I woke at 5am this morning. Excited for the day. I drew back my mosquito net from my bed, dressed quietly and made my way down the brick pathway from the bungalo I'm sharing with Shaela and out to the pool. It was still dark and so very quiet. On one side across the road from where we are staying there are waves crashing on the shore. On the other side, where the sun would be rising, is a beautiful green mountain, keeping the morning hours in darkness a little longer than if the land were flat like back home. I sat by the water for a few minutes just having quiet time with the Lord and once I felt at ease about being there alone I went into the warm salt water and started doing laps. It was invigorating and wonderful. I was startled when I came up from the water and saw a dark figure approaching. But I drew a deep breath of relief when I saw it was Crystal. She had come out to do a morning workout. It was nice to have the company....and as a bonus she brought her phone so we could listen to praise music. Lord, let me draw near to you and submit to your calling; let me learn and absorb the lessons you have planned to teach me through this experience.
After sipping delicious cups of dark coffee and eating a hearty breakfast it was time for our team to load up on tuk tuks and head to Roots. It was our first exploration of the outskirts of Kep in daylight. Roots is a plot of land that Mandi has been able to purchase for her future homeplace. It is situated among picturesque rice fields. The only access from the main dirt road during the rainy season is a narrow walking pathway along a raised section of ground between the fields. You must walk carefully to not slip and fall into the wet fields, or to bump into the tall sticks precariously planted in the ground holding electrical wires about 10 feet in the air above. Her land is fenced in and includes a pond on one side, a raised bungalo..... and a lot of potential. The bungalo was built last year with help from missionary friends from Australia. Mandi is studying forms of eco-building and self-sustainable living. The plans include three round bungalos made out of tires for Mandi and all the kids. There would also be one long building at the back that would have an open air kitchen and gathering space on the first floor and a school room and gathering space on the second floor all facing the ocean to receive the cool breeze. The current bungalo would hopefully house a pastor who would live and work on the land to help grow a local christian church and have work to support himself. There are so many exciting possibilities with making the most efficient use of the property: vertical gardens, rain water catching systems, sugar palm trees, banana trees, tons of fruit plants, a chicken coop and pig pen, a compost for all of the waste to be utilized as fertilizer. I was so thrilled to hear and see the possibilities and discuss plans and designs with Mandi. Her heart is so full of love for the people here and she has prayed so long and so hard for God to raise up His church in this place where there is so much spiritual darkness. Her faith in following Christ's leading to love and reach out to the people in Kep has had a tremendous impact on my heart. Oh Lord, these beautiful people of faith have shown me how little of myself I give to you. Please forgive me. I desire to more wholly give myself to you.
We worked on various projects: digging trenches, preparing the outdoor shower, touching up paint on the gate and cutting bamboo. Later, Kim prepared us a traditional curry lunch and then we had a time of praise and worship.
Today was our first day of community outreach and Bible study held at our friend Pon's family's home. Pon is a wonderful young man. A new christian and so eager to serve the Lord in ministry. He is also one of our tuk tuk drivers. Our group split between two activities to help and participate. There was a Bible study with Ryan (and Tonet translating) geared toward the teenagers and adults of the community. I got to work with the children. We had a group of 25-30 kids. They captured my heart instantly. Their beautiful smiling faces and eagerness to create, and learn, play and sing. Oh, I just love them so dearly already! We started with a painting project sitting on the covered concrete gathering area. Kim translated for me and she is such a blessing! She is gifted with such a talent for teaching children. Beyond the basic art projects Kim effortlessly interwove stories of the gospel. She taught the children songs like "I am a Christian" and "Jesus Loves Me". After our art project they played games, and sang together. The kids were all so very well behaved and completely adorable. We ended by sharing an assortment of fresh fruits and lolly pops and sodas. I'm so glad we get to come again tomorrow!
This evening we took a ride out to look at some land near the ocean. Shaela is hoping to someday soon also move to Kep long-term to build a special Christ centered ministry focused on healing and a place of safety and new beginnings for young girls rescued from the trafficking industry.
While Shaela was learning about the land, some local people shared coconuts for us to drink while we relaxed a bit in the hammocks between the palm trees. It was a lovely place.
Lord, we can see it.
We can feel it.
There are little flickers of light making way to this dark place.
I pray those little sparks will ignite and spread like wildfire shining the light of your Gospel!
No comments:
Post a Comment