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.