So much to do... So little time!

Friends & family -

Just one month to go and I will be in CAMBODIA!! Starting August 14th I'll be in Chicago for a week of Orientation with all YAGM members before we depart to our assigned countries. Until then, I have plenty to do to keep myself busy until my departure! I wanted to share a little bit of what I've done to prepare, as well as what I will be doing in Cambodia. These past 2 months have been super busy getting everything ready; vaccinations, doctors appointments, Passport/Visa application, and much more!

During this past month I've been given the opportunity to visit different churches in the community to present my upcoming mission, as well as my home congregation, Faith Lutheran Church. This has given me a chance to inform others of this organization, and stay connected to those interested while I am in country for the year and when I get back. As a fundraising effort I was able to provide a "Taste of Cambodia" for my home congregation, which was a fun way to introduce basic/easy Cambodian food to everyone. We served Lemongrass Beef Skewers, Pot Ang - Cambodian Style Corn, Spring Rolls, and Khmer Cambodian Coffee. We'll see how my cooking skills improve in the next year!

I've received my site placement in Cambodia and am beyond thrilled! I will be living in the Kampong Chhnang Province (North of Phnom Penh - the capital) and serving with the organization Life With Dignity. Part of my service will be to work with the LWD staff in the office and area villages. This may include helping farmers to adjust practices to climate change, researching financial trends, establishing or working with current market villagers to buy and sell produce, and editing reports. I will also be given the opportunity to teach English at a local public school and the LWD office.

Preparing for this venture has been stressful, fun, and exciting, and I'm counting down the days for the journey to begin. If you would like to stay connected feel free to subscribe to my blog, which will also be posted on Facebook. Thank you all for the continued support and prayers!

Blessings -

Lauren

Taste of Cambodia event at Faith Lutheran Church & Dinner at Taste of Angkor in Sacramento!