I don't want to live a normal life.

I don’t want to live a normal life; I don’t want to blend in with the crowd! I want to stand out. It’s ironic, because here in Cambodia, everywhere I go, I am the odd one out. I am stared at, smiled to, and in some cases misunderstood. People are curious about me. They recognize my different nature, and it arouses questions and curiosities.

Shouldn’t this be how we live as Christians? We should be recognizable. Maybe not so much by the way we look, but by the way we act. If our hearts are in the right place, people should be able to set us apart. I think that too often, we attempt to blend in with the crowd, so that we are socially acceptable and “normal.” Was Jesus socially acceptable? Was He normal? Um….no…he definitely wasn’t. I think if we simply practice integrity, others, whom are not Christians will see us, and become curious. Just as I am asked the questions daily, “Where do you come from?” or “What do you do?” People will ask us, as Christians, “Why are you different?” or they will simply recognize the difference. When we spark others attention about what our “difference” is, we give God the opportunity to water that seed.

I constantly lack the integrity that should be radiating from me. I want people to see what God’s love does to people. I want to be that example. I encourage you too, believers, to take a stand! Just for one day, practice integrity; be intentional about doing good, and praising God with the way you act, think, and live.

The perfect love is Gods love...so share it :)

Now as for CAMBODIA!!! I am still thoroughly enjoying my time here. Although I miss people back home, I am learning so much and experiencing so much. I love the Khmer culture, and I am even learning a little bit of the language. I think that some day I would like to come back to this beautiful place. (But I am sure to think that about every place I visit)

This trip is producing a girl who now wants to travel her whole life. I love the feeling of being away from my comfortable American life…with so much unknown and waiting for exploration. Daily, my eyes are being opened to new and exciting experiences. Back home, people get so (too) comfortable with the way they are living, that the simple idea of going abroad is frightening and just too big of an idea. But there is so much work that can be done overseas! There are so many people that need help, and so many jobs that need educated minds to operate.

To experience a new culture is the largest adrenaline rush for me, satisfying in every way. I am so blessed to be here and share love with anyone I come into contact with.

Ah…now that I am tired and hot and sweaty (because the humidity here is literally worse than a sauna)…I think I will eat some delicious Khmer food, and sleep. Love you all!