God lives in me.

When you realize that your “new life” invited Christ to live inside of you, you are accessing the impossible.

“On that day you will realize that I am in the father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20 (NIV)

“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.” John 14:11-14 (MESSAGE)

“I mean it.”

To realize that Christ really does mean “Whatever you ask, I’ll do,” is to assert the confidence of The Holy spirit inside of you. Even the disciples, who had been walking with Christ for some time, had to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them after Jesus went to be with the father. They had to realize that though they couldn’t see him any longer, He now lived inside of them.

And He lives inside of me. So my desires become His desires, and His desires are my desire. So when I ask for things in His name, it is done.

What is takes is both the realization and the reminder that He is living inside of me. The Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit are at work inside of me. I can be about The Father’s business just like Jesus because through the Holy Spirit it has become plainly known to me. And in the Father’s business nothing is impossible. In the Father’s business there is still greater things to be done than the world has seen, because greater is The Father than anything in the world.

So ask today.

“Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’  And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’  I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” Luke 11:5-8

Access HE who lives inside of you today. Have “shameless audacity” to believe that He can do anything. And because He is inside of you, you can do anything, you can believe for anything, in the name of Jesus, you can be anything. You can go anywhere.

 “I have been crucified with Christ and “I” no longer live but Christ lives in me.”

And the life I live in Him is extraordinary. And in Him and through Him all things that seem impossible become possible.

My life for the gospel.

God is moving and molding all things for His glory. That is the best thing about the gospel is that in every season, God is still working. He is still victorious. There is darkness but He is light. He is the only light, the only good. That is why the gospel is all I have. With a tangible darkness throughout Cambodia, the gospel is all I have. And it is good, the only good.

 It is with great pleasure to announce that I will be staying in Cambodia until May. Until May my

time will be well spent carrying the good gospel to the crevasses of Cambodia.  I will continue to work with Cambodian Care and their vision for this country. I will be a part of the hope to integrate six programs into the poorest villages in Cambodia. These six things include: school, church plant, teen discipleship training, nutritional program, child support program, and a thriving business to create job opportunities as well as self revenue for the ministry. The vision for this project is to be active in two villages every six months. The prayer is to stretch to all corners of Cambodia, to share Jesus, with hopes to meet physical and spiritual needs of the people here. 

As one of the first to be a part of this program I will continue as a pioneer paving the way for other missionaries. I will also hold the role of an English teacher in more than one school. I will continue to be apart of the nutritional program and distribute food to villages every opportunity we get. On Sunday's I will serve as the "kids pastor" at the church plant in Toulpongroo. On Saturdays I will be pouring into teens as a part of the teen discipleship training.  And as an intern be available for whatever Cambodian Care needs. God is allowing me to see the gospel change people in Cambodia. 

Thank you thus far for your prayers and support. People have already been changed by the gospel. People have been eager to receive salvation. Students are enrolled in school, some for the very first time. I have seen the excitement of healing take place. I have seen joy restored in poverty-stricken households. I have seen God move and that is why the gospel is all I have. That even in the darkness, he is the good that is shining bright. Thanks you to all that have been apart of what He is doing here in and through me. 

You can continue to support what He is doing through prayer, financial support, or even send a missions team to Cambodia. 

 

To stay until May I would need to raise another $1500. You can contribute by going to the link below!

http://www.gofundme.com/81fmtw?forcedesktop=1

Also Check out cambodiancare.org and support a ministry that is impacting  many for the gospel. 

For the gospel. 

Pursue Purpose.

We're here because of Jesus.

The beginning and the end. 

The first and the last. 

The one who died for your heart to mend. 

The lion and the lamb. 

The one who was crushed for our sins.
The one who is called The Great I am. 

Well I don't know about you, but I am here for Him.

The one who calls us Beautiful, 

his royal priesthood, His truest gem. 

We're here because His love is sustaining and does not waiver. 

He chose to die for our eternal life. 

That is why I believe in Him the one True savior. 

