I have been in Cambodia for just over a month with my squad, which crazy to think about considering how much has happened since we left the States a few weeks ago. This month has been full of challenges, friendship, laughter, tears, and some wrestling with the Lord. It’s amazing how much happens in one month on the World Race.
Gap K Squad arrived in Cambodia on September 13 after a couple very long days of travel. We flew from Atlanta to Phnom Penh with two long layovers in between, then took a bus to the city of Battambang where we are staying until early November. Months 1 and 2 are all-squad months, which means that all 42 participants plus the squad leaders are living in the same house and doing ministry together. Our squad mentor was able to join us for our first month of ministry (shout out to CamJodia), so there were 46 of us sleeping side-by-side on sleeping pads, eating giant family-style meals together, and sharing five small bathrooms. The house is a little loud and rowdy, but is so much fun.
There are seven teams on my squad and of those seven teams, I have two teams that I spend most of my time with. I go to ministry with them, hang out with them during team time, and spend one-on-one time with each individual once a week. I have absolutely loved spending time with the women on my two teams. They are two groups of strong, determined, caring women and I feel honored to be able to walk alongside them during their World Race.
Ministry during month 1 was very diverse. We have painted murals at a few schools, taught English, done hospital visits, started some cleaning projects, done prayer walks, and more. We also had a few worship nights at our house and we have gone out for some ATL (“Ask the Lord”) ministry. On ATL days, we spend time in prayer in the morning and then go out and see where God leads us. Sometimes we come home with incredible stories, other times we just get to meet and connect with strangers we otherwise wouldn’t have met. Either way, it’s an awesome opportunity to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
After a few weeks of ministry, our squad headed to Siem Reap for our month 1 debrief. We spent 5 days at a hostel and made time and space for the squad to get filled up spiritually, mentally, and physically before going back out and serving for a few more months. Debrief was awesome. We had devotions each morning, worship each night, and a few moving talks by our squad coaches, Rich and Eileen Fires. We also had real beds and air conditioning—living the dream! Debrief was refreshing and an overall great time. It was just what we needed to go into month 2 with hearts that are ready and willing to continue sharing the gospel and to receive what God has for us. I am so excited for my squad to continue experiencing the Race together.
Next week I get to celebrate my 26th birthday here in Battambang! Then we have a few more weeks in Cambodia, then a quick trip to Bangkok, and then we fly to Honduras for two months! I’m so pumped to be back in Central America! Thank you for your continued prayers and comments on my posts. I am grateful for all your encouragement!
