My Son

Mi cha (fried noodles) for lunch, t'krolok (fruit shake) for snacks, bo or (Khmer porridge) for dinner- were inexpensive gesture of kindness, really, but it is not simplicity or extravagance what counts- it is actually someone's choice to bless. Yesterday was an unplanned reunion. The get-together of father and son was surprising and heartbreaking at the same time. He is one of.the sons I fostered for years. I thought, like the rest of them, he has gone to the city to chase his dream. He is now a cup bearer of the monks in pagoda.

He is an orphan like me and like thousands of  children around the world. That is why I can identify with his plight. I really do. "Daddy, I want to be a monk." he confided in reluctance. Silence. He knows this is not what I wished for Him he'd become but it is not my decision that follows on the other hand--it is his. "If this is what you really desire, then follow your heart." I said in a heavy heart. Whatever footsteps he will follow, I'm still his dad, and I will keep fathering and guiding him.

Second Home

The first time I got here was also the moment I fell in love with this town. It has not faded yet since then no, this feeling won't go away. This will stay with me for eternity. Yes, it will, even when old age gets me, and memories seemed lost in the mists of time. Honestly, it isn't about how restful this place looks like or the laid back life it offers or how friendly these people are it is but the love God has placed in my heart. I have seen better places to dwell than this or could have had enjoyed a greener pasture somewhere but my Creator brought me here for many reasons. I always have a choice but He has the perfect plan.

This is where I learned to father children for the first time ever. An unexpected milestone I had to go through. Of course, had no regrets because it changed my whole life forever...for the better. More than all those answered and unanswered prayers, I have experienced miracle after miracle right in this strange land especially in my pursuit becoming a servant. There were tears of joy and of suffering, but God's grace was so evident. In victories and defeats, I had His unfailing love. When drought struck the ground, I got the faithfulness of.the One who called me. Then came abundance. When I was home, I was in endless nostalgia. Now that I am here, every second is down memory lane. How can I not love this second home?

The Teachers, the Kids, the Village, and the Education

It takes hours and hours to go to the village to bring love and care to these kids. Last weekend was another privilege to engage in the Master's vineyards. Although we have been doing this for almost two decades, but each time is a different story to tell and thank the Father for.

Despite language barrier, we are grateful for wisdom and guidance to be able to share lessons and stories. Some kids were receptive, the rest I would say is a challenge that requires patience, love, and grace to deal with. At the end of the day, it was a beautiful experience still to be able to help.

Grace At Its Best

True enough, a picture tells a thousand words, but no one could ever predict a mere photo or an extravagant image at a glance-not even staring at it for long. No, you don't know the stories behind these smiles. It is called grace at its best- only people of the same heart, mind, and experience can truly understand.

You don't know the cost of the calling we're on or the battle we face each day or the challenges we go through from time to time or the struggles we wrestle to be here. You only grasp the surface what your naked eyes can seE. Well, whether or not it is a larger-than-life experience, again, it is grace at its best.

A Prayer-Enough

Please give me a rusty, old grain silo or give me good food that sticks to my bones-oh no, just give me enough that will bring my knees to worship and thanksgiving. So that in emptiness I will understand grace; in imperfection mercy.

So that I will not trust in the abundance of the world or its power or its fame. Just give me enough-only enough to have and live one day at a time. And be the vessel of blessing to others in need.

One Month Delayed

Here I am in this recurring cycle of nonstop delays. It has been a month and not yet done with this personal issue. Wish I know a hawk from a handsaw, but my skill in discerning things, like my situation for instance, depends on God’s grace alone. Willingness is never a question or what angsted over the upcoming flight, but this unwanted circumstance keeps bugging me instead. It weakens me and dares me at the same time. If only my case is a matter of taking a rain check on, then I’d say it even a trillion times. C’est la vie they say. I say it is only once in a while. Then let me stay sanguine about my disposition for now.     

  

I never really ask question in here, so allow me just one. Thanks. Have you ever been in a situation that life seems regressing and time like never really fly? I feel it so physically wearying and mentally draining. Perhaps life could have been different if I traveled earlier or on time–or perhaps not. Yeah, I remember saying it here, “It is one step at a time”, and I am swallowing my pride yielding into my own admonition. It is no mortal sin I think. Two more days and I’m going to fly to my final destination. Got my ticket booked. I pray for another smooth travel and God’s traveling mercy to follow me through.