The son of God who mends and molds. 

The potter as we give ourselves are clay. 

He creates us to be worth more than the finest golds. 

The King seated victorious.

 The King of all kings. 

The only King whose presence is meritorious. Truly glorious. 

We're here because we are no longer bound,

No longer a victim of death.

It's a freedom so sweet I have found. 

Be reminded us of His deep deep love, 

The great commission that covers us. 

A message that this world should not be deprived of. 

Be here because of Jesus. 

Thankful.

“Therfore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears the words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7: 24-27

I honor those that have taken in the gospel of Jesus to be more than just there foundation. I honor those that walk every day for that gospel so that others can see that Jesus is their foundation. That when storms come and their faith is tested, the gospel is all they have and the world sees Jesus. I honor the Lord for putting such people in my life that only point to Him.

I honor Koy and Reny the founders of Cambodian Care. These two have gone through obstacles that have caused them to question others, but never to question God. God is the only thing that they hold onto as true and He pushes them to walk out their vision. They have a vision go into the darkness and see light prevail. With that simplest thought at the forefront of their ministry they want to integrate six programs into the poorest villages all over Cambodia. The six things include a school, church plant, teen discipleship training, nutritional program, child development program, and a thriving business that will create job opportunities as well as self-revenue for the ministry. On top of these hopes they have five children that they know will walk in the light of Christ. They have put into practice the great commission and though storms may come, they will not be shaken.

I honor Pastor Linda Freeman. She pushes all those around her to pursue the life that glorifies God. She herself has found that the life that glorifies God will never fail. As a woman in a full time ministry position she sees opposition in front of her often. She has her hands in so many ministries and her life is full of seeing people changed for the gospel, because she herself is walking in the gospel. She sees children whose parents are incarcerated build relationships with those very parents. She sees the hope that the parents in prison hold onto to be a better parent. She is a part of ministries that feed poor families in Miami. She pastors and mentors individuals who want to be in ministry. She spoke into my life and reminded me of what God has for me.  She is the parent of two grown kids who are both as well living for Jesus. She has put into practice the great commission and though storms may come, she will not be shaken.

I honor Tiffany Johnson. Her life of leadership reveals that she is committed to seeing Jesus at work in everyone’s life. She fails to believe that the gospel is just for a select few, but she lives to see the gospel become true to so many. In the corporate world, in every nation, and, as the mother of two, in her kids lives. As a business woman she does not take any client lightly but she notices the opportunity to be like Jesus. She question the motives of those in ministry around her all to make sure the focus has not been shifted from Jesus. Her questions are convicting and create a desire to fix eyes on the things unseen. She has questioned me, for the one reason to remind me of the simplest gospel and the goodness of our savior. As imagined not everyone loves her questions, but they show that Jesus is her foundation and push me to do the same. She has put into practice the great commission and though storms may come, she will not be shaken.

I honor Charley Jo Woodman. I couldn’t have done high school without her passion for Christ. My dear friend Charley won our schools Ms. South Point Pageant and in the moment of the judge’s announcement I was reminded of God’s favor for His people. It may have been a nonchalant gesture of His love for her, but it was all due to her dedication to him. There is nothing in me that doubts that her win was the Lord saying “That’s my girl.” That was over a year ago and since then her love for the Lord has taken her to Bethal in Redding, California. Her winnings from that pageant provided a scholarship that went to this program. Nothing is impossible with God. She loves God, serves Him, and allows her worship to personify that to those around her. She is clothed with strength and dignity and she fully accredits that to the Lord. And it is Him who deserves the credit. She has gone through obstacles that no one should ever have to go through and she still continues to give credit where credit is due. All those around her see that favor combined with a unique perseverance and it only points to Jesus. She has put the great commission into practice and though storms may come, she will not be shaken.

