At 9,000ft surrounded by the crisp clean Rocky Mountain air, for the first time ever, five staff* and their families sat down at the same table to have a meal together. There was a sense of unity and commencement as the Cambodia team made small talk and just began to get to know one another. For me, having a good day is less about where and what I am doing as with who I am doing it with. Lately, I’ve been finding that this is no less true for the bigger questions of “what next?” in life. I am beyond excited about who God has brought together to launch EMI in Cambodia as well as where we are going.
Two weeks ago, I attended the EMI World Staff Conference. Not only did I get to meet the rest of of the EMI Cambodia team in person, but over 250 EMI Staff and families from around the world. Many of these staff I have emailed and prayed for in morning devotions at the office. But it hard to share s’mores around a campfire over Skype. Even more, it’s hard to feel united in the Spirit until we are all standing in the same room worshiping the same God as we did every night of the conference. We had break-out sessions on stress, member care, discipleship, and more. While our CEO emphasized the core values of EMI, design, discipleship, and diversity. The theme for the week was renewal, and not only was I renewed in spirit, but also in a sense of calling and purpose to Cambodia and the community God has placed me in and the work He has given me to do.
*Pictured above from left to right: Me (staff), Vicky M. (staff), Chad G. (director), Chesna G., Shanthi G., Miriam G., Chris H. (staff), Amira H., Kaylee H., Layla H., Colin W., Kathleen W. (staff).