesterday was Mrs. Veldt’s birthday so we went up into the mountains to this really sweet waterfall. You could climb up and down it. I’ll try to show pictures soon.
Today was the perfect lazy Saturday. It rain this afternoon which was great. I love when it rains here. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite things about Thailand. I convinced Hannah and her brother Tristan to come play in the rain with me. It was great…we ran around and jumped in puddles. Even the puddles are better here.
6.09.2007
Hello friends and family! It feels as if I haven't written in so long...Mr. Veldt's computer broke down last week so for the first time in a long time I was without Internet access. It was weird but also good...if that makes sense. So much as happened over the past few weeks that I don't even know where to begin.
For those of you who don't know (which is probably most of you) we got in an accident with a motorbike about a week and a half ago. We were coming home from Hannah's birthday celebration when it occurred. We were taking a right turn (in Thailand you drive on the other side of the road, so we were crossing traffic) when a motorbike with two men on it ran their red light, hitting us. It was pretty scary. We prayed for the men while we waited for the ambulance to come. I didn't think one of them was alive...but than he started to breath again. Soon after it occurred, families on the Veldt's team showed up to help us communicate with the police. It is amazing how our God provides for us! The men are both better now...they are out of the hospital and have been able to be in contact with missionaries. Praise God for healing them and for opportunities to share his Truth to these men.
Right now I'm sitting in an Internet place (I would say Internet cafe but it is just about 10 computers set up in a room) in Cambodia. Hannah and I, along with Crystal (who has been working with YWAM in Chiang Rai at an HIV orphanage for the past 6 months) and Sivy (who was adopted from Cambodia about 3 years ago) arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday (Friday) morning. In the airport we started making small talk with a family from Texas and they asked us what we were all doing and how we all know one another. It's funny because before Thursday Hannah and I had never met Crystal before and we had only met Sivy a few weeks ago. It's awesome because the thing we have in common is that we are sisters in Christ. We are all traveling together through Southeast Asia in order to see what God is doing in Cambodia and to experience Sivy's life here.
Yesterday we spent most of the day in Sivy's old orphanage playing with the kids. They are so cute and full of life. It was a really good experience even though it was hard to see how they have to live every day. Today we went to the killing fiends and the Genocide Museum: Tuol Sleng. I don't know how much you all know of Cambodian history, but in1975 the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot committed genocide against the Cambodian people. I knew nothing of this occurring until this summer...which has made me wonder why I haven't learned of this in any of my history classes...or why I haven't gone out of my way to learn more history of different parts of the world. It was hard to learn about. Hard to read people's memories. Hard to see the mass graves. Hard to see what humans are capable of.
But among all of that sadness and destruction there was hope. That's the amazing thing about our God. There is always hope. I have been reading The Good News about Injustice by Gary Haugen. In it he says, "It is through his word that God reveals his character, and it is God's character, and God's character alone, that gives me hope to seek justice amid the brutality I witness." It is God's character that gives me hope after learning about Cambodia's recent history. As we were sitting in a park about to indulge in our picnic lunch of chicken, sticky rice, and crickets (that's right...crickets) Crystal prayed for opportunities to share God's love and hope to the people around us. It was only a short time later when a guy about 23 approached us and started asking us about the food were were eating. Than slowly, a younger girl and an old woman came up and sat down next to us wanting to talk. Sivy is the only one of us who can really speak Khmer so she began to talk to them about Jesus and how He has worked in her life. I wish you all could meet Sivy. I have never met anyone who was so joyful about the Lord. When you look at her and when she smiles you can actually see the joy and hope she has found in Christ.
Later this week we are planning on spending two days and one night in Sivy's village...where she used to live before being sent to the orphanage by her family because they could no longer care for her. It should be a stretching time. Almost her entire village is Buddhist so please pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ amongst the language barrier. And for courage when faced with situations that will certainly take me out of my comfort zone (such as meals). There is so much more say and I only wish that I could send along with this post the sights, sounds, and smells of Phnom Penh. Please also be praying for Cambodia as a country as they continue to heal from these recent pain and terror. Know that I am also praying for you all...in your many different parts of the world.
"I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than ALL gods." ~Psalm 135:5~
For those of you who don't know (which is probably most of you) we got in an accident with a motorbike about a week and a half ago. We were coming home from Hannah's birthday celebration when it occurred. We were taking a right turn (in Thailand you drive on the other side of the road, so we were crossing traffic) when a motorbike with two men on it ran their red light, hitting us. It was pretty scary. We prayed for the men while we waited for the ambulance to come. I didn't think one of them was alive...but than he started to breath again. Soon after it occurred, families on the Veldt's team showed up to help us communicate with the police. It is amazing how our God provides for us! The men are both better now...they are out of the hospital and have been able to be in contact with missionaries. Praise God for healing them and for opportunities to share his Truth to these men.
Right now I'm sitting in an Internet place (I would say Internet cafe but it is just about 10 computers set up in a room) in Cambodia. Hannah and I, along with Crystal (who has been working with YWAM in Chiang Rai at an HIV orphanage for the past 6 months) and Sivy (who was adopted from Cambodia about 3 years ago) arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday (Friday) morning. In the airport we started making small talk with a family from Texas and they asked us what we were all doing and how we all know one another. It's funny because before Thursday Hannah and I had never met Crystal before and we had only met Sivy a few weeks ago. It's awesome because the thing we have in common is that we are sisters in Christ. We are all traveling together through Southeast Asia in order to see what God is doing in Cambodia and to experience Sivy's life here.
Yesterday we spent most of the day in Sivy's old orphanage playing with the kids. They are so cute and full of life. It was a really good experience even though it was hard to see how they have to live every day. Today we went to the killing fiends and the Genocide Museum: Tuol Sleng. I don't know how much you all know of Cambodian history, but in1975 the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot committed genocide against the Cambodian people. I knew nothing of this occurring until this summer...which has made me wonder why I haven't learned of this in any of my history classes...or why I haven't gone out of my way to learn more history of different parts of the world. It was hard to learn about. Hard to read people's memories. Hard to see the mass graves. Hard to see what humans are capable of.
But among all of that sadness and destruction there was hope. That's the amazing thing about our God. There is always hope. I have been reading The Good News about Injustice by Gary Haugen. In it he says, "It is through his word that God reveals his character, and it is God's character, and God's character alone, that gives me hope to seek justice amid the brutality I witness." It is God's character that gives me hope after learning about Cambodia's recent history. As we were sitting in a park about to indulge in our picnic lunch of chicken, sticky rice, and crickets (that's right...crickets) Crystal prayed for opportunities to share God's love and hope to the people around us. It was only a short time later when a guy about 23 approached us and started asking us about the food were were eating. Than slowly, a younger girl and an old woman came up and sat down next to us wanting to talk. Sivy is the only one of us who can really speak Khmer so she began to talk to them about Jesus and how He has worked in her life. I wish you all could meet Sivy. I have never met anyone who was so joyful about the Lord. When you look at her and when she smiles you can actually see the joy and hope she has found in Christ.
Later this week we are planning on spending two days and one night in Sivy's village...where she used to live before being sent to the orphanage by her family because they could no longer care for her. It should be a stretching time. Almost her entire village is Buddhist so please pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ amongst the language barrier. And for courage when faced with situations that will certainly take me out of my comfort zone (such as meals). There is so much more say and I only wish that I could send along with this post the sights, sounds, and smells of Phnom Penh. Please also be praying for Cambodia as a country as they continue to heal from these recent pain and terror. Know that I am also praying for you all...in your many different parts of the world.
"I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than ALL gods." ~Psalm 135:5~
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