I honor Alex Bailey. He has no idea the long list of things he has imparted into my life. Gaining the role of my big brother in Miami, he chose not to take that lightly. But his encouragement into my life is not what sets him apart. Alex is undeniably in love with Jesus Christ. In response to that love he never ceasing to “love his neighbor as himself.” Every person he meets he makes sure to never forget their name because to him they are a legend. No matter where they are in life he knows that Jesus has a plan to prosper them. He keeps everyone close because he loves Jesus. I think he gets so amazed at how Jesus is working that he wants to be a part of that in EVERYONE’S life. He loves so much that there is no room for condemnation in his actions. He is genuine and because of that I am sure his friend list is getting longer, because they see Jesus. He has put the great commission into practice and though storms may come, he will not be shaken.

I honor James Kinard. He has no idea but he was the first leader in my life whose investment pushed me to pursue missions. Of course missions has always been at the forefront of my desires, but he cared to see it become reality. He was my Africa team leader and at the beginning of the trip I told him I wanted to be pushed. The two months under his leadership he really stretched my perspective of Christ. He cared about every member of the team like a father and he took his role as our leader to heart. James really invested in us as missionaries, not just as teens. Today his heart for Romania shows that missions is still his desire. He cares for Romania and has a deep commitment for the Country to see Jesus. I am thankful for his investment in my life. He has put the great commission into practice and though storms may come, he will not be shaken.

I honor Victor and Amanda Cabe. Even if I am far away and unreachable you are in my life forever.  This power couple demonstrated a game-changing passion for the gospel. Real passion. Right in the middle of my high school years, they were they, always stating Jesus is worth it. Jesus is worth it. They both believed in the New Testament gospel and were always ready to see a healing or hear a prophecy. They got me excited about the gospel. They put the great commission into practice and though storms may come, they will not be shaken.

I honor Mrs. Macc. My high school Spanish teacher gave a whole new meaning to the great commission. She lived it every day in front of her students. She was over the bible club and pushed vision to make a difference today. As the “good-girl” in school it was no doubt I loved Jesus. I really loved having Mrs. Macc as a mentor I could go to during school hours. She prayed with me. We prayed together for other students. We both had a desire for every student to see and know Jesus. The last time I saw Mrs. Macc she told me she was in school to get her masters in Evangelism. All she wants is for people to cling to Jesus. I am so glad I know her. She put the great commission into practice and though storms may come, she will not be shaken.

I honor Darryl and Lavonne Beach. These two are also known to me as Mom and Dad. Their heart for children extended to more than just the four that lived under their roof. Their deepest desire was for children to fall in love with Jesus at a young age. The lived out “train up a child in the way they should go and they will never depart from it.” The get so overjoyed when they hear the stories of the kids who are under them now living out the gospel. They love telling the testimonies of their fruit and how they have not departed. They celebrate the victories of each kid that was under them. I was lucky enough to have them as my “kid’s pastor” and my parents. They loved me. They protected me. They gave to me.  They taught me. They stretched me. They did not “spare the rod.” And now they celebrate as I have not departed from the way I should go. They are still loving on children. Blessed by such a love. They both have without missing a beat put the great commission into practice, EVERY SINGLE DAY, and though storms may come, they will not be shaken.

There is a lot more people that I honor and am thankful for in my life. I am encouraged not only to honor the people that shift my perspective, but also let it change me. I have the desire to put into practice the Jesus I see in each of them.

 

 

Not just Shraylin's story.

In a moment everything can change. That has been witnessed to be true through; natural disasters, terrorist attacks, disease, war and other things that inflict death in a moment. 

Christ came to change us and welcome life in a moment. A moment could change everything for good or bad. Today I saw Jesus change welcome life in a moment for good.

Today was the first day of school at Light of Future School in Toulpongroo. As I entered into the school( that these kids built) full of hundreds of students I felt so close to God. I felt so close and heard His voice clearly said "This is my plan to prosper them and not to harm them." I looked at Shraylin whose nicely braided hair showed she was ready and whose smile revealed she was excited. 

I examined the space and "excited and ready" was most precedent in each students lives. Monday November 10th, in this moment,  these children were not concerned about their poverty. They gave no thought to their ripped clothes. They simply were ready and excited. 

