Jesus Loves Me

Good morning from Cambodia!

"Jesus loves me." To be able to speak these words and fully believe them, changes the way you view life and circumstances. A few weeks ago, after kids club, several kids stayed in the room for a few extra minutes. They were doing their own things. Reading books and chatting quietly. My ears perked up when I heard these words, in their local language, "Jesus loves me". One of the little girls, spoke them almost under her breath and to no one in particular. We tell them this truth over and over and have them repeat it often. But what a powerful statement for her to speak over her life. In the midst of her less than ideal life, with mom working, leaving her to fare for herself for the day, she knows that Jesus loves her! 

That's been my prayer over the community. That they would know, deep in their hearts, that Jesus loves them. As I walked through the street to our room in the community, my heart cried out for everyone to know that Jesus values them. He created them and paid the cost for them know love forever and ever! 

Making superheroes!

The kids are so proud of them. We attached pictures of each child's face. Multiple times I saw them flexing their muscles in front of their superhero. It made them feel strong!

Once a month, we have education week. It is just to help support what they learn at school, Khmer alphabet and math. This is the alphabet chart they made during craft time.

We've also done a few basic English classes. Here they learned the English words for different colours. They're loading the train cars with the correct colour stickers. Since we had two trains, it promptly became a competition between boys and girls to see who would be quicker :) 

Learning English body parts with 'Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes'.

One of our team members compiled all the art pieces for each child into separate books. I was surprised how proud the kids were of their work. They usually don't want to bring their pieces home, but they loved the compilations. I guess there was something about seeing it all together and how well they had done.

Playtime!

Heading home after kids club, loaded with fresh fruit. Don't tell the others, but the last ones sometimes go home with more snacks ;)

International Women's Day! This is one of the amazing women on our team! Here she's walking through the community with the rest of the team, celebrating the women by giving them roses. Their responses were remarkable! 

Canada

We got to go to Canada for a number of weeks to rest, rejuvenate, and connect with family and friends. It was such a blessing!

When I got there in March, it was still COLD! Still we bundled up and went on a walk on country roads. 

I miss them so much when I'm away!

Farming with my nephew!

Farming with my husband :)
Colin is so great at trading in life in the city for life on the farm for a couple of weeks because he knows how much it means to me!

Reading to the little ones

Hanging out with this young lady is always a treat! Skyenne, you bless and inspire me with your contagious joy and love!

Catching up with friends was very encouraging! I love hearing what God is doing in each of your lives! 

Family Weekend

April 20th and 21st we had family time. We celebrated two birthdays, everyone together again, and our 20th anniversary of moving to Canada.

These two beauties share a birthday!

Flying kites

Everyone grows up so fast! Hard to believe that I have a 12-year-old niece!

We reenacted a few photos. This one was taken on our move to Canada in 1999. 

20 years later!

Our family in 2008

Sitting on the same rocks in 2019. 

God is faithful! I couldn't wish for a more amazing family! Love and miss each one!

On our way back! Suitcases loaded with chocolate chips, coffee crisps, La Cocina chips, canned peaches, and canned beef. Hearts rested and full of joy and anticipation.

 Thank you everyone for a lovely time and for pouring into our lives again! We couldn't do what we do in Cambodia without all our amazing friends and family!

We've been back in Cambodia for a little over a month now.

Just over a week ago, we witnessed these two commit their lives to each other! It was beautiful and meaningful! I'm glad we were able to be back in time for the wedding.

Life is back to 'normal'. At least as normal as life gets. Work, ministry, friends, marriage, etc. There are new adventures and challenges every day. I will hang on to the truth that 'Jesus loves me'. 

 Love you all!

-Brenda Chen