Thank You Cambodia!

Three weeks ago we landed in Cambodia and a couple hours later we pulled into the orphanage (our Cambodian home). Upon arrival the kids swarmed us with hugs, big smiles, and laughter. I did not know it then, but in just a few short weeks these kids would steal my heart. We only have one full day left here with these precious souls. I do not believe anything can truly prepare me for leaving, but knowing that during this last month we got to share the love of Christ with these children makes the goodbye worth it. Most days being in Cambodia just felt like a dream, but now that I am preparing to leave, I have finally come face to face with the reality of this last month. I currently sit outside our sleeping quarters at sunset with one hand typing this and the other wrapped around one of the boys. For me this moment is precious and treasured. If you know me well you know that extended time with children is not my thing, yet here that doesn’t matter. These kids simply desire to be loved and in return they love in most beautiful and simplistic ways possible. Moments ago two children dusted off my computer because it had dirt on it. The other night I was playing in the dirt and when I got up my legs had dust and rocks clinging to them. The children around did not hesitate in brushing off my legs, smiling at me, and giving me a hug. Yes, we are here to serve these children and this orphanage, but in all honesty they serve and bless us daily. I can only hope and pray that the time I have spent teaching, playing and loving these kids blesses them as much as it has blessed me. I hope and pray that the time and energy we put into building and painting their playground turns into years of laughter and joy for every child here.  I am so thankful for the time I have had here. Yes, there have been hard days, but the work that the Lord is doing in this place and in my own heart is worth it. I will leave y’all with my thank you letter to Cambodia and prayer for these children.

Cambodia,

Children of New Hope Orphanage,

 Thank you for loving me every moment of every day. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and softening my heart. Thank you for being joyous and happy despite the things you have seen and experienced in your short life. Thank you for sharing your stories with me and for allowing me to share with you. There are a million things for me to be thankful for and I don’t know that I could ever truly know or express how you have impacted me. To every precious child and every person working here, and every other person that helps make the work of New Hope possible, thank you!

Heavenly Father,