Friday was Judea’s (my niece) third birthday and to celebrate we all decided to go swimming. When I opened the gate to the pool and stepped inside I was confronted by a clothed figure sitting, feet in the water. In the Arkansas heat a woman sat under yards of fabric watching her three sons swim in their underwear. 

Thoughts were swirling in my head. I was suddenly very aware of the two piece under my tank top and panicked a little bit at the idea of getting in the pool. I found myself feeling very inappropriate and wondering what the woman would think of me. 

I made my way to the shallow end where the woman was and smiled at her as I got into the water to help Connor put on water floaties. There was no judgement in her eyes as she smiled warmly back. We talked a little bit (she was just learning English) and I found out that she was from the middle east and just moved to Arkansas. The language barrier put a hold on our conversation but we were still connected. I wanted to know her story. As she left I had so many questions about her life. 

I could be that woman. I could have been born in the middle east, in an IDP camp in Africa or even in a brothel in Cambodia. There is no difference between me and any other woman in the world. We were all created in God’s image and because of that we are under attack by the enemy. But for some reason I am sitting in Arkansas with the life that I have. I have a bed to sleep in tonight and I have a wonderful family but there are so many people who don’t have those things. 

One reason I feel so passionate about the ministry in Cambodia is that I am responsible. I want to be a voice for women who can’t speak for themselves and I want to see Christ penetrate their hearts. In the craziness of nannying and support raising, the calling that God has on my life is getting me through. When I get discouraged I think of all the women in Cambodia who need freedom and need to know about how much Christ loves them. 

I was not able to know the story of the woman by the pool but I am so excited for all of the stories that are waiting for me in Cambodia. And I will be a voice for them! More soon!