Trinity Churches team raised over 2000 schools supplies and over 200 shoes for this village. As we passed a "gift" full of these items to these kids I saw light prevail over darkness. 

Today, in that moment, I was changed. I was changed by the reminder of my first love, the truest light. 

What I knew in words I saw in actions. I saw Jesus as the best thing that has happened to me. I saw Jesus as powerful and undefeated. I cling to these refreshing reminders as I eye every student and all I see today is life. Life in Christ and it's abundance. 

Shraylin and many others are ready and excited and they don't even know the best that is yet to come, the abundant life. After two months of hard work, the strong, Shraylin will see her dedication come to fruition. No doubt she will reap a harvest so plentiful, I know The Lord only has the best for her. I see her as a powerful woman of God that is going to shift her village and much more her generation: which can only happen through the name of Jesus. The best education will be what launches this bright, beautiful young girl.  Today, in a moment, Jesus directed her future so it will glorify Him. Thanks to opportunity "Cambodiancare" has offered her, to receive an education she will not end up a sex slave. Shraylin will not be just another statistic of Cambodians prostitution. She will not work at a factory and earn poverty wages. She will not be just another person crying for someone to be an advocate for her life. She will be an educated advocate for all of those around her, in the name of Jesus Christ and she is so ready and excited . 

In a moment I see such a prosperous plan for each child. In a moment I see the light of life and it changed me. 

""Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."" John 8:12

This is not just Shraylin's story but oh do I love this girl. So much. 

Not just Pisey's story.

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Giving/Serving with everything you’ve got does not always mean that the times you serve far surpass the amount of times others serve. What it means is that every time you do serve, you serve with all of your heart. It is when you serve with all of your heart that your labor is not in vain, and you reap a harvest so plentiful.

No one taught this principal to five year old Pisey for her to want to give everything she had into building her school. No one sat her down and explained the importance of serving. Her excitement  for her education motivated her to work all day, rain or shine, to serve with all she had.

Pisey is a beautiful, full of joy, always energetic, five year old girl. She is the middle child, having an older brother and a baby sister. Her two siblings, her mother and father, all live in a limited space known to them as “home.” This makeshift “home” does not at all comfortably fit a family of five. Every time it rains the rainy waters flood this tight space making it impossible for them to sleep at night.  This family of five is very poor and they rarely eat enough. They don’t know what it feels like to be “full.” Pisey is very small due to her lack of food.

Every day when we arrive at the village Pisey greets us grinning from ear to ear. She always greets us ready to work with her blue pale in hand. She carries that blue pale back and forth to pick up a modest amount of sand, stone, or cement to lay as the foundation for the school. She carries as much as her petite body will let her, which is not much, but she works without many breaks to see the job complete. The only time she stops is to encourage other kids to join in on the construction. Pisey gives everything she’s got.

We are so excited for Pisey to attend “Light of Future School.”  We believe that because of such a diligence that she will reap a harvest that is “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Her joy, as well as many other students, to build their own school has been remarkable. These students are going to have the best education and are going to thrive in Toulpongroo. All that they have given with all of their hearts, will be given back to them. Pisey, in one of the poorest families, will reap a harvest so plentiful, that it only points to Jesus Christ.

When asked “Pisey what do you want to do in the future?” Pisey told us that, “I want to be a teacher.”

 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58

 

 

 

 

Deep end.

Imagine a little kid just learning to swim. They begin in a separate pool than goes no higher than their knees, if that. As they grow older they go to the big kid’s pool but are still wearing floaties. As time goes by they are now a big kid and have mastered all depths of water and can even brace the diving board. They are comfortable swimmers now. 

Now that kid can be in the deep end any time they choose to be. In the deep end they can tread water, do tricks off the side into the water, or of course be the masters of the diving board. The diving board can become a game as they dive and swim to reach the bottom. One other option for this now "professional" swimmer is to stay in the shallow end. Even with full access to the deep end they can choose to stay in the shallow, to bother the little kids or just because they are tired of the deep end. The shallow end requires less effort now that they are tall enough to stay standing. They could easily prefer the comfort.

