There are moments in life that I wish could be saved on film. How great would it be to sit down on a rainy afternoon, make some pop corn and choose a reel highlighting a meaningful or fun experience. You would be able to relive a moment or share it with loved ones who were not there. But the reality is we can’t do that; which makes those moments sweeter. You know that you will never experience it again and so you have to choose to enjoy it and be all present.
I have a feeling that my two years in Cambodia are going to be filled with those moments. Last weekend was an example of one of those experiences. Our Khmer teachers invited us to go out with them on Saturday night and experience different cultural events. Our first stop was a place called Diamond Island; which included a Khmer fashion show and booths full of colorful clothes and delicious samples. Our last stop was dinner at a night market located near the river front; where we were able to try different authentic Khmer food.
I rode with my teacher on her moto and right when we starting going the sky broke and heavy rain began to fall. We stopped and bought ponchos for twenty five cents and headed on our way, not letting the weather stop us. A lot of people probably would have thought that the rain was a nuisance but I loved it. Riding on the back of a moto, in the insane traffic, with the extra adventure factor of rain made me feel Khmer and absolutely immersed into the city life of Phnom Penh.
I have been learning so much from Khmer culture. Yes, Cambodia has its problems and issues with roots that go deep below the surface, but that is true of every culture. America has its own set of problems that are sometimes harder to see because they are not as blatant. It is not my intention to bash America, or Cambodia or any other country, my point is that we could learn valuable things from each other if we took the time to look.
Our Khmer teachers are so patient with us and hospitable every where we go. They watch out for us and embrace us in such as way that I don’t feel like a foreigner. They are so generous with everything that they have and quick to share. They are curious about American’s and make me laugh harder than a lot of people. They are full of life and so easy to hang out with, even if we don't always understand each other when we speak. On our way home from our evening adventure our motos stayed together in a cluster and we sang Justin Beiber (not my choice but it was hilarious) songs back and forth as we passed each other in the traffic. I felt honored to spend time with them as friends and was filled and encouraged.
It has been about seven weeks now since moving to Cambodia and that time has been packed with so many experiences that it feels more like 14 weeks. I have felt deep heartbreak for the people of Cambodia but also a deep love. I have seen soul saddening things but then I have had soul filling moments that make me so thankful to be here. Yes I came to be used by God in any way that he wills but I am also here to learn. Every encounter with people can be used as an opportunity to share Christ, but it would be naive of me to think I am bringing Christ to this country. He is already here, walking the streets disguised by the faces of local Khmer people and He has so much he wants to teach me.
