I woke at 4 this morning. We were thinking that we were going to sleep in a bit. Each day our schedule started VERY early so we have been used to getting up and being on the road, or attending a pre-6 prayer meeting. So today.............our last day, we kind of thought 6 or 6:30 sounded like a delightful sleep in.
But last night........
There is not really a way to describe it adequately. The students had a farewell time for us. 70 plus kids squished in a tight little room all sitting on the floor, bumped up against one another. We had a quite relaxed day, Chris did some "guy talk" for a few hours with two yound men who are interested in dating........We girls headed out and enjoyed seeing different Abolition ministries and visiting around...even did a little shopping.Rebecca and I ended the day at the side of the soccer field in the monsoon rains. We have come to love these students so much and we wanted one more chance to cheer them on. Since both teams come from Crossroads, it is quite easy to not being playing favorites. The game was more like water polo, as the fields were drenched ....no, absolutley flooded and they, like boys are wont to do, were having a ball in the water. We were all drencked and for the first time in Cambodia actually felt chilly........but our hearts were TOTALLY warmed by the smiles of the kids as they saw us standing in the rain on the sidelines. They came off the field and first thing they did was thank us for coming. Such a little thing for us....turned into such a meaningful thing for them.
We came back and showered and packed up for our trip home, to be ready for our 7:30 meeting that actually surprised us and started at 7.
The students Worshipped. The singing was a foretaste of heaven. The tears poured freely as we were surrounded in Praise to HIM. What a special service. David gave leadership t shirts to the team
that would be continuing on in the work. They are coming on furloughand this team will take on the responsibilities of the entire ministry. David opened the floor for kids to comment on our time. That was humbling...........because we for sure felt that they blessed US much more than us blessing them.
We had a moment or two to share thoughts with them as our last blessing. I personally were happy for that last chance to encourage their hearts. In my quiet time a few weeks ago, God blessed me with a portion from I Chronicles, and David's challenge to the children of Israel giving instructions to them. Be Strong...Be Couragous. Remember the teachings of their "spiritual fathers" Don't get discouraged. Stay in the word. Search out the Scriptures....
Oh how we are jealousfor their hearts to stay strong in HIM. So many temptations and challenges in this country.
In Cambodian...or at least Crossroads custom, the students circle around the room to say goodbye. The typical response is folding ones hands in front of your face, and tilting your head to the person to whom you are showing respect. No touching, hand shaking, hugging etc. Just a very respectful gesture. Last night..Then a song...holding hands about standing together in unity. More tears ....
They all left to go home, and I asked Rebecca and Chris if we could head up to the roof for a bit. It was still raining but there is a shelter up there....cool breeze and view of the city. We sat in total silence for a good 10 minutes, none of us able to speak. As we silently reflected, each of us were all wracked with sobs..........
In such a few short days, our hearts have been altered. Our lives have been impacted by what seems like the "early church" stronghold. When our own crying ceased we had a precious time of prayer..for these kids...for their ministry..and for Lynn and Chris ministry going on simultaneously :real time in Africa.
What a GREAT GOD we serve. We remarked over and over how blessed we were for this privilege of peeking into this land where the spirit of God is POURED and spilling into the city and out in remote villages.
Thank you for allowing us to be YOUR respresentatives as well as God's.
In spite of all of the fabulous food we have eaten, perhaps the chunk of our hearts that we are leaving will make up for the physical weight we have gained.
We are homeward bound at 1 today (Saturday) We will have a brief stop in Singapore to meet with Paul Chang, and then leave at midnight from there and home in GSO by Sunday afternoon.
Again....thanks for holding the ropes in prayers. We rejoice in Good health, great rest, GREAT appetities and HIS bleessings.....
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