This is the image of the Christian today. Even with all the access to the things that God has, they still choose to stay comfortable. Either to bother (judge) new believers or because it requires less effort than to fully commit to going deeper. 

Even after committing to Christ. People prefer to stay in this comfort even with full access to greater things.

For the past three days I have helped boys and girls of many ages build their own school. From porting sand form one location to another to shoveling until my hands blistered, and then some more, I have ignited my access to the kingdom and gone a little bit deeper. 

I have seen, 

Shraylin,
Shrayby,
Somnong,
Tnog,
Benya, 
Lito, 
Vetbol,
David,
Shraynite,
Shraypin,
Shrayhi,
Shrankin, 
Shrayliat, 
Shrayliam,
Comian,
Wisa,
Bunlao,
Buntun,
Mol,
And Bunla, 

Considering it much joy as they work through the hot sun. Their wear excitement as if it were the first thing they put on in the morning. They can't leave the house without it or their smiles that they leave on all day. 

The village sees them as kids building their school. 
I see them as kids building the kingdom. 
The village sees them as kids who are finally going to be educated. 
I see them as kids who are going to educate the village. 
The village sees them as working hard. 
I see them as we servants willing to do whatever it takes. 
The village sees them as kids who need to be taken care of. 
I see them as kids who are sheep and the true Shepard died for them. And He would do it again. 

These past three days with the most wonderful children I have truly seen a love that knows no end. A love that rings loud and proclaims "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." The Lord declares this to them.

Going deeper requires trusting that the Lord says "For I know." 

I saw that today. I saw that Jesus knows His plans for each one of these children. And as they wear there trendy excitement and smiles they are yet to know the best that is ahead. Oh but I know. I know that the Lord has a unique plan for each one of these children.  

It is all joy to be a part of Cambodian Care as they begin to build their very first school. This school is right in the middle of one of the poorest villages in Cambodia. Houses overlap one another. Stray dogs roam the area to fend for food in the trash. Trash is everywhere. The lucky kids are sent miles away in the morning to walk to school. While the rest stay home and are introduced to the gambling that goes on in almost every other house. 

Registered for this new school is 200 students. This includes children who have NEVER gone to school before as well as students who will no longer have to take a trek to school. All ages. 200 students.  

The school that is coming will be the kid’s safe haven. As they have worked these past days they don't venture to far from the make shift shelter. The school is (will be) a concrete floor with a strong roof held up by wood. The construction will be completed in the middle of October and the school will open at the beginning of November.

Cambodian Care has a remarkable vision to open 2 schools every six months in the poorest areas of Cambodia. The school at this village is one of two that have become the launch of this ministry. The vision goes beyond just building schools in villages. They as well want to have church plants, discipleship training for teens, and thriving businesses. Needless to say they want to take the gospel to the poorest areas of Cambodia. They want to give hope to children, teens, and adults. They trust that entire families will come to find Jesus more than worth it. 

"I really can't wait to get into these communities and see people changed. There might be other organizations out there who are doing good things, but no one is bringing the gospel to these people. And that is the most important." -Koy Chimm (Cambodian Care founder)

The deep end may be take a little more effort, but it is worth it. For the 200 kids and the many more that will be impacted in Cambodia, it is worth it. And as the deep end always is, a whole lot more exciting.

Humbled.

I like the rain. Rainy nights make for sound sleep, and rainy days make for sweet reads. It is all too good that Cambodia’s whether does not deprive me of such luxury. 30 days in this poor country and it has quite possibly rained 19 out of all the days I have been here. I sat outside one night underneath a limited awning, and I enjoyed the rain. I enjoyed the fresh smell, the small droplets that brushed my skin, and the excitement of the future rains to come.

