Blessed!

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule. You're blessed whe you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. You're blessed whe you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit Me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!--for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5:3-12 (The Message)

I am so incredibly blessed, and this Scripture has been especially speaking to my heart in the last several days. I realized that a lot of my posts lately have been on random things, so I wanted to be sure to give you a little glimpse into my heart and my passion today. I have been in Cambodia for nearly 2 months now, and I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't fallen more in love with the culture, the country, and the people. I love in the above verses where it says that when you are care-full, you will find yourself cared for. That is so true. I came here to care. That was my soul purpose, to love the least of these, but often times I feel like I am the one being cared for. I get 20+ hugs a day. I am told daily that I am beautiful and loved. My attempts to learn Khmer are praised with smiles and "very good"s. I am trusted. I make others comfortable, and my lap is always full and my hands always held. Some days I really begin to wonder who is being cared for here... I look at the girls that I am working with and I wonder at the capacity I have in my heart to love them. I have spent months and months praying that God would increase my heart of compassion for people, and somewhere along the way, I woke up and realized that He did, more than I ever imagined. I was paid the most flattering and confirming compliment just this morning. I was told that it is very apparent that I have a spirit who understands what is going on with traumatized girls, and I understand how to help them. This came from a trained counselor who actually trains counselors about a foreign girl who has never even taking a psychology course. Can I get an "amen!" that God doesn't call the equipped but equips the called?
I don't want to make it sound like everything is sunshine and roses all the time. My role here definitely has its fair share of challenges, but I really don't notice them much of the time. However, I have learned the importance of taking a time out! I can only teach so much English or learn so much Khmer before I feel like my brain is going to explode!!! But, my Khmer vocabulary is EXPLODING!! I know most all of my colors, am in the process of learning fruits, can say a variety of phrases (i.e. I love_____, I like______, I want_____), know how to direct a tuk tuk or moto to get where I need to go, and I am even having the girls teach me a song in Khmer! And, on the flip side of that, I have had the honor to watch one of our girls blow everyone out of the water with how quickly she is picking up English. Two months ago, this girl didn't know any English and could barely write Khmer. Now, she begs to spend time with me learning more English and is beginning to speak English to others and teach some of our Khmer staff. Because she arrived at the home just before I did, I have been able to watch her progress so much. If anyone doubts the ability and willingness of God to bind up the brokenhearted, they would only need about 5 minutes with this stunning girl to be convinced otherwise.

There you have it--a small glimpse into the world in which I live and love. Now, I am off to play games I don't understand and love girls I will never forget...