Our contact from Cambodia, where I spent month 5 of the World Race, asked if I would mind writing about my experience serving in their children’s ministry. For anyone who followed along my blog, this was the month I fell in love with this precious little guy. Writing about a recent way God spoke to me since returning to the States, I was encouraged by God’s sovereignty and the reminder that He is in control, and He see’s the whole picture even when I can’t.
For any post-Racer wrestling with the question, “What difference did I make?” I hope this encourages you.
I always thought I’d start a career right after graduating from college, but instead, the Lord called me to travel around the world as a missionary overseas. It sounded crazy, but I said yes, and for 11 months I ventured to 11 countries with the World Race desiring to love the least of these and experience life to the full with Jesus. From Nepal to Botswana, each month brought new revelations and glimpses into the heart of God. But through all 11 months, perhaps the one the Lord continues to speak to me through most frequently is the month I spent in Battambang, serving at Crossing Cambodia.
My month in Cambodia was many things to me: early mornings, waking up before the sun to collect the little ones off the streets; the repetitive task of scrubbing dirty nails at morning bath; daily teaching the wild ones it isn’t okay to take the other kids’ toys; picking up; holding hands; sitting in laps; spinning in circles; producing giggles; patting heads; wiping noses; and rubbing backs. Over and over again our days at the center were filled with little moments piled high in hopes that through our hands Jesus might touch, soothe, and ultimately, communicate his Father’s great love for these precious little ones.
I fell in love with one of the kids that month, and saying goodbye was particularly painful. Throughout my 11-month long journey, I found myself sometimes battling the lie that my I had made no impact. Leaving Crossing Cambodia hurt my heart and I could hear the enemy whispering, “All you did was hold kids—and now you’re leaving them.”
Fast forward seven months.
After returning to the States my younger brother started his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. I still thought about the little boy from Crossing Cambodia, and spoke of him often to my family and friends. My brother’s first week of classes, he called me, bursting to share a story.
On move-in day he had worn a World Race t-shirt, which started up a conversation with a girl who said she had recently traveled to Cambodia with the same organization. “Wow, my sister went to Cambodia!” my brother told her, “She fell in love with a little boy there.” The girl smiled, “Man, I did too,” she said. Curious, my brother asked more about her trip. As the girl took out her phone to show him a picture, my brother immediately knew—“That’s him! That’s the same boy Katy knew!”
And it was.
This news came to me at a time that I was particularly praying for the little boy and asking God for peace. The girl at UK shared news that not only is the little boy doing very well, but that he is continuing to grow healthier and stronger every day! I found out new things, like that his hair is growing out, he’s dancing, and babbling words in Khemi and English.
“Tell your sister that our volunteer team served at Crossing Cambodia the whole month of July. Tell her I fell in love with the little boy too, and can assure her he got a whole lot of love from me and my team!”
We walk in a parade with such small perspective to our right and to our left. But the Lord of all creation stands above seeing the whole beginning and the end. Because I know God loves these little children and the staff he’s called to Crossing Cambodia more than I ever could, I can rest in the peace of Christ knowing God holds each of us in his strong and capable hands. Trusting in God’s goodness—that is peace.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” – Psalm 100:5
Katy!!! That is so like our loving Father! I stand in amazement at this miracle of God ordained communication. There is a special place in God’s heart for this little one I’m positive.
Sweet Katy, I too find memories of your mission to affect me in ways I cannot explain except that God knows our soft points and uses them to call us to Him. I still remember Tug and the others whom u rescued from the bars… and I continue to pray. Thank you for allowing YOU to touch hearts like mine that I might join u in praying for His children. ??????? ily ?
Katy,
God has truly blessed you with the ability to see, and then tell us all what you saw and the relationship to Gods blessings. Please,please keep it up.
Mike and Solange