This past summer several of our amazing students got the opportunity to minister in the beautiful country of Cambodia as part of a STORM team led by Jason Prosser. Here are a few memories of the trip, as told by two of the team members themselves:
David Dahlin
What was a cultural shock to you when you first arrived in Cambodia?
“A cultural shock to me was riding in a tuk-tuk. In the busy city of Phnom Penh, everyone rides bikes, and no one has the right of way. That makes tuk-tuk rides extremely fun but also a bit stressful for Americans.”
What was the craziest meal you ate?
“One of the craziest meals I had was eating fish in the village. One of the fish I ate had an egg inside it. The locals saw this as a bonus; however, I was a bit turned off by this. The other crazy meal I got to eat was Korean barbecue. It was very yummy! And I got to try octopus there, I really enjoyed it.”
What was the most challenging part of your travel journey?
“The most challenging part of the journey was being away from home for so long. I really enjoyed the trip, but it was difficult by the end. I missed my family and the familiarity of my hometown.”
What are your thoughts about the people of Cambodia? What have you learned from the people of Cambodia?
“The people of Cambodia are the most kind and welcoming people. I really enjoyed my time there. They live a simple life that is centered around community and family. One thing I learned from them was to be grateful for the little things, and to put family and community first, like they do there.”
What opportunities did you have to enjoy fellowship with other believers?
“It was amazing to sit down at different meals during the trip with different individuals we met there in Cambodia. Even though some of them did not speak the same language, our God is the same. I got to experience fellowship among believers from another nation. And I got to share many meals with so many amazing people.”
Maddy Hillbrich
What was a cultural shock to you?
“I think just the way people think, the honor-shame culture is not something I’m used to in the U.S., and I had to think through that perspective when communicating.”
What was the craziest meal you guys ate?
“When we did ministry in a village, we ate a meal with frogs and fish that still had everything on it: the eyes, the liver, and everything. The frog was alright! It tasted like a vegan corn dog.”
What was the most challenging part of your travel journey?
“For me, it was getting sick. I caught an infection that made me quite sick for a few days, but my team leader, Jason Prosser, ensured I got great medical care! It was a very surreal experience being sick in another country, and honestly, it was a little scary, but God was with me!”
What are your thoughts about the people of Cambodia?
“Cambodians are super nice. They are hard workers and they care for each other well.”
What opportunities did you have to enjoy fellowship with other believers?
“God is up to something special in Cambodia. The youth and adults alike are hungry for God and excited for who He is and what He is doing. These people trust God and have such a genuine love for Him. Every meal I shared with new friends, youth students, pastors, it was excellent to see how much they want God and more of what He is doing.”
