In July 2007, I thank God that I had the opportunity to visit some friends in Malaysia for two weeks.  It has been quite a long time since I needed to travel without companions (because my friend was busy).  However, I challenged myself to read maps, find the way, and walk a lot to do my sightseeing instead of relying on others to take me around. 

On one occasion, my Malaysian friend took me to the east coast of Malaysia where many Muslin communities are located.  Along the way, he asked me if I was interested in seeing a beautiful waterfall along the way.  I thought it was a good chance to exercise a bit, but never expected that it would be an expedition to climb up SEVEN stages to reach the top of the waterfall.  It took us almost 4 hours to complete the journey, and I even ‘complained’ to him about why he gave me such a surprise.  Finally, I realized that he was a former member of the national tracking team so it was not a big problem for him.  I thank the Lord that He protected me along the way because some paths were very steep and winding, so I could have easily slipped or lost the way.  During the expedition, I discovered that our pilgrimage is like a tracking journey:

We need a partner, and most of the time we need a mentor too

My friend is an experienced tracker and he usually walked in front of me in order to make sure the way was correct and not so hard for me.  He knew my weaknesses (I seldom walk and am slow to climb) and he patiently led me through.  He is like a mentor to show me the way, but he never helped me directly.  Sometimes, I could see him but sometimes I could not, so I needed to take some risks to proceed.  During the final stage, he knew that I was totally exhausted, so he took my stuff and let me walk back slowly.

Along the way of pilgrimage, Jesus is my best partner.  Most of the time, He does not take my hand directly but lets me explore my way.  The uncertainties ahead sometimes make me feel helpless, but I am sure He is ahead of me.  On the other hand, He understands my limitations and needs; He would not force me to follow closely but patiently waits for me.

Training to use all I have- the body, mind and spirit

Climbing up to the waterfall requires going over the slippery stones and muddy paths. Sometimes, I could not use my hands to secure my body, so I needed to use the hip, the back or any parts of the body to grasp, slide, or jump in order to go further. When I was confused, I needed to find clues like footprints, ribbons or tags, or noises,  and sometimes I shouted to my friend for his attention.  Sometimes, the way is apparently near but I may need to take a long crooked path to reach at.  Nevertheless, I kept telling myself I could not give up because there was no short cut to return.

Along the way of pilgrimage, we practice our faith in various areas of life.  Sometimes sickness, emotional problems and Satan’s attack force our hearts to keep on; we need a persevering spirit to make it through the transition period because we know that we will become stronger in our spiritual life via the holistic development.

Encouragement and challenges

My friend always encouraged me that it would only take a bit longer, or told me how many stages we had already achieved. This made it easier for me to continue the unfinished trip.  On the other hand, when I came across some big stones or narrow paths, it was also a challenge to me because I needed to figure out how to get  my body through.  Sometimes I thought it was okay to climb up but wasn't sure if I could get down the same way.

Along the way of pilgrimage, we need both encouragement and challenges. The former may come from God’s guidance and brothers’ and sisters’ prayer support.  The challenges always come from the inner self, like expectations, conflicts, illusions of reality and ideals. 

Finally, we reached out the top of the waterfall.  It really was a ‘paradise,’ and I forgot all my tiredness and frustration.  In the same way, when we come to know God more deeply, all our struggles are worthwhile.

Prayer points

1. A joyful heart to serve

2. The new loan scheme in Kampot village after the completion of the piglet scheme in August.

3. Ideas and plans to open a shop here for our Reaksmei Products 

4. Strength to take care overseas mission teams and ministry teams.

5. The new adjustments to worshiping at Takhmau church and working with the pastor and leaders.

Mark 10:27