Thinking about living overseas can be exciting, but it might also be a little nerve-wracking. What if you’ve never been to the country you’re thinking about going to? It can be really hard to imagine what it would even be like! In this series, we’re going to share creatively written journeys through different cities where we have GoCorps placements to help you imagine what it might be like to live in these places. As you read them, use your imagination to really picture yourself there. Pay attention to what you feel, what you notice, and what stands out to you; God might just be trying to get your attention!

As you begin to read, I invite you to pause for a moment to be still. Close your eyes and take a deep inhale and a full exhale. Clear your mind and invite the Lord into your imagination. Now, open your eyes…

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Imagine Cambodia.

The heat from the sun surrounds you with a warm embrace this morning on your way to the university. Luckily it's dry season, so you don’t have to worry about the possibility of a tropical monsoon soaking your walk. This sunshine on your face is a familiar feeling, as you’re now three months into the five-month dry season, and you can’t remember the last time the temperature was below the 80s.

This city is a fascinating contrast of new and old.

This city is a fascinating contrast of new and old. Almost one thousand years old, it is rooted in traditions and full of ancient history. Yet as the capital and most populous city of this beautiful Southeast Asian country, modern influences and imports are easily spotted amidst the classic pointy architecture.

Trendy restaurants and quaint coffee shops abound, as this city - once known as The Pearl of Asia - is now considered the foodie and coffee capital of Southeast Asia. Your stomach grumbles as you think about the fried noodles and curry you’ll grab for lunch later today.

You can’t believe you get to see this much beauty every day. Colorful rickshaws, known by locals as “tuk tuks” drive past you, and the bright green tropical vegetation breaks up the concrete as your eyes scan the city streets. A quick momentum of sadness strikes you amongst the beauty. This city, and it’s amazing, resilient people are still in recovery mode from the crimes against humanity that flooded their villages and fields as recently as the year 2000. The need for social justice walks every street of Cambodia too.

The need for social justice walks every street of Cambodia too.

That is one of the main things that brought you here in the first place. You believe that social justice begins with education. This opportunity to teach English at the local university was the perfect way to demonstrate the hope, love, and truth of Christ to young adults in such a critical stage of life, while they are forming their values, beliefs, and vision for life at university. You remember how important that time in life was for you as a university student, when the Lord opened your eyes and mind to what He was doing in you and around the world.

You are jolted out of those memories with excited waves and friendly faces bounding up to you. You’ve made it to campus, and some of your favorite students have arrived early before class to hang out, talk, laugh. One of them insists on showing you around her favorite sightseeing spots later this evening after class, and you feel so lucky to have the best tour guide to let you into the cultural beauties around you. These times are the best times. Real relationships outside the classroom, where you can hear about their family, their hopes, their dreams, and their fears.

These times are the best times. Real relationships outside the classroom, where you can hear about their family, their hopes, their dreams, and their fears. 

They are eager to hear about your life too, including this person named Jesus who has captured your heart and catapulted you all the way across the world into their home, and their hearts. The opportunities you have to invite them into this part of your story make all these hot days worth it.

You grab bikes and ride down by the riverside as the sun sets and you feel that warmth on your face one last time before another day ends, full of gratitude.

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Does the idea of living in Cambodia excite you? Does the thought of doing ministry by teaching English quicken your heart rate? Would you thrive on building relationships with your students by taking them out for coffee and sharing the love of Christ with them? Check out our Cambodia placements here or talk to a coach!