Adventures – Page 76

Where’s Waldo? Jesus Edition

Our arrival at NHO felt movie-screen surreal. Children of various ages approached the van as we pulled up and began to help us carry our bags as we unloaded. We were surrounded by greenery and a few colorful buildings with that signature Cambodian architecture. I questioned what challenges might fall our way and what might come easy to us. Despite naming our team “Brutal Awakening”, (and how absolutely fitting I must admit,) it didn’t take long until I felt at home. With God as my foundation, I feel at home wherever He is. But He appears here in ways I don’t get to...

Finding a Father

Recently I found myself mourning the absence of a father figure in my life. I know the healing powers of the Lord, so I brought my wounded heart to Him. I felt Him mourn with me over the lack of relationship I have with my father; but despite feeling less alone, my heart was not healing. The Holy Spirit met me throughout training camp — He showed me the image of God as Father and this started a process of healing. On Friday, September 8th, we arrived at the New Hope for Orphans home in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. In the middle of a jungle, three hours away from any “major...

A Prayer Preceding Departure

Early in the trip our days went by like weeks. 24 hours seemed never ending. But I’ve learned so much, I’ve grown, and I’ve bonded with my new friends (American and Cambodian). We leave early in the morning on October 3rd. That means there’s about 10 days left. As we take on our remaining days of ministry and fellowship in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia, this is the prayer I pray. Lord help me to see giant leaves as umbrellasAnd empty plastic water bottles as toy cars Help me to see the flooded ground as a dance floorThe heat as a perfectly placed, nurturing sun Help me...

God’s Grace Brought Me Here

September 22, 2017
Adventures
2017 Fall - India

I can’t believe I’m already three weeks into this journey! These past two weeks in Sielmat have been unforgettable, and on Monday we will be moving to a new location in the hills in the southwestern part of Manipur. I think this entry from my journal this morning sums up my feelings about this place well! I am sitting here on a moss-cushioned, snail-strewn brick wall on a hill in a piney forest in Northeast India. How did I get here? I sit in silence and close my eyes and listen. The roosters are calling to each other, the bugs are softly screaming overhead, children are...

When God Says Go

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 If God asked you to go, would you? I woke up to the sound of blaring temple music, roosters crowing, and motos passing by. The sun was crimson, just starting to peak over the tree line, and thick humidity hung in the air. Fighting serious jet lag, I walked out on the porch to take a look at the place I would be living in for the next month, and suddenly everything became real. I was in Cambodia. It’s hard to...

Shawn, That’s Enough

So there’s this rooster at our hosts house in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. His name is Shawn. Every morning at 4:30 Shawn does his little rooster thing and cocka-doodle-doos. (Even thought now I hear ‘put your pants on!’ every time he makes his noise. Thank you, to my wonderful teammate Lauren.) Anyway, my relationship with Shawn has slowly progressed in the time we have spent together in this little village. At first, I hated Shawn. I hated Shawn when he would wake me up at 4:30 AM. I hated Shawn when he would crow at 3 in the afternoon. Like, the sun is up. It has been up for...

Author: Adventures