Pictures From Cambodia

Some sights from my first few days...

It is pretty Foreign to me...but I am learning! This a door sign for the class I am taking at the  Royal University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

The view from a Tuk Tuk...my favorite mode of transportation : )

Roadside haircut anyone...how about a shave?

My first attempt at baking in Cambodia...banana bread.  I made a little treat for the guest house I have been staying at.  If you are in the area stop on by for a taste. : )

My new best friend!  The high temperature every day has been in the 90's with very high humidity.  I glow all day long...really more of a glisten. : )
(Okay really more like drip)
My favorite moment so far... I was riding around town in a Tuk Tuk a bit overwhelmed with the smells and the noise of the city.  We came to a sweet little oasis, a park of sorts near the Royal Palace.  This park was filled with my favorite flowering tree.   A smile came as I saw the flowers...a sigh filled my soul as their sweet fragrance wafted through the air.  It was a little present for the day...I couldn't interrupt the moment to take a picture, but the memory is indelibly printed in my heart.

I am really glad to be here!

Made it...with all my luggage

On my way...



Daddy

Here are some pictures from my send off at my Dads just two days before I left for Cambodia! : )

Some amazing things have been happening in Cambodia over the last month or so.

Last month Sareth (pictured above) was imprisoned on trumped up charges. A strong man payed off local authorities and Sareth was placed in jail for 30 days. There was no understanding why this happened or when he would be released. His release came just a week or so ago with the help of a believing Senator.

This same Senator has also given a warm and passionate welcome to Cadence and our partner ministry LightBridge to come and work in Cambodia. Sareth has been welcomed back to his home in the Minefield with tears and rejoicing. The recently built school has been recognized by the Cambodian government. Ministry has been able to continue at the Minefield. Sareth has stories to tell of the Lord at work in his heart and life while he was in jail.

This strong man wanted to thwart the work the Lord is doing in this small area of Cambodia. He was trying to stop the forward progress happening in this village...which will enable these sweet people to move beyond survival and to start thriving.

What this man meant for evil, the Lord has used for good. More doors have been opened. I can hardly express how excited I am to get to Cambodia...and begin to minister to the women in this village. The Lord is at work, and I can't wait to join Him there!

This picture shows what I expect to see when I see a dog and bike. This past Sunday I saw something different. I don't have a picture...so you will have to imagine it with me.

I was on my way to share about Cambodia at a friends church. I was thinking and praying about what stories in my head and on my heart the Lord would want me to share with this sweet group of believers.

I was driving on a pretty busy street, but was the only car on my side. I saw up ahead a bike and a dog thinking about crossing the street. The rider was focused on the traffic, but the dog was focused on its master. The dog was prancing in place waiting for the signal to go.

The did move halfway across the street in front of me...the dog never really taking his eyes off of his master...his whole body expressing excitement to be on this journey ...not moving ahead but staying right by the side of the master.

Several things struck me all at once...

The dogs excitement

The dogs complete focus on its master

The fact that the dog didn't run ahead or pull with all its might

There were no obvious commands from the master, but the dog knew when to stay and when to go

Instantly I was encouraged that I need to be like that sweet little dog...excited to be on a journey with my Master. Prancing in place waiting for the signal to go, but staying right by His side. And above all else keeping my focus on my Master, Jesus.

What I expected to see is what I so often see in my own life...impatience, straining to move faster, trying to set our course...following my own instincts.

Oh how I want to be like this dog...thank you Lord for this gentle reminder to stay focused on you...you will navigate me safely across the busy 'streets' of life. May I never lose the excitement and knowledge of what a privilege it is to be right by Your side.

Several of the people at church really appreciated this 'picture' as well : )

This sweet little family lives in a minefield in Cambodia.

Karla is the American woman holding the baby. She is a dear friend that took me on my first trip to the minefield.

I am sharing her experience with you.

Several months ago while visiting the Minefield Karla came across this little family. The little girl and baby on the dirt path, no mother in site, just a baby caring for a baby. This poor little 'babysitter' was traumatized when Karla took her baby sister from her. The little one was dehydrated and very lethargic.

Here is the story in Karla's words...

"We stood in the path holding this precious little baby while the 'big' sister cried. After quite a few minutes, the mother came along. Apparently, the mother left the baby with the sister to hold while she went to the market for some food. We brought the family back to our school building to make sure the baby was alright and to see if we could help the mother. We were able to give her some money to help with food and encouraged her to not leave her babies by themselves. The next day we visited the mother and she seemed to be doing better. "

Fast forward to this week...

"Today in our women's ministry time, I noticed a sweet lady smiling at me and realized it was this same mother. I was so excited to see her. After our meeting time, I talked with her and asked how she was doing and where her baby was (her older daughter was with her). With a shameful face and tears stinging her eyes, she shared that she had to give her baby to a family in the city for adoption because she just couldn't take care of her. I was stunned and not prepared for this kind of news. Don't get me wrong, I fully support and believe in adoption. But seeing the ache in this young mom's eyes was more than I could bear. The heart of THIS mother was broken."

This is just one heartbreaking story among many in Cambodia. The daily struggle to survive is more than we can imagine. Our hearts break for them...and I know their Creator's heart is moved by their struggle too. I don't know how to help these women. I have some ideas and hopes, but only Jesus knows what they need. I am looking forward to bringing Jesus to this woman and so many more just like her. He is their solution and I know He has a plan for them.

Please join me in praying. I am so longing to get to Cambodia!

Blessings

The Lord has been blessing me over and over again... Walking this road of support raising has been a blast. The Lord opens doors and hearts and I get a blessing! He has added several people to my support team this last week...and many prayer warriors. Thank you for those prayers!!! Other blessings... A trip to Costa Rica to visit my dear friend Amy. Sun at the beach Monkeys playing in the trees Worship with Amy Dessert Parties The prayers of new friends Hearts responding to the Lord

Loving the blessings and the Bless er!