Meet Riah Stroot, FGI’s Missionary Associate!

I’m glad you’re here! My name is Riah Stroot (“Stroot” rhymes with “boat”)

I believe the greatest way to inspire and reach our donors and people that want to be a part of our journey is to have access to our stories, thoughts, and media. That is what I am here for! 

The Davidson’s have asked me to take over the social media aspect throughout the nine months that I am here while they get settled, begin to learn the language and culture better, and adapt to their new home. I will be putting together and uploading videos each week with updates on our experiences, responsibilities, and daily life. I am still learning, but am excited to share things as we discover them! I, along with Nic and Jacelyn, will be writing blogs about the entire process. Our hopes and prayers are that those reached are encouraged and inspired. 

We thought before getting into full swing, that it would be a good idea to introduce myself! I am eighteen years old, graduated from high school and grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota. I am from a family of six and am number three of four girls! We grew up Catholic in a very strong faith community in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Because of this, I was fortunate enough to come to know of and attend church camps such as Camp Survive and Tobit retreats. This is where I came to know of Nic and hear him speak. 

At the Tobit retreat in January 2022, Nic was telling me about the transition his family was about to make in  moving to Cambodia. He brought up the opportunity to tag along with them. He left me with, “Think about it, pray about it.” I was intrigued as I have always had the desire of mission in my heart since I was young, even if I had not realized it at the time. My teacher had reminded me of the 8th grade trip we got to take to Washington D.C. and I complained that it wasn’t for any greater purpose. The offer was incredible but didn’t necessarily seem a reality. I was already thinking of college and looking forward to it!

As a couple months went by and I continued to look for colleges and sign up for scholarships, Cambodia continued to be a tug on my heart. After thinking and praying, college had seemed like such a shallow option compared to the opportunity the Lord was giving me. Out of fear of what and who I would have to leave behind, I kept making excuses for why I should go to college instead and prolonged my definite decision. As I talked to Nic a little more about it, with blind faith, I decided to make the jump and go forward with it. 

I had mentioned it to my parents earlier on, but once I told them that was what I wanted to do, they were shocked and surprised, but totally on board to help me get prepared. At first they were skeptical with fear, but God’s grace gave them peace and rest with my decision and for that I am forever so grateful. Taking off from there were months of planning, preparation, and packing. When faced with an issue or concern, Nic just kept reminding us to trust and don’t worry. 

After only a day of spending some time together, I had not known the whole Davidson family very well yet. Therefore, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into. For the people that know me well, know that I’m very spontaneous and am not very good at making plans. Although not all the time, I think that was a good quality to have in this situation because of all the unknowns. I didn’t stress too much about them, nor was I very anxious about anything concerning my decision. 

The last two weeks before leaving were the hardest for me, knowing the true reality of having to say goodbye. With this, came many many tears. Following the anxiety and sense of loneliness when leaving, came a sense of curiosity and excitement. I am so excited about this next chapter in my life and all the blessings that are consistently being poured out to me and around me. I enjoy writing and I love taking pictures/videos so I am excited to be able to help on this incredible journey! Along with social media, I will be helping in the ministry of the Catholic church in Siem Reap and teaching english to the kids in the surrounding villages. 

I am here for the Lord to use me in whatever way needed. I am continuing to learn: how to discern the Lord’s will each day, how to grow in virtue, and how to let go. It’s all a process. With all that said, I am so thrilled to be here and am so grateful for everyone and all the sacrifices made to make this opportunity possible. To stay updated and live this journey with us, make sure to subscribe to both the FreelyGiven website and Nic’s YouTube channel. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as you are in ours!

St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!!!