South East Asia Retreat!..so much more than a blessing

Beautiful view from our retreat centre in Kampot

Sooo luckily for me and Aurora we got to go on a retreat just over 2 weeks into being in Cambodia! We didn't really know what to expect of this trip but even before going I could sense it was going to something special and was highly looking forward to it.

We started on a journey to the province of Kampot and a few hours in it actually started to rain!! Seriously everyone was so shocked it was the funniest thing ever, I actually had to take a picture. Coming from a place where it rains 90% of the time you would never think I would be this happy but it was just a little reminder of home so I was very grateful.

We stayed a retreat centre in Kampot owned by a lovely couple called Jean Paul and Donna and their two children Josh and Sarah. Josh (18) actually made most of the food and I have to say it was amazing!! Sarah (17) also helped to cater for us and was working so much to make sure we had the perfect time. I couldn't really thank the family enough; they honestly helped the team so much during the time we were there.

Within the team as I could sense there were things that needed to be talked through and sorted and it kind of seemed like God had placed this retreat at exactly the right point so people could do this and let go of things and move on (myself included in this). It just felt like a place that was filled with the presence of God and I don’t think anyone could deny that.
Even now I’m so amazed at the grace of our God. That time after time you can come before him and lay things down and that he always seems to pick us back up and helps to become stronger, more refreshed and able to carry on when we thought we couldn't  completely forgiven! Amazing right? That’s what you call love. As the artist Chris Tomlin said “You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same. You are amazing God!”

For me the Kampot South-East Asia retreat was the time for new starts, re-commitment, a time to let things go and a time to be built up. What kept coming back to me was to start not just wanting change but to need it. I felt God was saying that want will get you far but need will get you further. That you can often change what you want if it’s too hard to get it or you change your mind and think you can live without it but if you need something there is no doubt whether you can live without it, even if you try to tell yourself you can its always in the back of your mind and that’s what makes the difference and will help you reach your goals. (Hope that makes some sense!)

After all this giving things over to God and having a pretty intense few days the girls had a well need massage session

Overall the retreat was amazing, and I loved being able to spend the time with the members of the team and getting to know them and be there for what I’m sure will be considered a key point for the team in the future.

(On the way back from Kampot)
The everyday craziness of Cambodia! Yes, literally everything is considered possible

P.s. Can you believe I've been here over a month now! Can't get over how quickly everything is going!

Sorry there aren't all my photos on here, they're all on Facebook as that is the easiest place for me to put them however my plan is to make an album with photos in when I get back so for those of you who don't have access Facebook I'd be very happy for you to look through it when it's made :) 

Hope all is well back home!

Helen
xoxo