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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

13 things I’ve learned in Cambodia 1. how to live the simple life, literally 2. When the power goes out, the wifi is down, & the water runs out all in one day- stay calm.. you don’t really need those things every second 3. I can actually survive without phone service and wifi, weird. I know.4. Toilet paper is not a thing here 5. Bugs want to be your best friends, but mosquito nets are the real pal. 6. You can have rice with every meal, every day and survive 7. Sweet and spicy chili sauce makes everything taste better 8. Monks chant at 4am and don’t care about waking...