February 2016 in Cambodia

Looking back on the month of February, I realize a lot more happened than I thought! This month was packed full with new opportunities and more to learn about everything that surrounds me, including our amazing God. He continues to work in my life despite my failure to strive to serve Him in the best way that I can. I praise Him for his grace, patience, love, mercy, goodness and presence in my life. I am so excited that I can share that He is working here in Cambodia and in the lives of the people. 
On the 31st of January we were eager to be able to welcome new helpers to our fold for the month of February. We had two World Race teams arrive in Siem Reap that would be helping Teen Missions ministry throughout the course of the month. After a few days, one team was sent to the base in Kom Phong Chnang and the other stayed here at the base in Siem Reap. Somaly, an intern here, Teacher Nelly and I went down to the southern base with the team. The ride down was fun for me as Somaly and I sat in the back seat of the crammed truck, talking and sleeping. Teacher Nelly and I spent a few days there helping with whatever needed to be done before we headed back. When we were there we had the opportunity to be a part of a step in the process of harvesting rice. We also enjoyed spending time with Samuel and Redika McCracken, the missionary couple in the south. I was able to bake some carrot cake for them and it was nice to just talk and catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives. Getting to know the team there a little bit was also a big blessing and encouragement. On the way back Teacher and I were also able to visit Sothiya and Somaly’s (interns and friends) house to speak and each lunch. It was nice to see their home and meet their family. The welcome that they gave us was touching.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap we began to get to know the other team. We had three girls stay here with us and serve and the other three went to a guest house to help the owner with the opening. Getting to know those young women was rewarding. You were able to see how God was working differently in each of their lives. I am excited for them to see what God’s going to do next in them. From game nights and faith chats to spending some time worshiping together, it was just great to have some people here that come from my culture and relate. All of them had the opportunity to go to church here and share a song and then one went on to continue to preach for us that morning. They did a fantastic job of painting the office, with verses as well. They also taught English, practical training and the students loved spending any time with them at all. 
There were a few special days with them that I wanted to speak about, one of them was when we went to the village. The team had the opportunity to go with the MSSM girls to help teach and love on some kids. They did a great job of trying to get involved with them and we even had the chance to visit a house of one of the kids with them. We also had the chance to listen to one of the young women preach after they had sang a song in church on a Sunday morning. There were many World Racers from the US in the country at the time so our team was nice enough to think I might want to join some American worship time. Even though my schedule was busy I am happy I made the time to go to a guest house here in Siem Reap to worship. I thought the story of the guest house was pretty cool. The owner had just opened and another team was helping him get set up. During the first month they had a ton of different world race teams there and they were able to show Gods love to any other guests that stayed. The worship was a nice refresher, as it was popular worship songs in English. Getting to know the team as they were here was special. The students and staff really enjoyed spending their time with them. They especially loved sucking up all the English that they could. For me it was a special thing to have people that understood my culture and that could speak with in that way. It was also encouraging to see the way that God is working in each one of their lives. We all loved seeing their characters revealed and getting to laugh and joke with them. They are all awesome people and we ask that you would please continue to pray for them and their work in ministry as they continue on the Race.
One of the most noteworthy events of the month was the attendance of Saron and Yi’s wedding. After we returned from ministry the staff and the World Race team all got ready to leave for the reception. It was very intriguing to see the difference in culture in the wedding. The traditions they have are special and interesting to be opened up to; things such as fruit tasting, washing of feet and special words from the family etc. It was so neat to see them together on their special day and to see their families come to celebrate as well. After we had been there for about 2 hours we decided it was time to go back and get ready for the party part. This was the time for all of us here at the school to get all dolled up with our special dresses/suits, jewelry and make-up. When we went to the party most of the evening was dancing eating and socializing. It was really a great time and we were all so blessed to have been there and been a part in that experience. We thank God that Saron and Yi were faithful to have the wedding that He wanted for them and that they were faithful to trust in His provision. Please pray for the couple as they are in their first year of marriage, may God bless them. Please pray also as they are starting a different journey in life.
Birthdays are always a joy to celebrate with the people here. In the month of February we ended up having three birthdays to celebrate. The first two were students named Lai and Chan. Their birthdays are close together so we ended up celebrating for them on the same day. In the evening we had our time of fellowship and drank a special sweet drink along with sweet cookies and ice pops. We also had a great time playing around with soot from the pots after we finished eating. The third birthday happened to be one of the young women from the World Race team named Kristen. We were especially lucky when we celebrated her birthday because all of us got to take the day off and go experience a day at the lake with them. That included lots of sweets, amazing Khmer food, playing guitar, worshiping, relaxing, swimming, silly pictures and fellowship. It was such a great time and we thank God we were able to take a day of to experience that. In the evening we had a special dinner made by the World race team that consisted of pancakes and potatoes. Dessert was doughnuts, sweet crackers and the special sweet drink. That night we enjoyed joking around, spending time together and playing with the soot again. However, it was a sad ending to the day as we said goodbye to the team and sent them off to Vietnam. Their work here was valuable to us and we miss them. Please pray for these people who had their birthday to be blessed by God this year and to seek the Lord with zeal.
Ministry here still continues, going to the circuit, teaching English, speaking at church and chapel and regular office work are opportunities from God. I often forget how much of a blessing it is to be doing the work that I am. My relationships with the kids in the village and the students and staff at the base continue to grow. Getting to know them better is so rewarding and they have gained a special place in my heart. I love doing ministry here and I pray that God would continue to open my eyes to see the true value in it. 
As far as prayer requests go, please pray for: health and strength, wisdom, peace and guidance. Pray for change in Cambodia, for God’s love to be seen and a zeal for the Christians to continue in their work serving the Lord. Pray for firm faith in the Lord, for families of the people at the school. Please pray for the missionaries around the world serving God. I also ask that you would pray for the preparation of the hearts and minds of the people here as Christianity is becoming bigger here in Cambodia. Please pray for the people that I work with here and for our hearts. Thank you all for continuing to support me and the people here and giving me encouragement as I continue on this amazing journey. God bless you and your families!