This post will be a quick recap of what has happened since I last wrote. A lot has happened! There has, as always in Cambodia, been a lot of down time too. That just seems to be part of the deal when living in a country that closes up their doors when the sun goes down. However, I have also definitely been blessed with some great memories that will stay with me forever.
In July I helped with Vacation Bible School at ICA in Phnom Penh. It will always be one of my favorite memories of my time here. We learned all about trusting in God the whole week. Something that I really needed to (and still need to) hear. We also had our area retreat in Siem Reap. I got to spend a week with M's from all the surrounding countries in our area as well as my missionary family here in Cambodia. It was a great time of refreshing!
In August we had a three day English Camp with LOHI, the English Center where I take Khmer lessons, and where I taught an English class. It was amazing! God really showed up and made it an incredible time for around 300 young people, some of whom have never been to any sort of camp in their lives. Probably my other favorite memory of my time in Cambodia. I will never forget seeing the looks of pure joy on some of my students faces as they learned the actions to songs, played games, cheered for their color team, and much more.
During the months of August and September, Kami and I tag teamed and taught Hannah and Ethan double days of school every day. It was crazy, but we all got through it, and I really think it was worth it! Hopefully it will help Kami out a lot when she teaches them for the remainder of the school year when I return to the States.
In September, the English term ended. I said goodbye to the students I've been teaching since April. I still see some of them from time to time when I'm at LOHI, but I definitely miss being with them everyday. (To clarify though, I miss my students, but I don't miss teaching! I really don't think teaching English is one of my giftings haha. Or at least I just don't enjoy it very much. But you live and learn!)
In October Kami, Hannah and I attended Kid's Camp at ICA in Phnom Penh over the Pchum Benh holiday. Lots of fun! It was Hannah's first time at camp, and though she lost a lot of sleep and didn't like all of the food, I think she had a blast! I very much enjoyed getting to know the girls in the room I was a counselor for, as well as spending a lot of quality time with all the other camp volunteers. The first day of camp it rained and the drains blocked up, so the parking lot looked like a lake. It only added to the theme of camp, which was "Survivor". I got to see kids from all over the world have their first experience with "s'mores" over a campfire too. So fun!
The end of October through the first week of November, the Heilmans and I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand. We had a lot of medical check ups at the incredible international hospital there. I ate sushi, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and real Thailand pad thai. We went to some really huge malls and a store that was just like the Thai version of Walmart. I also got to have Starbucks a couple of times! I saw the new James Bond movie before it was even released in the States, and I toured the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. While the Bangkok experience was fun for a visit, I think we were all happy to get back to Battambang. There's just so much traffic there. And eating out gets old...quick. It was also difficult to communicate because we don't speak Thai, and not nearly as many people there speak English as in Cambodia.
Right now everybody is busy preparing for Christmas programs and parties. Christmas isn't really a big deal in Cambodia, except for with Christians. There will be Christmas programs at Salaa Hope, the Christian school here, Battambang Assembly, LOHI, village minitries, etc. It's exciting seeing all the preparations, even though we won't be here for most of it.
I'll be heading back to the States on December 12! I'll be traveling with the Heilmans because they will be back for a month visiting family and attending the World Missions Summit.
While there are many people I will miss here in Cambodia, I'm also very ready to get back to Georgia and see all my family and friends that I have been missing while I've been here. I'm ready for the next step in this journey I'm on with God. (While still trying to enjoy this step while it's happening.) As of right now, I don't think I'll be returning to Cambodia, (except for visits.) I really feel like there are other places out there where He's leading me to eventually. However, I'm thankful for the experiences I've had here, and for this season of growth. It hasn't been easy by any means, but I believe in the end it will be worth it, and that it was all part of God's plan.
Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I love you all, and I can't wait to see you all soon!