Cambodia is poverty stricken, and that can be accredited to the Khmer Rouge that reigned in power from 1975 to 1979. With skewed morals they valued execution, starvation, disease, and forced labor. The results were catastrophic as they killed over a fourth of the country’s population. All to achieve one goal, to rid the country of all the educated, or anyone who could raise up a rebellion.  

The country is still recovering. Remnants from those lost years still pang this nation. Families who can’t afford even the necessities sell their daughters to a lifelong career in prostitution. Ice, crystal meth, and glue are found on every street corner. You can find these drugs being sold by adults and most often used by children. Education is not offered to anyone who can’t afford it. Much of the streets are filled with children, as young as four, hovering over cars to sell food to anyone, everyone. Their eyes reveal a desperation, a sincere need for help.

The buildings that are most attractive from the outside are the clubs and the government buildings. Of course, the colorful  Buddhist temples are as well attractive and extremely impossible to miss. Most other buildings are dirt filled, cheap walls, no door, falling apart, occupied by families upon families upon families. Naked babies roam every street. Dirt is delicately swept off dirt onto dirt. The smell of trash and the worst bowel movements combine to create the most unique scent. The abundant rain causes intense flooding, that their cheap walls are sure not to withstand.

The abundant rain. “You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.” (Psalm 68:9-10)  

Hope, that much of the country is missing, personifies the excitement inside of me. The future rains are ones of free education, job opportunities, life coaching, simple everyday hygiene tips, and the tangible gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rains that drive missionaries, pastors, and all Christian organizations to proclaim; “now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation,” (2 Corinthians 6:2) every single day. A small spark that will lead this nation into revival and catch on like wildfire. Rains that will have this nation believing and confessing that Jesus is the one True God. I see a nation that is thankful for the cross and dedicated to spreading that news.

Overview: Undefeated, All Powerful, Soveriegn.

Today, it is almost a month that I traveled 8,549 nautical miles away from home. It is still an adjustment as I don't have much responsibility or routine in my life yet. I ride throughout Cambodia with lots of time to think about God and all of the things that have me humbled here in Cambodia. Away from home, I have welcomed such things into my life.

I have a deeper love for the widowed, poor, and orphaned. The list of orphans names who have won my heart could go on and on. Panna is 10. Her quiet, kind-hearted spirit made it difficult to gain her conversation. One day, this beautiful 10 year old protected me with a punch to the little boy that wanted to wrestle me. That is all it took to initiate a friendship with her. Panna is a true friend, as I have seen her do the same to protect those closest to her. We have enjoyed looking at fashion magazines, climbing trees, and art in the dirt together. Panna and her brother were brought to "Teen Challenge Women's Center," with no contact to their parents or other siblings. She misses her sister. It is just her and her brother. Oh I love Panna.

                                                   

Kloy is funny. At fourteen, his sarcastic humor makes it easy to joke with him. Our own rendition, of the very westernized, "Shame, shame, shame," hand game, built a solid friendship. Just a few months ago his sister, who lived at the women's center, was the only family he had left. I met her son David, at the women's center. After she gave birth to David, she died. David, who is 7 months old is the only family that Kloy knows is alive, and he never even sees David, his nephew. Oh I love Kloy.

Ruen acted shy last time I saw him, but that is far from the adjective I would use for him. At nine years old he knows English better than most of the elders. "Fart," is in his vocabulary, oh he knows English very well. He is a leader at nine, but without much discipline he will never know that. I have hope for Ruen. Oh I love Ruen.
                                          

Va, Rawei, Seyha, James, Audrey, Emmanuel, Precious, Gibby, the list could not possibly fit. From Asia, to remembering those is Africa, all of these children have a piece of my heart and my truest prayers for God's best in their lives.

