So...here I am...a year has passed since I last wrote. In a nut shell.....had an amazing year at Heritage. My students all passed into grade 2...thanks to my wonderful teaching and their brilliant little minds. My year in Cambodia changed me in more ways that I even know now. The struggles...the battles...the joys...they brought me closer to my Jesus.

I had a wonderful summer at home on the farm....spending my days helping Mom with stuff around the house or out in the garden and in September I learned how to drive the combine and was able to help out Dad and Cam with harvest. Time with my family was precious and refreshed my soul.

I arrived back in Phnom Pehn at the end of September. I can't believe I've already been here for 3 weeks! I've been staying with a family that also work with New Life. They have 3 wonderful children and its been such a blessing to spend time with them. My jet lag was HORRIBLE and I went through more culture shock then I expected but once again...I have adjusted back into Cambodian life. The smells, the sights, the food. It is wonderful. Except the merciless monsoon storms that leave me soaking wet and muddy.

I am currently on the hunt for an apartment. My friend Charlotte and I are trying to find a 2 bedroom, furnished place in a good location for both of our work. I'm gonna be working part time at Heritage again (teaching grade 2 so I'll have some of my students from last year!!!!!) and part time at NLF school teaching English. I have already been teaching at NLF for a week now and absolutely love my students...grade 2 and grade 4. Most of them come from low income families or orphanages...they are sponsored each month to attend school. $30 a month gives them 2 uniforms, school supplies and help pay their Khmer teachers, who are all wonderful Christian men and women. Its a wonderful atmosphere to work in everyday.....i often hear little voices singing English worship songs or their cute lil' "God bless you teacha" as I leave each day.

I am also thinking of buying a moto. I've been taking motodups (men who drive motos) to work and everywhere but its getting so expensive. I think I can find a cute little scooter for $300-$500....can't you just see me rippin up the busy chaotic streets of Phnom Pehn:) Pray that I don't die learning to drive it!! Seriously.

What I love about being back the most is CHURCH!! There is nothing I'd rather do than be with my Khmer brother and sisters in Christ...worshipping God. Yesterday at church two men came forward and accepted Christ...the same two men who had earlier stood up when we welcome newcomers. These men had never stepped foot inside our church before but by the end of just one service...they were knelt down at the foot of the cross...overwhelmed with the idea that there is a God out there that loves them and wants to be a part of their lives. I've never seen such smiles. It made my heart happy. This is why we live. So that others might come to know Christ as we do.

And in a country where life without Him is hopeless....painfully hopeless.....the prospect of hope and peace and joy.....all it takes is just one service.