When I Grow Up...

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 

New Place -- New Experiences -- Same Jesus

Hello! It's been almost a month since I said 'Good bye' to all things familiar. I must say it feels more like 6 months, but hey...more time to have fun! It's been a crazy roller coaster of emotions and experiences. One thing has remained the same -- Jesus is always with me! On days when I wanted to get on a plane and fly home, He'd gently remind that He will never, ever leave me and He is all I need. 

My new home! This is the view from the gym on the top floor of my apartment building. I get to work out while praying over the city. It's a really nice apartment! Spacious, wifi, unlimited water, warm shower, great kitchen. There's a grocery store right across the street and a market a few blocks down.

I drove a moto! Why have I missed out on driving one all these years?! So fun! I haven't purchased one yet, but am praying about when to get one. The traffic can get quite intense, so not sure if I should practice with a bicycle first to get used to the flow. Right now for transportation, I either walk or ride a tuk tuk. 

Last week, during Khmer New Year holidays in Cambodia, I got to fly to Malaysia. I spent a week with these two beautiful friends I got to know last summer in Africa. They took me all over the country to eat Malaysian food and see rain forests and waterfalls. It was very refreshing! A lovely gift from Jesus!

These falls.....just wow! Malaysia, you've imprinted your beauty in my heart forever!

Back in Cambodia...every Monday morning we have team meeting. This includes worship, testimonies, prayer, etc. While we worship, all impossibilities fade away. Revival can and is happening in this country because Jesus is on the throne! Then we end with a tasty Cambodian lunch. This is part of my amazing new family! Sitting on the floor to eat our food just feels right. I've always wondered why we need tables and chairs anyway ;) 

Twice a week we head to the Railway Community (aka the slum) to do kids club and visit families. The kids are so beautiful! But since we can't post pictures of them, I'll just post a few pictures that happened during kids club today. First, we spend some time outside, playing soccer, jump rope, braid hair, etc. Then we head to this rented room for worship and teaching. Wash hands and feet, worship, Bible story, art, and a snack. After lunch some of them return to play....cars, dolls, books, puzzles, and nails. This gives us an opportunity to build individual relationships. I love, love these days!! 

 One of the girls (who wants to do nails as a job when she grows up) did our nails. She picked the colors :) 

So that's some of what's been happening on this side of the world. I don't know how to properly thank those of you who are making this possible. I'm just praying that God will bless you double for your support! God is doing great things all over the world!

"You are not really free until Jesus is all you need and everything you need..." Rolland Baker

Cambodia!!

Hi from Cambodia! 

I've been here for about 19 hours now. It's hard to believe that after all that praying, planning, and prep, I'm actually here. I don't have to pinch myself to prove it true, as the almost constant sweating does a good job of it :)

Today I have met my roommate, activated my phone, had lunch with fellow team members in a cute little restaurant, shopped at the local market, and fought jet lag. And now I'm chilling in front of the fan, staying somewhat cool and trying to stay awake.

We're having a team meeting tomorrow, so looking forward to meeting the rest of the team and getting a bit better of an idea of what goes on at the base here.

Hopefully in the next few days, we'll figure out which apartment we want to rent. My roommate just arrived this morning, so for now we're staying in a really nice apartment, right next door to another Iris volunteer. We're hoping to find something a bit cheaper for the long run.

I'm looking forward till a few weeks from now when everything will be a bit more settled, I'll know my way around, and have gotten the chance to join the ministry teams as they go out. I'm especially looking forward to getting to know the kids in kids club, etc. I must admit I found today a bit overwhelming, but I can always blame it on jetlag ;)

An awesome quote that sums up what's going on in my heart: "I'm not in love with changing the world. I'm in love with the perfect Savior who changes the world." Rolland Baker.

Hello blog world!

What?! I'm a blogger?!

I just felt a need to write my stories, share my experiences, process my thoughts, but mostly, to keep you updated on this crazy journey my Papa God is taking me on.

I am currently in the process of figuring out flights, health insurance, and all the details that come with moving overseas to Cambodia. Some days, I want to just fall asleep and not wake up till it's all taken care of, but most days I'm doing quite well. I am so grateful for all the helpful people in my life. And the people (aka family) who have to listen to my constant thinking-out-loud.

I have realized this is also a really good time to be very intentional about spending time in God's presence. All worries and concerns slip away as I focus on Jesus, His love, His grace, and His promise to always be with me.

More to come soon!