I don't know as much as God knows. I went to Vietnam. That's two Asian countries I can mark off my list. Upon coming to Cambodia my visa only lasted 30 days. I had to extend my stay by getting a business visa so I could stay for four months. Immigration office was not as gracious as we had hoped, so we had to leave the county and then return. So I packed for a one night stay in Ho Chi Mien, 7 hours away. Our stay at the "Hong Han Hotel," was the loveliest ten dollars I have ever spent. On our 7 hour bus ride we met two "heaven sent" ladies from London, who have been traveling the world. These sweet girls knew all the tips, to travel cheap and safe, that "Lonely Planet" and "Pinterest" had to offer. Their suggestions lead us to the "lovely" hotel. After a 14 hour trip there and back, I now have Vietnam visa and stamps to fill my passport, and, of course, a business visa that extends my stay in Cambodia. Lastly, I am now well versed with customs, God knows I want to travel the world.

I appreciate brothers and sisters worldwide. I have found my favorite quaint coffee shop; Joma. Joma's quiet atmosphere makes it easy to get homework done. Aside from the slight distraction from social media and the good eats, I actually do get homework done. As I get homework completed, I also embrace the opportunities to eavesdrops. Coffee shops make that all to simple, interrupting your own thoughts to listen to others. I am encouraged, talks of Jesus fill Joma. Christians annoyed with the westernized Christianity that waters down the simpliest gospel. Missionaries with vision to restore the church in Cambodia. People eager to see a Buddhist nation see Jesus as the True God. Joma is grand and the rarity of my access to wifi is forgotten here. And the rarity of my dream thoughts are what I cling to. Side note, Joma has the best carrot cake in the world.

Friday was a good day. Koy and Reny took Ruthie(my roommate from Australia) and I to the village where they hope to plant a school and eventually a church. With no solid responsibilities quite yet, I am still very ambitious to see where my time here will be spent. As Koy shared the vision of "Cambodia Care," with me I knew my curious questions had been answered. Cambodia Care is eager to plant both school and churches in the poorest areas of Cambodia. There heart is to help people that need help the most. God has placed me underneath two incredible pioneers with passion to start a ministry from scratch. I got to see first hand on Friday the launch for Cambodia Care. This ministry will reach many across Phnom Penh and the surrounding provinces. I am excited to be a part of the beginning, the down and dirty, of what will become the most thriving ministry. Friday, I decided I will do anything for my time here is short. I will not let my labor be in vain because, for such a time as this I am in Cambodia working with "Cambodia Care."

Check out Cambodiancare.org

Passing tall half-painted buildings, short open huts, dirt filled markets, fields of rice, and extravagant overbearing temples,I am confident that God is making a way where they is no way. I am certain that His stage is better than mine. I am assured that His love stretches from nation to nation. I am satisfied knowing that no one can stand against Him. And with all that Cambodia's days (and Vietnam's) have welcomed, I without a doubt know that my God is the undefeated, all powerful, sovereign.

Translation Intended.

Leaving "Mike's Burgers" there is some serious emotion inside of me as I ride the bus full of laughter. I am thankful for a solid 28 people that have been family for the past days. It is a bittersweet kind of joyful as we ride to the Phnom Penh airport.

That was three days ago when I became deprived of the Trinity Church team and I began my four month adventure in Cambodia. Today, after three days of awkward adjustment, I still feel out of place. Maybe because it's Sunday and I'm sitting at a "Khmer" church with no translator. Perhaps it's because for the past three days I have quietly went about life. The rarity of this ongoing silence is killing me.

What ever the reason I want to remember that moment, after I said goodbye to the rest of the team. I want to remember that moment for the rest of my life. The moment when the song "Pursuit" rang in my ears and I understood why I am here. The moment I so humbly remembered why I fell in love with you. The moment I rode alone, but I was far from lonely. The moment when you spoke clear to me that you are all I need. The moment that as I sat in an empty bus it was full of your presence. The moment you said, " Lacy you have no idea."

Three days of struggle can't compare to anything when I remember that moment. I am not sure of my responsibilities quite yet but I know that four months in Cambodia will change me. I am already changed by the knowledge that the world is bigger than just me. Even this inconvenient language barrier can't compete with the vastness of the world you created. There is too many people and places in the world for the you, "The Eternal One," to get stumbled by our awkward adjustments.

