#114 - Snapshots of my brief stay and goodbye!

Vol. #114

Wow! 

It is already time to head back to my 'heart' country! 

I am so sorry that I did not get an opportunity to see and talk to all of you with my limited time here! 

I want to thank you for continuing to 'dance' with me as I dance with Him! 

Here are some snapshots that have been engraved on my mind:

Snapshot#1:

- While on holiday one morning, I had just listened to my devotions and song of the day. The song was 'Oceans' and Pastor Cheryl's prayer of dedication from last year just happened to come on as I was preparing to read His Word. In that prayer she alluded to me going into the 'deep' but not fearing because God would be the One to direct and lead me. 

Just as that was finished, my friend Char, who had gifted me with a vacation said, "Are you ready to go snorkeling?" 

I really was NOT! I cannot swim, I kept gagging because the face mask had the mouthpiece breathing apparatus which I did not like; but Char, being patient, told me that I could hold on to her hand or the swim fin if need be. 

And then I remembered what I just listened to. I held on to her hand and went into the deep and what a world of wonder awaited me! 

His amazing creation! 

Fish of different colours, the coral reef! 

And I thought I could have stayed safe on shore but I would not have gotten this amazing opportunity to see His creation. 

I thanked God for giving me the visible picture of trusting Him by just putting my hand in His (Char leading me), and when in obedience, I choose to put my faith in Him to go into the 'deep', into situations back in Cambodia and learning Khmer, HE will bring His beauty to me.

I thought back to when I was in hospital, how HE led me and I wept; I thought of the beauty of your prayers and your encouragement; the deepening of friendships in Cambodia because of my 'deep' experiences. 

I thank God for giving me His vision and confirmation that He is the One leading me back !

Snapshot #2:

- The first Sunday I was there in Toronto, He gave me 10,000 Reasons as His affirmation as He usually does. Of course, 2 weeks ago it was Oceans,the other song He has given to me as my theme songs in Cambodia!  

This is no coincidence but God appointed times where HE affirms and encourages me! 

Sweet, isn't it? 

Who else but our God would do that? HE knows our hearts my brothers and sisters, HE knows every detail. 

He cares about you!

Snapshot #3:

- I had an amazing time with my big bro and nephew and niece and cousins in Florida. It was sweet connecting and sharing and praying! I was blessed to have had that time and opportunity! 

My Big Bro

Snapshot #4:

- The time with my parents. Thank you to all who have been praying for my Mom who turned 80, and my Dad will be 90 in Feb 2017!

So yes, Sunday July 31st will be my final Sunday here and then I am off on Wednesday August 3rd and will get into Cambodia on the 4th!

Prayer requests:  

- Please pray that things will go smoothly at the airport here and also in PP, Cambodia.

- for His ear for the sounds of Khmer! I have been away from it for 6 weeks, so I have one week to re-immerse myself!

I hate good byes! 
It is getting harder to say them and with this time being so short, I find it is doubly hard! But I go where He sends me. 
I throw myself into His arms and I thank you for your words and prayers of blessing! 

May I bless you as well with my grateful heart for your sacrifice of time and finances! For His purpose and plans! Thank you for being my dance partners!

Love, His Warrior and Disciple, submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia,

Your sister, Vidya

#113 - Whirlwind and Affirmation!

Hello all! 

This is a whirlwind of time here! 
I am writing to you from Florida. My big bro made it possible for me to come and spend time with him and my nephew and niece. 

I came through American Customs after going through 3 separate long lines, and yes, I was pulled out and asked if I would prefer a pat down or body scan! 
So I passed the body scan! LOL! 
I wanted to joke with them but knew better to just smile and say have a good day! 

I will be here until the 24th when I return on my Mom's 80th birthday! 
Then follows doctors' appointments etc. and, prayerfully, time to still meet up with you, my church family! 

Thank you for the warm welcome and greetings I have received! 
It is SO good to be in the house of the Lord!

Answered prayer: I asked God to give me affirmation of His call through my 2 signature songs He has given to me when I am in Cambodia! The first Sunday I was moved when 'Oceans' was sung, and just this past week, 'One Thousand Reasons'! 
Oh can I encourage you to ask of Him? Because He will answer! 
No one else knew what I asked and He so beautifully answered! 
An added gift was my nephew playing box drums (cajón) on that song! 

Unexpected affirmation: I met Michael, who just came out of jail a few days ago and was at church last Sunday! 
I told him I was going to write about him because it was God affirming His call for me to work with guys who are either in jail (physically and/or emotionally-spiritually)! 
I told him what a gift he was to me on Sunday by his being at church and our reconnecting! 
And guess what? He is Cambodian!
 
There is so much more to share, but I am writing this on my phone and oh so not easy! 

Please keep your prayers coming! I am returning to my heart country on August 3rd! 

Love, His Warrior and Disciple, submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia,

Your sister, Vidya

#112 - A Whirlwind Visit!

Yes! If you heard me before you saw me and was puzzled by that...I am here! 

The trip to Toronto was good. Someday I will write an article about the different ways one can contort one's body in airplane in order to sleep! But your prayers were answered by smooth transitions in Seoul, Korea and then Toronto! 

It is so wonderful to see you all. My sister picked me up from the airport and I came directly to church (RAC) in time for the flag ceremony, and to hear Pastor Sunder preach his last sermon ( i.e. as senior pastor!), and to hear Sham share her heart as well! 

Then God graciously allowed me to visit and spend time with Savy before HE took her home. I was blessed to have that time with such a beautiful woman of God and my sister in Christ! It was Savy who in 2009, when I first went to Cambodia with Ratanak Organization missions team and we had gone to her home, who said to me, "Welcome home Vidya!" 

That was prophetic because it has come true! 

This dear sister always told me, "This is your new home!" 

I just wanted to let you know that this is a whirlwind visit. I am staying at my parents' up at Shepherd/Birchmount, but this week a friend has gifted me with a week away with her, so from July 5-12 I am gone, and when I come back, I will be busy with helping in looking after the affairs of my parents! 

Thank you, thank you for the hugs I have received from you all! 

I leave to go back on August 3rd to resume school! Prayerfully will get to connect with you all! 

Love, His Warrior and Disciple, submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia,

Your sister, Vidya