Cambodia----

Cambodia. Wow. I have been here a little over a week. We started out in Phnom Penh and were there for a few days, doing some slum ministry for 'Children at Risk.' Jeremy, one of our school leaders, came here to stay with us for a week and just to see how we are doing. It has been refreshing and encouraging to have him around. We had our orientation for this country the first day we were here, and we went to the Killing Fields. Cambodia has a tragic history of their nation. Many people were tortured and killed during the Khmer Rouge period (5 years), due to a devastating dictatorship. It was overwhelming to visit these camp sites where people were treated in such an inhumane manner. It was important to visit these places, so we have a heart for these people and understand what they've been through as a nation. The past 10 years have been a time of peace for these people. Only 3% of the people are christians. 

We had three days in Phnom Penh, then went to Siem Reap for a three day rest. It was greatly needed for me and my team. We visited the Angkor Wat Temple, and just hung out. It was lovely. :) Then we headed to Kampong Thom, where we will be doing the rest of our ministry while in Cambodia. The house we are staying in is a bit different than what we have had thus far. I am sharing a bed with two others and we have no running water- so that means bucket showers! Beauty. God is teaching me a lot through this. He is teaching me to be flexible wherever I am, and reminding me I am not entitled to any of the comfort things I think I need or want. It's hard though, because I like my space, and he is teaching me to lay that down. My days here have been interesting so far to say the least. On the way to Kampong Thom, we stopped at this market, and Landon bought a fried spider and cricket. We ate it. GROSS. I just had a spider leg. That was enough for me. Yesterday, our contacts offered us fried crickets. mmm. I had one. It wasn't so bad, just a bit crunchy.....:)

My prayer for Cambodia is that God would just give me his heart for these people here. I want to feel what they are feeling and love them with God's love! Ah i just want them to know how much they are loved by God! Holy cow. God has been teaching me to live in the present and take each day, one day at a time. That is so hard, because I keep dreaming about the future and wishing I was home, or traveling Europe. I just want to be content with where I am now. God has placed me in Cambodia for a reason and a purpose. I was chosen to reach his people. It takes patience and it's hard, but I need to be here with all of my mind and all of my heart, spreading the love of Christ. 

We are only half way through. Pray for me, because I need it. I cannot do this on my own. That is something I have been learning as well....I just want to keep having revelations and going deeper with my Heavenly Father. ahhh I feel like God is going to do huge things in this country. Also, please pray for our team's well-being. Some of us have been feeling sick lately.  And for strength and boldness! I miss home. a lot. I miss summer. a lot. oh well.

love.

rachelle