Start of 2016 in Cambodia               January 2016

January 1st marked the start of a new year and more adventure. I cannot believe it’s already 2016! I am so excited to see what God has in store for me during the next twelve months. New Year’s resolutions always seem a little like empty promises, but I think goals are a more positive thing to strive for. This year I want to begin to uncover Gods plan for my life and allow it to be revealed to my eyes, my heart and my mind. I also want to truly align my desire with Gods will in my life. I praise the Lord, as I am continuing to serve here in Cambodia that He has continued to provide for me and given me peace and wisdom.
The first day of my new year was spent celebrating the birthday of a friend here, who is also a fellow circuit rider, staff member and sister in Christ. Sister Sreymom, Sister Ny and I went on an adventure to a rundown temple with Sister Ny’s co-workers from OMF. We walked and looked around a lot taking pictures on the way. When it came to lunch time we all sat down near one of the old temple buildings and took out our different foods to share with each other. It was neat to notice the different food choices, in view of the fact that there were a handful of different nationalities there. Cindy, Sister Ny’s boss had made Sreymom a cake. After we had eaten, we continued the rest of the way through to the end. During the evening we had another cake for her to eat and we all had a time of celebration to enjoy some fellowship. It ended up being a bit of a long day, but it was a good one.
I had the privilege to take the interns and a staff to dinner during January. The first round was Sister Sothiya, Sister Sheanghai and I. We ended up going to a Mexican restaurant inside the night market. It looked as if it was a well-liked restaurant from all the people. The girls ordered a burrito with rice and quesadillas and I ordered tacos. For drinks we had fruity juices/smoothies. We all shared each other’s food along with chips and salsa with guacamole. After we ate, we stopped at a hotel along the way back to the school. The big New Year’s and Christmas decorations were still up, so we took advantage of them and had some fun taking pictures with each other. The second round was towards the end of the month with Sister Somaly and Sister Sreymom. We went to eat inside the night market as well and ate at a Tex-Mex restaurant. You could tell that this restaurant was more geared for tourists, but both places were reasonably priced. At first we had a difficult time finding a restaurant that wasn’t packed so we looked for a good chunk of time before we finally decided on the Tex-Mex place. It was a good choice. Our orders were vegetarian pizza with beef, nachos, a chicken fajita, and a Khmer dish named “Koh.” We enjoyed looking around at the touristy things around us and having a time of fellowship. I am glad I had some individual time with all of them to get to speak with them about life.
At the beginning of the month we had a board meeting with Khmer members from different parts of the country. The meeting only happens once a year so we spent half of the day discussing the matters of ministry here at Teen Missions in Cambodia. I would say we got to speak and problem solve about many different important topics. I’m glad I was able to hear about the structure of the ministry here and learn a little bit more of what it takes/ looks like to run a ministry. After the meeting all of the students and staff sat down with the board members and had a nice lunch in the classroom. Big thanks to God that he provided this time for us to come together.
In the month of January, I had the opportunity to go to Thailand again with Sister Saron. However, this time her fiancé, at the time, came along with us. Sarons eye is still trying to heal and is still having some problems. Please continue to pray for her as she is seeking healing for her eye. The doctor we were supposed to see was not there that day so we spoke with a new doctor and the next go around, which is approaching quickly, the doctor, said it would be okay to ask for a new approach or treatment for her eye. Hopefully this go around there will be more progress. Saron never loses her hope and thankfulness to God when she travels there and hears the treatment suggestions. I continue to learn from her when I spend time with her. After we were finished at the doctor’s appt. we had the opportunity to go visit Sarons sister outside of Bangkok. It was an adventure getting there, but it was really nice to be able to go and meet some of her family. They were kind enough to provide a tasty dinner and good conversation. After we had spent the night, we got ready to leave in the morning and the rest of the day was spent traveling home. Traveling is always an excitement. I thank God that He gave me the opportunity to help someone I love and care about. Please continue to pray for Saron and her continued health and guidance in the Lord.
In different general categories, I have continued to learn new things as I live here. I had the opportunity to teach a little bit of cross cultural training at the beginning of the month. That involved explaining a little bit of what it’s like to live in America. Not only that, but we also began to speak about job salary’s, education and what needs to be done to begin to try and move your life to America. I am also doing a bit of learning myself. One of the interns here, named Sheanghai, was kind enough to agree to begin to teach me the Khmer language. So on and off, I have been really learning the alphabet, new words and attempting prayers. It’s been a little hard to have patience to learn a new language, but I think it is so worth it. I really enjoy learning and speaking and the people here have done a pretty good job of trying to help me learn and understand. 
On the topic of the people here, I wanted to share a little bit of what I have been feeling in becoming a part of the ministry here. I would say it took a good chunk of time for me to realize my importance to the people here and feel comfortable or “a part of the family.” I really knew in December and from there on it’s been a flood gate of a feeling of cherishment for friends here. I’ve had a deep, strong desire to be an encouragement, good friend and uplifting influence to them. I constantly fail, but I am praying God would continue to help me strive for His will in being a friend in Christ. I love and care for the people here so much and I know they will always be in my heart. I so hope and desire that upon my return to the states these friendships will continue and that we will know that despite the distance the love does not end. Please pray that God would guide and lead me in my choices and friendships here in Cambodia. Also that he would give us peace and prepare our hearts and minds for what’s ahead.
Lastly we are glad to report that we have two new members here at the BMW School in Cambodia. Their names are Jaicee and Joey. Jaicee is a white and brown spotted puppy, and Joey is all black! We brought both of them from different villages that we minister to throughout the week. Jaicee had been bitten by a bigger dog, so when we took her home she was unable to stand or move much. After a bit of time she was able to get up on her feet. She has a limp front leg, but now she’s a happy little girl hopping around like a rabbit. Joey is quite the character. He is and energetic, crazy, loving little guy. Joey has taken a special likening to our coordinator Teacher Nelly and follows her everywhere. As far as Jaicee goes, she is special and has many people that have taken a liking to her. So she goes from here to there with a good handful of us. Both of them like to spend time in the classroom playing with each other and causing a racquet. We are happy to have a few new additions here.
General ministry is going well; I am still getting many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ. I unfortunately know that not all of the time, do I really appreciate these opportunities. I struggle to see the great importance sometimes and put it in my head as a duty or task. However, thank God that he has recently reminded me that we have to move it from the duty column to the desire column. We have to remember that it’s a true and dear blessing to be able to serve God in the ways he gives us. Please pray for me to have a clear heart and head in that way. I feel blessed that God has continued to give me opportunities to share in chapel, church and in daily life. I am still on the circuit and going out to the village from 7am to 5pm 5 days a week. We are now rotating to let one person stay here at the base every two weeks to rest. I am amazed at how God provides the strength for the girls here to continue on the Circuit. It’s a draining ministry, but when you think about what we are doing it’s more than worth it. Again, God provides and continues to reveal Himself to us. We praise Him for His good, love, forgiveness and faithfulness to us in our lives. He is always good. Thank you all for your continued love and support for me and the ministry that God has put before me. I truly am blessed to have people continue to care. God bless you and your families!