I am going to Cambodia! In 2 months!!!
Since blogging seems like the best way to keep track of my thoughts, record my experiences, and keep people in my life connected with me as I travel--I'm back.
I've been home from Italy for over 2 years. I've had several jobs in Indianapolis, a fun nanny job in Birmingham, AL, great time with family and friends, and time to experience a new stage of my life. I've been working two part-time jobs for over a year now. I've been living out of my parents' house for almost a year--and that's been an adventure in itself. In December I got together with a friend from college and caught up on life. She mentioned that I seemed restless. Restless. Yes, that's it. I'm eager to do something new, something different, and figure out what God has in store for me next.
Last summer I spoke with my Missions Pastor about my previous missions experience, my heart for the nations, and my interest in relief and development work. He told me more about our church's partnership with World Relief Cambodia and some potential opportunities to get involved there. I didn't really know where Cambodia was until a year ago! The more I learned about the work they do and our church partnership, the more interested I became. East Asia was on my radar.
And so was India. My conversation with Nate was initiated by the pull on my heart to respond to an announcement he made about a Vision Trip to India. I had never thought about going to India, but I knew that I was suppose to pursue this trip. So, this past November I spent 10 days in India with a group from my church (www.yourchurch.com). India. What an amazing place. I saw things I'd never seen before and got a tiny glimpse of the great work that God is doing in the country of India. Ten days was not long enough. I felt like I had just gotten my feet wet. I wanted more.
I believe that God used that short trip to India, that "vision" trip, to open my heart to the East and confirm my calling to go to Cambodia.
In January '09 I met Kate from Cambodia, learned about her, her job as Partnership Coordinator, and spoke specifically about me coming to fill in for her as she takes some time off to finish her dissertation. I could come in May/June to help with the summer ESL program and then cover her spot in the fall. I was encouraged and more excited about the possibility to serve, but there were no details.
Then, in the first week of February I got an email from Kate asking me if I could come earlier--April! So, everything started moving! And I'm going for sure!
There are many things to do in the next two months: prayer and financial support raising, figure out what do with my stuff and school loans for 8 months, pack (ack!), and see as many friends and family as I can! While I'm not technically "ready" to go, my heart is ready. I am so thankful for how the Lord has constructed this opportunity. I trust that he will provide everything (and every dollar) I need to go and to thrive there. I'm praying that this 8 month stint in Cambodia will provide vision and direction for what might be next!
More to come... Please pray!
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