There was another American couple visiting and the woman was going to preach the sermon with Pastor Sinai translating. About 2 minutes in to her message, it was all I could do to not yell "really?!". The subject of her message was "I Am". You seriously can't make this stuff up. Those of you who understand are laughing now. For the rest of you, that particular name of God played a pivotal part in my first trip to Cambodia. It was unreal to hear it again there, but it was also sweet - a reminder of what the Lord has done for me.
After church I was able to speak with Pastor Sinai and his wife Somalay. I met them over 20 years ago in the church I got saved in. I shared with Pastor Sinai what the Lord had laid on my heart during this trip and how I will be praying going forward until the Lord gives me a next step.
Then it was time to say good-bye to my friends from Banteay Meanchey. I was so grateful for my time with them.
Oudom, Sarah, Phearom, and I left for lunch and Oudom had an idea. He told me that there was a section of Phnom Penh that was extremely impoverished. He thought we could go there and pass out soap and some food items. So we went to the market and then to this area. The place we visited was indescribable. It was like those places they show you on commercials when they are trying to raise funds. I won't go into detail about the living conditions there. It's another thing you can't fully understand unless you see it yourself. As we handed out soap and food to small children and a few adults, I couldn't help but notice something amazing. Yes, it was slums. No human should have to live in conditions like that. However, I also noticed that the people all loved each other and had each others backs. A few times, we went to hand items to someone and they declined, telling us to give to those who needed it more. The children all seemed to be loved. In one of the poorest places I could ever imagine, I found the people to be rich in love.
After lunch they took me to Pagoda Mountain and then for some final shopping (and another iced coffee of course). As we rode in the tuk tuk, I was trying to find a way to stop time. I didn't want the day to end. I couldn't find a way to thank these folks enough for all they did for me. I came there to serve and bless them and they spent an entire week catering to me, making sure I felt safe and comfortable and had everything I needed. They brought me so much joy and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful at stopping time and the day had to end. As we hugged and said good-bye, it was so hard to hold back the tears. As they left and I walked to the elevator, I was thinking that once I got in the elevator I could let the tears fall. The elevator opened and a hotel staff member stepped on with me. UGH! The young man seem to try to hold back a chuckle at my attempt to hold back tears.
Back in my room I began to pack and let the tears fall. There was a mixture of many emotions in those tears. Some sadness that my time in Cambodia was over, but mostly joy for one of the best weeks of my life, and just feeling overwhelmed at the precious gift I was given by the Lord and by my friends there.
I don't know what the Lord's plans are for me in the future. At this time, I do not feel called to full time missions. But I have a feeling this was not my last trip, at least I hope not.
The Cambodian people are the richest people I have ever met. Rich in love, rich in kindness, rich in joy. I miss them already - but I am forever grateful for my time with them.
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