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Its only been two days since touchdown at the KLIA LCCT airport, and I'm already feeling homesick eventhough I know that I shouldn't. And yeah sorry, no pics as of yet! Just a brief summary of the 8 days of living totally dependant on God and trusting Him entirely.

Meeting up with the team at Church, I don't even know anyone, other than their names, except Kin San. Crystal, Michelle, Han Sean and Beatrice were new to me. We chatted, got along, with the Holy Spirit amongst us, the ice just broke. With anticipation, we boarded our aircraft, only after sitting down we were told to "abandon ship", as there were some technical faults with the aircraft. Thus we sat there for another two hours plus waiting for our next flight. Even during then, we discussed about what we were gonna do, the games sessions, the sport sessions, the teaching sessions.

Flying from the airport for the first time in years was a wonderful experience. The roar of the turbines and the g-forces pulling at you was refreshing. Flying at a monstrous height we soared the skies to Cambodia. As we saw land once again, it was entirely different from KL. Lights were scarce and spread out. It was as if it was a dead town. A main street with two lanes could be seen with very little cars.

Driving back from Phnom Penh Airport at 8pm was indescribable. A sense of dread could be felt as we drove back towards the center in pitch darkness, yeah it was pitch black, so black that if you stood in the middle of the road, and wanted to take a look at your palm, you wouldn't see it. The flashing of highlights and the sounds of car horns were alien. Even watching Uncle Sonny's left hand drive van was mind boggling, as we Malaysians drive on the opposite side.

I can still remember telling the others on the first day, "7 more days to go, what a long time we're gonna spend here", is something that I regret saying. Time passed so quickly as we spent our time with the children, each of us in our own special way. Be it games, CG, a time of sharing, testimony and etc. We just loved being with them.

They looked so suprised as our team was so small compared to last year. Their eyes wide with expectation and anticipation and a curl on their lips as we were introduced to them by Unc. Sonny on the first day, right before breakfast at 6:30 am. Just looking at their expressions has already told me that with us being there was an encouragement to them.

Sitting back here in front of my computer seems so.... strange, not sweating, looking around at all the lights... even listening to my MP3's seems just so awkward in a sense. Thinking of the way they can't pronounce my name properly calling me "berger" the first time I told them my name has imprinted the "Hamburger" nickname. The shouts of "hey brother!!" or "hi sister!!" echoes in my mind, as we'd be greeted by a pat on the back or a hug. Whats the purpose of being a brother or a sister when you don't spend your time with them? A revelation which hit me on the first day. Why call us brother or sisters when we're so selfish with our time, even when we're there? Two questions which got me thinking, which made me make commitments. To make sure that i will use my time wisely with them while I was there in Cambodia, with that being the first Domino, God's plan for me in the team was underway.

I am no leader, eventhough i was trained in a computing institute of how to manage people, control crowds, give presentations, keep attention and all that. I can stand and say that was just the power of the Spirit of God that allowed me to speak to them, and my cg contained people aging from 18-21 (our years) 17-20(khmer years), and there were 20 of them! All I know that, even as I walked to their mess hall, where I would conduct the session, I was praying for God to use me, for me to tell them what He wanted to tell them. With that I guess my prayers were answered.

Even the games were spontaneous, most of what we planned earlier were all innovated and changed. most of which were just planned out a day before the implementaion. All I can say that it was totally amazing. The way God was made real to our group, the way His Spirit moved things according to His will. It's as if God was standing right amongst us telling us.."Trust me", with a beaming smile on His face.

Simplicity sometimes is the best. From the children we could see and feel their simple faith and belief in God. Just that they trust God in everything, small and large. "It was He that brought your team to us." was something that blew me away, which was extremely encouraging. The way they just accept you no matter how you looked, how tall you were or that you were of a different race, left me thinking....

Our hearts, the children and of the team was the same. We all seek God, serve and love Him
in our own special way. The way they conducted their prayer meeting was mind boggling, the way they just step up in faith and just pray for everything / anything under the sun. The "train prayer" which i would call it was just amazing!!! Something i would just love to do / practise. I don't think we have pictures of it. But it'd be awesome if there was.

Yesterday, when I was introduced the "Hear us from Heaven" song at church, I just started tearing. Thinking of the children / teenagers back there. As if they were a family which I left. Sigh, it was an awesome trip. One better than anything I've ever experienced. I can only thank God for that, if it's His will for me to return, I'd go without a second thought.

Full Story yet to come...