Dear brothers and sisters,

Hello! Last week on Monday I returned safely to Hong Kong . I observed and learned an abundance of things during the past year in Cambodia . There is no way that I can express it clearly in a few words, but I remember thinking it all over just before I left and being filled with gratefulness. I very much want to share that with you now.

First, I am thankful for a good team of colleagues. They not only gave me opportunity to experience working together in a multicultural team; their sharing and unselfish help enabled me to make it through this past year's experiences. To tell the truth, I had some differences with them at first which were hard for me (especially because I am phobic about cats but had to live in the same house with cats, and moreover most of my colleagues are cat lovers). But, I believe that in the end God's love allowed this difference not to become an obstacle to our relationship.

Second, during this year I was able to use what I had learned to minister to Cambodian people, including teaching counseling in the village and individual discipling and pre-marital counseling, things which I had not thought about doing beforehand. This kind of ministry let me understand their culture better and to establish relationships at a deeper level. I thank our heavenly Father for granting me this learning experience and opportunity to minister!

Third, I am thankful for the interest I had in learning the Cambodian language! The most important things I learned from this process were to accept my own limitations, to get encouragement from my own progress, not to compare myself with others and to humbly ask local people to advise me. My personality is to be so afraid of not speaking well as to not dare to speak. But, thank the Lord, the example and encouragement of my colleagues helped me to put on a brave face. Finally I dared to use Khmer to share from the Bible in meetings! Even though it was hard for those listening, it really is the best way to practice.

Fourth, I am thankful for gradually growing relationships with Cambodians! In our meeting place there is a college student whose parents got divorced several months ago. Because of the concern and encouragement he received, before I left he publicly said that I was like his family head to him. Also, several young people who were not able to see me off at the airport sent notes instead, and a number of people said that they would be praying for me. Thank God for letting me receive this encouragement and support!

Fifth, I got to know many missionaries this last year who minister with different organizations and come from different countries. Their good witness was an example to me. I thank our heavenly Father for letting me become friends with them and for our being a mutual support to each other.

Finally, I am grateful for the brothers and sisters from different groups who are quietly praying for me. You are my greatest source of strength! In addition, the care and visits to my family by the brothers and sisters of my home church allowed me to head out for this past year with peace in my heart. Thank God for giving me all this!

For someone with emotions like mine, leaving a place where I have lived for one year is especially difficult. The three plus hours that I was on the plane waiting to get to Hong Kong gave me the best chance to reflect on the fact that I was feeling lonely because I had to leave the relationship and feelings which had built up! But, I believe that God will use these emotions, and through them give me a heart for ministry!

Although returning home is exciting, I know that I have to readjust to Hong Kong 's fast paced lifestyle. Also, because of not knowing what people are talking about, I will be like a stranger. Plus, during this first period after returning to Hong Kong , it will be hard to avoid thinking about Cambodian people and events. I also need some free time to understand my own needs. However, these difficulties in readjusting are just giving me a little taste of what it feels like for missionaries returning for deputation who go between two places and adjust to the cultures.

Pray . . .

November 4 to 28 I will be in Macau for cross cultural pre-field training. Pray that the Lord will help me to learn well.

Pray that I can adjust to living and ministering in Hong Kong, and at the same time prepare for my return to Cambodia next year. Pray that the heavenly Father will help me to closely follow His perfect will.

Miu Ling
30 October 2003
Hong Kong