And yet. 

You still care enough to speak clearly in these moments.

So here I am, in the silence, trusting your vastness. Today at church you didn't fail to care. Despite to inconvenience of me not being able to speak Khmer, I had one thing translated to me. Reny turned to me and said, "the pastor is talking about seeking God with all your heart and you will find Him." In all of that vastness, you intended for me to hear those words. You intended that in these quiet days for me to seek you more than ever before.

As much as I miss my team, I am glad I am not alone. I am excited I will never be alone.

"Nothing compares to the promise I have in You. "

Unlike any other day I awoke weary eyed and my body aching. This was quite alright because it called for Cambodians best cup of coffee. I had yet to need coffee thus far considering I have had an "old-lady" sleep schedule since I have been here, but this day I was thrilled to engulf a great cup of God's gift. I found myself sitting at a center mahogany table enjoying both coffee and quality Christy time. It is not unusual for us to find a spot adjacent to one another. We were both very unaware of the best day that was in front of us. We sip our coffee as I come across Galatians 6:2; "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

I didn't need an itinerary to know this was going to be a good day. All I needed was a ready heart and a willingness to carry the burden. Christy and I converse about  seeing others needs before our own and that is just enough to start the day right; coffee, Christy, and Christ conversations. 

We got to Teen Challenge and without hesitation we made our way to see to Ruen, Va, Kloy, Rawey, Seyha, and the other boys that had became our quick friends. We said our hellos and gave our tight hugs. 

The day only got better as we work as a team. Our project became cement, pass cement, pack cement, and pull cement. Pass cement, pack cement, and pull cement. In the hot summer sun we took lots of long breaks and drank lots of water, but things still seemed to be completed. In between our hard work we rekindled those tight hugs before returning to cement duty. 

Alas we came in for an extended break only to catch Christina dancing to Cambodian traditional music. The whole team slowly worked there way over to this scene that had now turned into a full on dance party. The sound of jubilee could be heard from miles away. After a long day of work, this is the reward, and yet the day was not over. 

We ate the, always satisfying food and then the dance party turned into worship. Old church songs rang in my ears, and I look around the formed circle as we sang "Lord there is none like you," and knew that in the midst of all the morning coffees, hard work, and tight hugs: "Nothing compares to the promise I have in you." 

International Adventures

#cambodia2014 #missions #iamthriving #travelwithfriends

The only thing that is keeping me from drifting to sleep, is this sick feeling inside of me. Nauseous would not even be a suffice way to describe how I feel. Airplane food is all around me in this, not so voluminous, plane. As I inhale the scent I know my stomach wants to vomit before I have even had a taste. I leave it and I carry enmity towards sickness that brings tears. I just want to sleep.
In the midst of 22 hours from plane to plane, "considering it pure joy" is a bit testy in these last hours before we reach Phnom Penh. Not  inherently testy; I could have "Mad cow disease"  but sickness has got to go.

I am humbly ready. Aside from the sickness, I feel different than the past times. Before, I was a David fervently ready for Goliath on the battle field. I was ready to fight. Now I feel more like David the cavalier of worship. I feel like the David with a vociferous harp in awe of the King of all kings. David that wrote "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God." (Psalm 42:1-2)

My name is Lacy. Not that that has any weigh to it, but here I am, nineteen, on my third international adventure for the gospel. "Third times the charm," right? Whatever that entails I am ready. I am ready to see Jesus do, what only Jesus can do. Which calls for, at nineteen, me to step aside because Jesus wins. I suppose that is what David displayed on the battle field and off.

"David said to the Philistine, ""You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of The Lord Almighty, the God of the Armies of Israel whom you have defiled.""
(1 Samuel 17:45)

In sense I want to be both a fighter and a worshiper these next couple of months. Though, they could all along be one in the same. David knew that Jesus could do it. So Jesus it is, the name that really holds all the weight.