Why I Went to Cambodia
I'm a person who gravitates toward stillness. I soak in quiet mornings and drift into reflective moments throughout my day.
And yet, I recently found myself standing in a bustling night market in Thailand at a festival organized by a minority ethnic group in the area. Barbequed meat sizzled on skewers, stall lights blazed against the night sky and motorcycles wove through crowds, barely missing passersby.
The loudness, busyness and heat should have wearied me, but I reveled in it. I felt immersed in story.
Talking to my friend about the event, I discovered there was indeed a layered narrative behind this scene. The history of this ethnic group was riddled with oppression, loss and a desperate fight for identity. That night’s celebration was more than just a party; it was a courageous step toward healing.
On the flight home from this trip with OMF, my body welcomed the rest but my mind and heart buzzed with excitement. I had met people whose stories I wanted to tell.
A dream began forming in my heart. "What if I returned? What if I could capture the experiences of local people and workers who needed prayer and support? Not just in Thailand – but throughout Asia where OMF serves."
When I returned to the U.S., God quickly opened doors for me to do this type of work in Cambodia. It's a nation known for beautiful, welcoming people, but also its recent history of suffering under the Khmer Rouge. I’m incredibly grateful and excited to learn more about the Cambodian people and share about God's heart for this nation.