Utmost AMAZINGNESS

I just got back from what Stuart promised would be a mission trip retreat of 'Utmost AMAZINGNESS.'  And I have to say it was, it was.

For those who don't know, a retreat is time for the team to get together before we head half way around the world together so we can get to know more about each other.  You may be surprised to know that this fabulous group of people didn't all know each other just a few months back.  So, this is a great way to spend some time learning about each other.

There were three people who weren't able to make it, but the rest of the team made the most out of the opportunity.  We learned some fun facts... such as, one member has an awesome ring tone on her phone, one member really needs to learn her alphabet, some of the members don't do well on very windy roads in north GA mountain country (but there is a pretty cool country store on that strip of road), we need to make sure to do a headcount before going anywhere together, and if you put food in front of us we get very, very quiet.  We also learned we can also have some fun together!! We got to take a pontoon out on a North Carolina lake to share in each other's company and to get some sun.  It was a beautiful day and I'm so glad I got to spend it with such a great group! 

We also started planning what we will be doing once we get to Phnom Pehn and I have to say that my teammate have some pretty incredible ideas!! I can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

If you would, please pray for us as we are planning.  A major goal for us with the children is for each of them to know and understand that they are special.  That God knows them and loves them individually and that he has an amazing plan for their life.  And, that we love them and find them uniquely special.  Andrew did well when he quoted a recent sermon from our pastor we want to 'do for one what we wish we could do for everyone.' 

Don't worry, there were pictures taken of our time together and hopefully they will be posted up here shortly!!

XOXO, Kristie

Prayers - Week #2

Thank you so much for your prayers last week!! Here are the prayer requests for week two.  I'll also add some background info on the children this week...

Srey Leap is 18 years old.  She was living with her father in a remote area of Cambodia until he unexpectedly passed away. She had been told that her mother lived in the city of Phnom Penh, so for three days she walked from the countryside to the city and began a futile search to find her mother. She lived along the streets in Phnom Penh and resorted to begging and digging through trash to find food. A restaurant owner eventually found her and brought her to orphanage.  She also needs to have 1 more sponsor. 

Srey Mom is 11 years old.  Her parents are both deceased and after their deaths she was sent to live with her grandmother. The grandmother also passed away and although there were a few other relatives in the area, none of them had the means to care for Srey Mom. Because of this, Srey Mom was brought to the orphanage. 

Lik is 12 years old.  His father is deceased and his mother is a drug addict who showed little interest in caring for her children. An older brother attempted to look after Lik and his sister, but he could not provide them with enough food or an opportunity to continue their studies. Because he could not properly care for his siblings, Lik’s brother brought them to the orphanage in order that they would have a better life.  Lik also needs one more sponsor.

Srey Lin is 11 years old and is Lik's sister

Please pray for the continued financial support that provides a home, food, and education to the children. And that sponsors would come forward for the children who don't have sponsors. Also, that they would have safety, good health, and feel the love of Christ in the hearts. And whatever else you want to pray for these amazing kids!

XOXO, Kristie

Hello There!

My name is Christina Weatherford and I am SO excited to be going with these awesome people to Cambodia to serve God. This will be my first trip to Cambodia and I can't wait! A little about myself, I am 26 and live in Woodstock, GA. As many of you know, I am a huge Braves/Falcons/Auburn fan (WAR EAGLE!!). I like playing trivia, watching Harry Potter movies, and shopping for ballerina shoes. My go-to karaoke song is Listen, sung by the incredible Beyonce. I love history and can't wait to learn more about the country of Cambodia, who has a heartbreaking past but a hopeful future. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we embark on this path that God has chosen for us and pray for the children we are going to serve!

Hear a voice

Sometimes it helps when you can hear a voice.  Here is Pichhing and me having a little fun:

XOXO, Kristie

Hello from the Browns . . .

Stuart and Noelle here.

It's true - between the two of us we have exactly one head of hair. Look closely, it will make sense. So, Cambodia, huh? Well, we have to start by saying that we are blown away by what New Life is accomplishing across Cambodia and are grateful to play a small part in supporting them. We are so blown away that by the end of July we will have collectively been to Cambodia 5 times (N - 3 times, S - twice).

Of course we also love the kids - but that is like saying Chickfila is phenomenal. In other words, it's stating the obvious. Their joy is contagious, their smiles infectious and their love unconditional. Clearly, we were hooked the first time we met them.

So here's a couple things about us: Noelle loves to cook, play at the beach, take pictures and create order out of chaos. Stuart enjoys eating, playing in the mountains, being in pictures and creating chaos out of order. All in all, we are a great match enjoying our first year of marriage. We are excited to be on this journey with a talented, beautiful and creative team that will fast become family in the weeks and months to come.

My name is Jennifer Parrish and I am married with 2 boys, Jacob and Eli. I am a 2nd grade teacher. I love UGA football and whatever sport my kids are playing which right now is baseball. This will be my second trip to Cambodia and I can't wait to go back to see the kids!

Prayers - Week #1

Leading up to the mission trip all of the members of the team will be praying for different people at the orphanage each week.  I thought maybe you would also want to join in on the prayers.

Lindsay had the best idea that we pray for the children in family groups. So here are the pictures of the children that we are praying for this week.  Their parents are divorced and their father abandoned the family and left the mother to care for four children. Their mother left the children with neighbors and told them that she was going to the city in the hopes of finding a job - their mother was never heard from again. The neighbors were extremely poor and could not provide the children with adequate food, shelter or a means for education. They attempted to find other relatives who could look after the children and although a grandmother was located, she was also unable to provide for the children. Because of this, the neighbors brought the children to the orphanage so their daily needs could be met.

Srey Heng - 10 years old

Kim Chhai - 12 years old.  Still needs one more sponsor.

Srey Het - 8 years old

Sienghai - 11 years old

Please pray for the continued financial support that provides a home, food, and education to the children. That they would have safety, good health, and feel the love of Christ in the hearts.  And whatever else you want to pray for these amazing kids!

XOXO, Kristie