{off topic} The Rock and the Ripple

Purpose. 
I had my purpose for going to Cambodia and I will just go ahead and say it, I thought it was a darn good one. Leading up to the trip my heart was growing more and more towards protecting children from trafficking. I just knew I had to do something to help and I was elated that I actually found a way to do something about it instead of just dwelling on it even though I had no idea how I would be able to help in a medical setting. Ultimately that didn't matter, I knew I would do what was necessary. At first I was assigned to do height and weight checks for all patients but somewhere along the way I was moved to registration. This ended up being such a huge blessing because I learned a valuable lesson; MY purpose does not trump HIS purpose. 

I started the week strong and happy to help in any way that I could but by day 3 I was a wreck. I was struggling to find the connection between what I was trying to accomplish and what I was actually doing. It is known that the leading cause of trafficking in Cambodia and other third world countries is not being able to afford medical care but I wasn't seeing it directly and a big part of me was left wondering how I was actually helping to stop it. While I was sitting with everybody that came through for help I was totally unaware of their circumstances. What brought them there beside their illness, if they had jobs or homes, how many children they had, if they were considering selling a child to get help or even knew it was possible. And lets face it, these are not exactly questions you can just ask somebody. 
I was lucky enough to have reinforcements though. Friends, many of which I was just getting to know, to help lift me up when I needed it most. 

Me and Kim

That third day there was a little boy. I struggle to remember his age, he was about the size of a two year old but the children are so tiny he could have been 5. When his mother brought him to our table I noticed right away that he was lethargic. The only thing his mother told us was that he had diarrhea and was vomiting. We sent him along to see the doctor and my heart went with him. I could not get this little boy out of my mind. I struggled so much with not knowing what was happening after he left our table. And that is how I felt all week. Not knowing. I was blessed to be sharing my duties with a young girl named Victoria who has an amazing heart for God and his children. Without me really having to say anything she always managed to find time to sneak away and check on the people that touched me in some way, and I'm not even sure she realized it most of the time. This boy was no exception. I found out from Victoria that this little boy had Typhoid, had not been able to eat anything in 5 days, and he had already seen a doctor and was sent home to die because he was too sick. I think it goes without saying that I completely lost it. I took a break and was lucky enough to have Kim to lean on and pray with while I was trying to find strength. Our group, however was there on Higher Authority, and was not giving up as easily as the previous doctor. Several people gathered and prayed over the boy before treating him with fluids and within 30 minutes he was responsive again. I do believe a miracle happened before us! The boy and his mother stayed a couple hours to monitor him. I got away for a few minutes to see him and just sit with him and praise his healing. They left with him eating and walking, when just hours before he could barely open his eyes. It was encouraging, to say the least. 

Me and Karen

Even then, it wasn't until a couple weeks after we were back home that I finally had that "a-ha" moment. That it clicked for me that I wasn't there for MY purpose. My dear friend Karen shared an illustration of a rock creating a ripple in a pond and that we were the rock. A-ha! We were that rock. We created those ripples. We may never know where those ripples lead but we created them. And that was His purpose for me being there. I may never know if I directly prevented a child from being sold, but He does. Two years ago, that would not have been enough for me. Today, it brings me peace. 

These wonderful, beautiful, strong women held me up that week and I will never forget it. 

Kim and Karen

Sau-Pon, one of our translators, and Victoria

Be a rock. Start a ripple. Give it to God. Start another ripple. Let's do this!

Time To Get Personal

Since moving to Oregon last summer my perspective of life has changed in so many ways. I have met some amazing people over the last 12 months. Amazing people with such deep devotion in Christ that led me to evaluate my own faith which I let go of many years ago. After a lot of conversation and thought I started attending church. Several weeks later, honestly somewhat to my surprise, I found myself with an overwhelming urge to give myself to Jesus. And I did.

I am a new believer in Christ, with so much to learn and experience. The last thing I want is to tell somebody I am Christian, then only go to church on Sundays and never truly ‘practice what I preach.’ So I am putting this out there for all my friends and family, believer or not, accepting or not, this is now a part of who I am.

As I have gone on this journey I have started to see events in my life as God’s doing, not coincidence or chance. Josh and I were meant to be here; together, in this place, in this city, with these people we have met. It has all brought us closer to God. 

Two nights ago I was talking to Josh about supporting a friend who is going on a medical mission trip to Cambodia. This discussion of giving some money to help quickly turned in to me going as well. For far too long I have felt myself become emotionally overwhelmed by stories of child abuse, malnourishment, sex trafficking, etc. only to walk away from it and forget about it. It can be so easy to separate yourself from something you do not see first-hand. I have always admired those who step up to be a voice for these people but never put myself into a situation where I can make a difference. I think it is time for a change. Two nights ago I planned on giving money to a friend so that she can help those in need. Today I am writing to tell you all that I will be going to Cambodia as well.

In January our group will be heading in to villages in Cambodia that have no means of medical or dental care. Children here are sold into slavery, the girls into sexual slavery, to pay for their families medical needs. They cannot even afford the most basic of needs, like aspirin or vitamins. How can I not be a part of this? I obviously have no medical background, but I can be there to assist and support in any way that I can.

I believe this will change my life. It will deepen faith. Open my heart and show me what it is like to really serve and make a difference in this world. It will change the lives of the people in these villages.

I am asking for prayer. Pray for a safe trip. Pray that we can reach, spiritually and medically, as many people of Cambodia as humanly possible. Pray for change.

I still can’t quite believe that I am doing this. It is so beyond me at this point. Now if telling you all this isn’t enough, I have to do something else I never saw myself doing. Our team needs financial support. We must buy all the medical supplies necessary. We have been told to pack as little as possible so that we have room to transport these supplies. I wish I was in a place where I could pay my way and be done with it but now I am asking my family and friends, in addition to prayer,  for support to help send me on this journey. If all you can offer is your prayers, believe me, I will take it. Please do not feel obligated. This is an opportunity for us all.

Support can be payable by check to Horizon Community Church with “Cambodia 2012 Amanda De Jong” in the memo line and mailed to me. If you do not have my address you can contact me through my Blogger profile.

A great friend of mine has also started a Scentsy Fundraiser for the cause. Just click on the “buy from party” link next to “Cambodia Medical Mission” She has graciously offered to donate 100% of her commission from sales of this party.  If you aren't familiar with Scentsy feel free to ask me about their products!