all things become new again...

When you arrive in another culture you are overwhelmed by all the things that are different than where you come from....architecture, foods, smells, fashion, etc. etc. etc., but eventually, if you live in your new host culture long enough those things become "normal" and you don't notice them much anymore. Things surprise you now and then, but from the most part when you walk past a full pig head in the market you don't think much about it....you just know someone's gonna make soup!

You don't really realize that these things have become normal to you until you are with someone else who is new in the culture/place where you are. You watch their faces become pale as your taxi/bus driver goes at crazy speeds down the roads, dodging cows and water buffalo or when they attempt to pass a huge truck (on a small two lane highway) while there is another large truck coming straight at you. OR you see them take a double or triple take when the moto carrying 150 chickens tied upside down on the back passes you by. Then you suddenly realize....oh yes, this ISN'T normal is it!

We are currently helping to host a short-term team from North Carolina, and it has been a joy to see them experience all things Cambodia! They have been processing their experiences and it has reminded me of SO many things that not too long ago were not "normal" for me. It reminds me that I need to always be looking for new things in this place, to not get lazy about learning about Cambodia and her people.

I have also been reminded of the importance of interacting in very intentional ways with the Khmer, especially those who are not yet believers. They watch us, they wonder why we live the way we live, why we do the things we do, why we buy the things we buy... PRAY for us that God would give us relationships with people here in Battambang, and PRAY for open doors to share our faith and love of Jesus. PRAY for times of refreshing as we are tired (newborns tend to do that to you, don't they!!!) and PRAY that God's Spirit would move in mighty ways in our hearts and well as those of the Khmer.

PRAY also for this short term team, that their time here would reflect the love of Christ to the Khmer so that their lives may hopefully one day be made NEW in Jesus.