What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s my favourite
conversation starter with kids. I love listening to their dreams. Here’s a few
of the common ones…
- · I want to be a teacher
- · I want to be a nurse
- · I want to be a mommy
- · I want to be a farmer
- · I want to be an astronaut
- · I want to be a singer
- · And the list goes on…
They don’t spend time thinking about the education, time,
and money that would go into becoming any one of these. They just see
themselves doing it. They have so much fun pretending to be a teacher or an
astronaut or whatever.
When I was little, I pretended I lived with the poor. I was
a mama to kids who didn’t have parents. I read them stories and held them
close. I made sure they were happy and satisfied before they went to bed. I’d
tuck them in lovingly.
I grew up and realized for that dream to come true I’d have
to overcome some obstacles. As a child I hadn’t realized that it would mean
leaving my family. I didn’t know I’d have to learn a new language. I didn’t
know it would cost of lot of money and I wouldn’t necessarily be earning any. I
didn’t realize that my childhood friends wouldn’t be coming with me. I didn’t
know I’d have to learn to enjoy strange foods. I didn’t think about it that I
wouldn’t be able to help on the farm with the rest of the family. I didn’t know
how hard it would be to be face to face with suffering every day. I didn’t know
how many years it would take till it became reality. All I knew was that it
made me feel fulfilled deep inside.
For the next 20+ years, I fell in love with Jesus and kept dreaming. God did an incredible work in my heart. He delivered
me from fears that were huge obstacles in my life. I surrendered my dreams
to Him. I learned to rest in Him. I knew He would make it happen in whatever way and time was best. Next
to Jesus, this dream, or calling, became my most important passion in life. I
decided at quite a young age that I’d stay single, unless God brought me someone
who shared this passion. (Haha that’s for those of you who have wondered why I
haven’t gotten married ;)
Three and a half months ago, I got on that plane and flew
across the ocean. The beginning was rough. I missed my family. I missed
speaking the same language as the kids I worked with. I missed my childhood
friends. I missed Mom’s food and having plenty of meat for every meal (still
do). But…I get to see the kids come into kids club with expectant smiles. I get
to hold their hands. I get to look at picture books with them (I can’t read
yet). I get to give them a healthy snack. I get to see them worship Jesus, in
spite of the circumstances they’re in. I get to give them smiles and see them
smile back. I love being on Jesus’ team and be part of bringing revival to dark
places. I love praying and believing for breakthrough for families who feel stuck in the enemy’s grip. I love seeing families rescued from the street and
placed in a safe home where they encounter the love of Jesus. This is all well
worth any sacrifices I may have made to be here. I feel fulfilled deep inside
to be doing exactly what I’ve always dreamed of doing and to see God’s
faithfulness through it all.
I had my 3-month interview last week and agreed to stay
longterm. I guess that means I’ve officially moved to Cambodia! This makes me
very happy!
Be blessed and don't ever give up hope!
“developing a life in God’s presence above all else is the only way to fulfill our God-given destinies. Keys to our callings are released when we spend time there.” Heidi Baker, Birthing the Miraculous
