by Katie

I received an email from my Alma Mater not too long ago. Apparently my 10 year college reunion is coming up soon! I had to do some math to confirm this wasn’t a scam. When I determined it HAS legitimately been that long, I realized that also means it was almost 10 years ago that I made the decision to move to Cambodia the first time. 

I remember very distinctly how I sensed the Lord speaking to me my senior year of college by placing a burden on my heart for the Cambodian people that wouldn’t go away. Even though I didn’t have the plan totally figured out, I knew that he wanted me to say YES to that prompting. So several weeks after graduation I was on a plane to Asia. Little did I know what God had in store for me there, or that I would end up coming back three years later with a husband!

That was then. And now, here I am today, and once again God is prompting me back to Cambodia, but this time it’s different. It’s not just me anymore. I’m not a carefree 22 year old. And though God’s call has come with the same clarity, I’ve been reflecting on how there are significant differences between then and now.

Khmer (K’mai) language and culture

I probably knew about 10 words of Khmer before I moved to Cambodia the first time. But through studying with a tutor and living with Cambodian girls, I dove head first into learning language and culture. The first six months I knew Sokion, we spoke mostly in Khmer to one another. Going back this time, I know there will be a learning curve, but this time I expect to be able to build relationships with Khmer people right away and communicate with them in their native tongue.  

Goodbyes

When I first went on the field, the goodbyes were hard, but they were also inevitable for a lot of my friendships. As I was finishing college, everyone was moving off to different places. This time, I anticipate the goodbyes to be much harder with family, friends, coworkers and our church family. In the last 6 years, the U.S. has become home to us.

Family

When I was 22, it wasn’t that hard to pack up everything I owned in two suitcases and figure out how to survive in a foreign country. Who am I kidding . . . it was hard. But I didn’t have anyone to worry about except myself. I wasn’t nearly as scared of taking risks as I am now that I’m a mom with two kids to feed and clothe and keep healthy. There are a lot more things to think about now than there were then. Sokion and I carry an immense responsibility to set up our family well and help our children adjust to the environment in a new culture. 

Ministry

Speaking of children, I have had the privilege of knowing many missionary families on the field and one of the most beautiful things about serving as a family is that kids are like magnets! Everyone wants to talk to you. Kids break down so many barriers and help you build friendships with all kinds of people. Outside of teaching in the classroom, I’m excited to be able to minister to families in a way that I didn’t before. I hope to be an encouragement to Khmer moms and young families as I do life with them. 

Fears and Anxieties

I definitely have different fears and anxieties now that I didn’t have then. “Will we be able to support our family? What if my kids get sick? Can I keep them safe? How will I help them with their big emotions as they process all this? When will we get to come home to visit family?” Back then, my big fear was, “Will I ever find a husband on the mission field?” And God took care of that one! I need to trust him with all my current fears. 

And truly, that’s the same, always and no matter what in any calling: God is faithful.

I received this verse (1 Thessalonians 5:24) as a word of encouragement several weeks ago, and it has stuck with me as I daily face my fears and tackle the challenges ahead.

“The one who called you is faithful, and he will do it.” 

God is the one who equips me. He is the one who called me. In each and every season of my life, in every calling, he has remained faithful. And he will continue to be, then and now.