History

Lately I have been reading a lot of books and watched a video on Cambodia's history in order to get a better understanding of the country and its people. I can't imagine what it would have been like to live through the Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia. I know that many of the people that I will meet will have lived through it-- they may have experienced watching their families die or have been one of the ones to kill their families, friends or neighbours. I know that I will never be able to relate... and for that I am blessed. Please pray for me, that God will give me humility and that even though I cannot relate, that I will be sensitive to their past and be able to love unconditionally.

The Plans

Things are starting to come together and the time is flying away from me. My thesis should be finished before the end of the week and then I will be moving back into my parents home for short time before I take off. God has still been teaching me to trust Him. During this period of transition I have been comforted by the fact that God is in control and He has promised to never let me go. Today I went to Queensway and was blown away by the people who have committed to praying for me. I have been so blessed!

As for the plans for Cambodia, I finally have something to share. I will be going to Cambodia under PAOC. My role there will be to assist Bev Laing with assessment for child care plus (a child sponsorship program). I will also be helping with another missionary working with families at risk of selling there children into slavery. As well, there is a possibility that I will get to work with young girls who have been rescued out of the brothels. It is exciting to watch the pieces of the puzzle unfold. I just need to be obedient and do whatever God gives me to do.

Thanks for your prayers!

Life in Review

Here is a brief summary about myself. 5 years ago I went to Bulgaria for a month to volunteer in an orphanage... and it changed my life. Afterwards I learned that 7 out of the 40 kids at the orphanage were involved in prostitution and it broke my heart. I have always believed that God has called me to work overseas and take care of His children who have been forgotten, abandoned and abused. So, I have spent the past six years in school to prepare myself. I got accepted to write a thesis (which is basically a big research project) and my professor suggested that I study sex trafficking. I was invited by a family friend to attend a conference that focused specifically on sex trafficking in Cambodia. I left the conference still dreaming of going back to Bulgaria but since then God has given me such a passion for Cambodia. My heart breaks as I work on my thesis and I picture how I would feel and what I would do if it was my niece or nephew who were trafficked. In my heart I see a group of people that God loves but society shuns and I want to offer them that love.

Originally, I had planned on going to Cambodia with an organization that works to rehabilitate girls who have been brought out of the sex trade but I do not believe that is where I am supposed to be. I feel like I am in a dark room holding tightly to a rope hanging from the ceiling. Even though I can't see anything and nothing is certain I know that I can trust that rope. Please pray for me that God would direct my paths and take me to where He wants me to be.