Hi... :)
The internet isnt so great in Cambodia, it's very slow or not working at all. I know I sort of disappeared after we left but now you know why. Have no fear though, I wrote in my journal almost everyday to keep record of all of our adventures. Though to be quite honest its not that thrilling of a story... it's sort of just simple everyday life in an orphanage in Cambodia. We had such a blessed time, so much fun, great fellowship and the Lord was defintely working on our hearts.
24/12/2010
Cambodia...
We finally made it...sigh... :)
After almost a weeks delay because of a seemingly pointless rule concerning my passport...we are here.
It took A LOT to get us here and my prayer is continually that I will not miss what it is that You are doing. You often speak in a still small voice, though as proved last week, sometimes it is more like a freight train...but oh how I long to hear what You have to say.
Well, we left...yesterday? But not without our challenges. First they couldn't find our tickets...my heart sank, yet there was peace, peace that said "if God has chosen to close this door, I accept knowing He has my best interest in mind." Eventually they cleared up the ticket problem but we saw that our flight was delayed 40 minutes...having only 1 hour between connecting flights we feared we would miss our next flight. We text Katherine and we prayed. Praise God they held the plane for our 2nd flight and we even landed in Cambodia a few minutes early!
It took a good 1/2 hour to get our visas and luggage and then we saw a sight that made all the struggles of this last week melt away. There at the exit were Katherine, Jason and about a dozen kids including my Bella! :)
It is incredibly hot...Katherine had warned us that it was cooler and we should bring a sweatshirt...pretty sure that the only use that is going to get is when I leave it here for her :)
We are just settling in here today...Jacqueline of course is surrounded by the children every moment and loving it. Later we will prepare Christmas gifts for the children. Oh yeah...we saw santa's sleigh while out on a walk today...I have pictures!
26/12/2010
The sun is just coming up, already I can hear the sounds of the city...although it is quieter than usual. Yesterday was Christmas, though we will celebrate together today, life just went on as usual...there were no babies in a manger or stars to follow, there were no lights on trees or gifts. At first it all felt very strange but thenn I rejoiced because for the first time, Christmas would be about simply loving my King and living as He did where all other distractions had been stripped away...in fact maybe it's a bit more like that very first Christmas morning. The Savior of world came in all simplicity and humility bringing life to all who would receive Him.
We've only been here 2 days...it's amazing to see all the work Katherine does for just one day. Everything must be hand washed, if you want hot water you have to boil it, there are ants everywhere and it seems no cure, she has 30 little ones running to her for love and affection at all hours of the day...and she loves and loves and pours out all that she has all day long.
Yesterday as I thought about not doing my own devotions because Katherine had shared with us from hers....You spoke so clearly "if someone ate a plate of food in front of you would you be full?" Certainly not....forgive me Lord.
I've spent a little time with Bella, she draws close and then pulls back. She has a mom and a sister and even a grandmother who love her very much but because they cannont care for her they send her here. I cannot imagine her heartbreak...O that she would find her hope and comfort in you Jesus.
As for today, I say "whatever Lord, I am Yours."
27/12/2010
Each day I am up before sunrise...as the rooster crows. It's a bit windy today and feels refreshingly cool.
Yesterday was a sweet day, we gave the kids Christmas gifts and they were so thankful, we also prayed together and sang together. Then we had dinner and a party with the Water of Life boys and staff and they gave us gifts! Such kindness is beyond me, but it is just like You Lord.
28/12/2010
Yesterday....oh yesterday!
In the morning we took the kids to the playground at the mall...they loved it! You have to remember these kids dont go to the mall, they dont ride escalators and elevators...the simplest things are an adventure for them. While we were there I was able to buy some much needed supplies for Katherine and when we came home I unclogged her bathroom sink (which had been stopped up for who knows how long...but she had given up on it!) It may seem small but it really is nice to have a sink!
Then some of the girls babysat Josh so that Katherine, Jacqueline and I could have a girls day out and we headed to the salon. They had their hair and toes done and I my toes and nails...we felt like princesses!
In the evening we watched the kids for an hour or so and it was pretty chaotic. One boy has been acting out and the more he is disciplined the more he acts out. It is so hard to care for all the kids in the ways that they need, in fact it is impossible with the number of hands who are here...Lord, the laborers are few, please stir up the hearts of your servants.
Today we will go to the village to see Marie, I am very excited! We will also get to attend Jason's Genesis class, may we be a blessing to those we see today.
This day is yours Lord, thank you
30/12/2010
Its been a couple of days so I will try to recap...
On Tuesday we went to the village to see Marie, we piled I think...18 kids in a van and drove about an hour and a half. When we got to her home we were told by her grandmother that she was in school. So we walked to the school to take her home (you can basically come and go from school in Cambodia, there is really no accountability). When we got to the school EVERYONE came out to see the white people and half the village followed us!
All of our kids quickly ran into the river where they swam and played....it was a little too brown to tempt me.
We played games and visited for awhile.... a local woman offered Katherine the baby still in her womb (this is also not uncommon as children are just another mouth to feed and most parents are really detached) needless to say Katherine was shocked and saddened by the question... we need to remember to pray for this mom and so many others.
Joshua loved being out there and playing with all the kids. Eventually Katherine wants her orphange to be in the village.
Yesterday (wednesday) we joined Water of Life for prayer and then took several of the girls to a ministry called Open Arms where they receive a tea party and beauty treatment (hair or nails done) it was very sweet!
I had a migraine so I sort of just laid low, in fact all of us were feeling a little under the weather. We did spend some time playing with the kids and cut all of their nails.
I feel like I'm just starting to settle in and get comfortable and we only have 2 days left...it will be good to be home though, there is much to pray about.
New Year's Eve...Cambodia
Tonight we had dinner at Mordecai and Twans' house...it was so much fun and a great encouragement too.
When we came home I gave Bella her gifts ( a bracelet with her name engraved on it and a pillowcase from my mom) she cried and told me that she needed me and missed me. Then I shared with her more about what her name means and how Jesus cares for her. I prayed for her then she decided to give me a very long Khmer lesson :) I know that God has brought this little girl into my life and I pray fervently for wisdom and faith regarding her. The last thing I want to do is add to her pain and often I feel that I do because once again she is being left by those she loves. I pray that she will have a family that stays...whomever and however God chooses.
Katherine and I are sitting on the balcony now, waiting to ring in the new year. There's no other place I'd rather be. Thank you Father for your very good gifts.
1/1/11
The longest day...
On par with our outbound travels we had a few hiccups with our return flights as well. We had to leave a day early and change airlines. We wound up traveling through Bangkok, Thailand and used our 8 hour layover to head to the largest market in the country where we got a foot massage, ate a doner and each bought a dress!
We took off for LAX at 7:30 pm and arrived at 6pm...how's that for time travel?!
We're home and we are so thankful for all that God has done and looking forward to what He will do.
We both caught a cold and would love your prayers for healing and for some good sleep too :)
Please keep the missionaries from Water of Life in your prayers, they are so dear to us and such incredible servants.
Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement, we couldn't have done it without you!
In His grace,
Jen
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