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 see in America.
He is revealed when a sassy 14-year-old Cambodian girl insists she will wake up at 5am to see you put on makeup and say goodbye before you depart for your off-day. He is seen when the childrens’ selective English song repertoire includes “Good Good Father”. His finger prints are on every flower a small village girl places in my hair. He is seen dancing with us as we teach children the Church Clap dance. When a girl who said “I am not beautiful” two weeks ago now says “God made me beautiful”, I can see Him with His arm around her, so proud of her newfound confidence in Him. As my new friend belts out even the highest of notes in a song I can’t understand and I nearly fall over laughing, God is present. Every time we speak to the house parent about the needs in the home, I can envision how God might be working to bring the school supplies, the transportation, the clothes, or money for repairs.
He is at work here in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia. He is alive in each of these kids hearts. He is at work in this family of nearly 30 people. And His power surpasses every difficulty, every discomfort, every ounce of darkness, and every language barrier.
Please laugh at the title.
