Welcome to my front row seat of this incredible adventure in Cambodia!

Today a group of us went with some of the Bible school students from the Cambodia base to do evangelism with local kids from a nearby village in Kampong Chiang. We sang songs, played games and did puppets. It was a great opportunity to share the Gospel and was so encouraging for us as team members. On the drive back, it rained the whole way! It was an eventful day!
-Amy and Elianna

The dormitory is coming along quickly. The kids are getting used to the Cambodia blocks which are not always straight. So far, it is not their favorite job. The back is four levels up, the front is three and one side is two blocks high. Samara runs the mixing crew and she has become quite the pro. Luke has been overseeing the road project. Even though it can be monotonous, he always has a smile on his face. Bismark is running the block-laying. His encouragement is a blessing and his smile and laughter are contagious. Lauren and I are working the kitchen along with the KP. This team will eat anything—their appetites are HUGE! And they never complain. Paul jumps from site to site overseeing the work, but with the great assistant leaders, his job is EASY!

The team's work ethic continue to amaze us—between working on the "road" and the dormitory, even in the intense heat and humidity—what an inspiration. It doesn't take long for them to get hot, sweaty and dirty, but their attitudes remain (for the most part) upbeat and encouraging.

We have had only one day without rain, but instead had sprinkles that day. A couple of days ago, we moved the Bible study into the dining area due to the rain, but didn't get far due to the intensity of the rain and the noise on the metal roof. Our clothes manage to get dry quickly. However, remembering to take them off of the line before the rain hits is a different story.

Speaking of Bible study, we are all thoroughly enjoying studying Genesis. Bismark is doing a great job teaching it, using his resources from having taken Genesis this last term in the Sojourner School of Ministry. His questions make the kids think. Their answers and questions can be very thought-provoking. It amazes me—I am continually thinking, "Where did that come from?" Their hunger and thirst for His Word are so evident (along with their “smarts").

Between the dogs, ducks, chickens, roosters, cows and goats, we are well entertained and are careful to "watch our steps". The baby chicks are everywhere. And there are a couple of new calves and baby goats.

With the exception of a couple of not feeling well mostly due to the heat, we are all remaining remarkably healthy. The team is good at drinking water. We continue to push electrolytes, and rest breaks as needed. We are definitely seeing their acclimation to the conditions.

But my favorite thing is seeing their joy—what an encouragement (and conviction) to me! They work hard, play hard, laugh a lot and talk a lot. But my favorite part is when they share their love of Jesus and how He is stretching them and working in their lives to draw them closer to Him. Between our "share time" every morning after devotions, their interactions in Bible studies and GG classes and their sharing during evening devotions, I am amazed at their sensitivity to the Spirit and their strong desire to be more like Him in every area of their lives.

We have a treat planned for Saturday. We, along with the staff and students, will be going to a waterfall about an hour away. We are looking forward to this adventure. Paul and I have been here five times and we had never heard of this waterfall, so we are also excited about this "adventure"!

I am so, so thankful to have a front row seat this summer in watching Him work in and through every team member on this team. You parents have AMAZING kids that make my job so easy and such a joy.

And a word from some of the kids:

Going on this TMI trip has been challenging, but it has been so good for me. It has forced me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to do things I normally wouldn't do the work in Cambodia has been hard, but God has encouraged through II Timothy 2:15 - "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of Truth.". - Shannon K.

Hi guys! I am working and so far we have done a bunch of different jobs. My favorite was mixing cement with cement mixer. I also enjoyed moving blocks by tossing them in a "bucket brigade" fashion. Today we were smashing rocks to make a road, which I also enjoyed. A few days ago, I got to play "Monkey In The Middle" with some of the students and today, one of the staff was teaching us some Khmer. It is really cool to hang out with them and get to know them. On Monday, I finally reached adulthood! -Bea

The building is coming together well. We have finished the foundation and are now laying block. They work us hard here, but I love it. I am loving what I have seen of Cambodia so far. Cannot wait to go to Ankgor Wat!!!! Love you! -Knox

Time seems to be going by really fast. The walls on the dormitory are going up. On Sunday we got to go to church and we did some songs with the kids. They loved doing the hand motions. I am having a great time here! -Sadie W.