The past few days I have been at Month One Debrief in Siem Reap, Cambodia staying at the AIM Overflow Guesthouse – which is consequently the same place I will be doing ministry for the next two months.

 Debrief is a time to sit, relax, and focus on what The Lord has done over the past month. So I have been processing a lot of what God has shown me these first few weeks on the field. Here are some questions/answers that I have been dwelling on a bit…hopefully they will show you a little glimpse of what the Lord has been doing in my life so far!

• What was good?

The Lord opened my eyes to A LOT of things!! He made me dig deeper into my soul and find those secret sins that I didn’t even realize were hiding there. He taught me to bring kingdom wherever I am placed. He gave me a team of girls that I love so dearly and that love me right back (in the midst of my messiness and imperfection). He let me see healings. He gave me a deep desire and love for His Word. He let me meet amazing people and make memories that I will keep for a lifetime. He comforted me when I felt weak. He reassured me when I doubted this calling.

• What was hard?

Living in a small room and bathroom with 6 other girls (this is hard for a girl who loves to be organized and clean!!), the heat/humidity of Cambodia, no air conditioning, hundreds upon hundreds of bug-bites, being asked to let go of things I feel intitled to, no phones during the week, no wifi at home, not being able to talk to my parents whenever I wanted, bikes being the main mode of transportation  

*I would like to point out, that yes these things were hard, but the Lord taught me so much about getting uncomfortable and the good that can come out of it*

• What did you learn about God and yourself?

I was recently reminded that I cannot do anything to earn my salvation. I have been saved since I was a young child, but sometimes I think being the “perfect Christian” will put me higher on the totem poll of Christianity, and make the Lord love me more. While reading through Leviticus, I learned of all the sacrifices, laws, and festivals the Israelites were required to do in order to be clean before the Lord, or even be allowed in His presence.

*side note: The Lord’s presence is available to us at all times and that is something I take for granted way too often*

God reminded me that my sacrifice has already been made when Jesus died on Calvary. It is finished. Nothing I have done or will ever do can make the Lord love me any more or any less. The sacrifice has been made and covers ALL of my sin – as well as invites me into a life of constant communion with God himself. The freedom that comes with this truth is astonishing.

• Is there anything you need to release to God?

My future. I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me when I get home…everything is unknown, but also in His hands. He has never failed me yet. God is teaching me to be fully present in the now. The present is a present. This is where He has called me to. Why waste this experience and miss out on what He has before me by focusing on the future?

• What truths can I carry into next month?

A theme that I have seen throughout this past month is the deliberate character of God. He is intentional. Everything is in His control and done for a purpose far beyond my understanding. When I struggled with my ministry, He reminded me that I was placed there for a reason. When I was homesick, He was with me in my hurt and reminded me that this is where I am supposed to be. When I get aggravated, He reminds me that these people are the body of Christ that He has intentionally placed together to bring His kingdom. When I doubted the power of my testimony, He told me that He has been with me through it all, and designed my life this way for a reason. Even everything I read in the Word showed His faithfulness to make Israel a great nation, even when they continued to fail. Everything that happens is in His hands, and I cling to this truth.

• What word(s) is the Lord speaking over this next month?

FREEDOM & IDENTITY.

This past month has shown a lot of growth, and has held some of the best experiences of my life so far. The Lord has continually been teaching me new things every single day, and I pray that you are being taught as well. I am so thankful for His abundant blessings and faithfulness. I hope that these truths can speak into your life as much as they have mine.