We are still in the US continuing to wait for Sdam’s US citizenship. While our hearts long to be back in Cambodia, we are learning to wait on the Lord. Myself, as a planner, struggles at times not knowing where we will be 6 months or a year from now. Whereas Sdam is much more comfortable in the ambiguity and constantly reminds me to enjoy and be present in the place we are now.
“but those who hope in the Lord
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
In January my formal Home Assignment time finished and I started working again for EMI. In this interim season the majority of my time will be spent working for our Global office while also continuing to support the office in Cambodia. Working from home in Lincoln, I am supporting the communications and development team to promote and raise funds for all of EMI. Sdam continues to take classes in math and English to prepare for taking the GED.
In April, Sdam and I were able to spend a week in Colorado Springs so that I could spend a time in person with the Global team. We had a good time in Colorado catching up with friends, and speaking at Harvest Downtown. The weekend we were there was during the Cambodian holiday of Khmer New Year. Our good friend, Vicky, who we know from her time in the Cambodia office found a local Khmer New Year festival just outside of Denver. We were able to meet up with a few different friends there, and Sdam enjoyed the day eating some good Khmer food and hearing his own language.
In February my maternal grandmother, my last grandparent, went home to be with the Lord after 99 years on this earth. This was the only funeral that I’ve been able to attend. We held a memorial service in April where my cousin and I gave the eulogy. These sorts of events are often missed when living overseas, and I was thankful that I was able to be with family during this one.
And lastly, in May we were able to connect with and speak at our other supporting church, Heartland Bible Church. This is the same church my grandparents served and attended in their retirement years, and we are honored to keep that connection and for their warm welcome.