“So we meet again, Cambodia”

Time. Slowly. Ticking. Expectantly awaiting our departure.

On Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 645pm, we arrive at the international terminal at SFO to weigh our 14 pieces of check-in luggage and ensure that all the supplies we have collected to bring to Cambodia makes it within 50 lbs. School supplies, clothing, vitamins, and other supplies packed lovingly and Tetris style. Am I the only one who hears “Korobeiniki” whenever they’re packing things? (That’s the Tetris song).

Typically when I travel, my dad is there to send me off so I was a little sad that he couldn’t be there in person (many people were looking for him actually haha) BUT I was glad that my sister-in-law Sandy video chatted me with my niece, nephew, brother, and dad 🙂 Did you know that SFO is supposed to be a quiet airport? I’m not sure why they decided to make that a rule but we at least it isn’t a policed rule because the volume grew louder as soon as it hit 8pm. Groups of people began showing up with smiles and goodies to send our team of 14 (technically only 13 of us were at the airport). What a blessing it was to be sent off with laughter, chatting, and prayer!

To my surprise, prior to departing for Cambodia, I was blessed with a notebook containing daily prayers from my brothers and sisters in Christ as well as other cards and packages. God definitely knew that I would need these to wear as armor as I embark on this journey. Rather than carrying and being weighed down by anxieties, I’m lifted up by the support and encouragement of brothers and sisters.

Please pray for our journey ahead!

Follow Melody Ybona Gawliu ‘ s journey through Cambodia while she is on a short term mission trip and later travels through Asia by visiting THIS PAGE and searching through the posts linked there.