Hi Everyone! We made it back to this amazing country where we have so much to be thankful for late Saturday night. Most of us cried our eyes out as we left Cambodia. As much as we were anxious to see our loved ones back home, leaving a place in such need AND the amazing friends we made, like Theara Sath, was like tearing our heart out!
I was super intentional on making notes of culutral differences in Cambodia with the plan to share with you all. I love learning about other cultures and maybe some of you do too:
1) In the rainy season, it pretty much rains every evening. It rained every evening while we were there. There was one night that it didn't rain until after we were in bed.
2)Very warm and very humid every day. The girls at the FREEDOM CENTER (Halfway House) did an Asian straighening thing on my hair, but it only lasted an hour in this humid climate! BUMMER!
3) It is beautiful. There were banana trees, coconut trees, palm trees, rice fields, and exotic fruits and flowers everwhere. The people live in such sad conditions that there is such irony in what we saw with extreme natural beauty and extreme poverty and filth.
4) Their potties are typically "squatties" with no toliet paper, trash cans, soap, or towels. To flush, you simply scoop up some water and pour into the toilet bowl that is inset into the ground. Voila! Needless to say, we used LOTS of germX. We were fortunate enough to have western toilets most places we visited. We only met a few squatties.
5) Their "napkins" for eating were basically sectioned toilet paper squares and I am not talking Charmin either.
6) There is very little sanitation in this country. There was trash on the ground everywhere. Trash cans were very difficult to find anywhere with the exception of the hotel rooms and airport.
7) They fish by getting into the water with nets. We saw lots of people up to their necks in flood water fishing away.
8) Most Cambodians seem to make their livings by selling something either from their shanties or in a market. Children are expected to work and sell things as well. The first born daughter is supposed to support her family.
9) The roads: There is no order to their driving. Most folks drive MOTOS which are a cross between a motorcycle and a moped. I think I saw ONE stop sign the entire trip. If you want to turn, you just honk and go for it. I am pretty sure that my attemp at driving in Cambodia should be considered a suicide attempt.
10) The food was ok. They eat a lot of rice, fish, and chicken. Pineapples, mangos, dragon fruit, fruits that I don't know the name of that we called eyeballs and hairballs, papaya, passionfruit, etc. My favorite things I ate that was Khmer was banana chips, passionfriut juice, and a very crisp pancake.
11) The coffee was not good. It tasted instant almost everywhere. I had a lot of hot tea! I also loved lime juice drinks. Fruit smoothies are everywhere and many team members loved them!
12) The electricity was pretty sketchy. It was not uncommon for the power to go off and on at any given time.
13) The government owns most of the land in the country. To own property, you have to be wealthy. Most families squat somewhere.
14) The water has a very different smell to it. After we got our clothing washed there, our clothes smelled just like their water. I don't even know how to describe it. It wasn't overtly offensive, but it was very strange. The smell of their cooking had a very unique smell as well. I am not sure if was the cooking oil or the gas they used to heat with that created the smell, but it take a lot of getting used to.
15) The inside of any building (business or otherwise) was very bare basic. The people really seem to appreciate very intricate and fancy details when it comes to furniture and sculptures, but that is it with decor. Walls in the evenings were usually decorated with live GEKOS! Gekos are everywhere there!
16) The country is 95% Buddhist. No matter the sad state of their homes, they all had these large decorative structures called SPIRIT HOUSES sitting out front. They would put food, flowers, incense and other offerings on these. Inside many business, they had a fancy set-up with a Budda on the floor where the same type of offerings are given.
17) In the towns, there was constant chanting and dingly music.
18) Throughout the country there was all poverty with a big fancy PAGODA (Buddhist Chapel) every so many miles.
17) There didn't seem to be any health codes when it came to restaurant cooking. We saw pots being washed with hoses in the back allies and thousands of things that would be instant violations here in the states. Because of God's grace, we only had a few instances of tummy problems.
18) Clothing for children is optional. We saw lots of naked babies and children. It's not like they need it to stay warm.
19) It is their custom to remove your shoes before entering any structure.
20) When you greet a Khmer, you put your hands together and bow your head.
21) The people loved having their pictures taken.
22) When you shop, bartering is customary.
23) The cows and chickens are a sign that your family is making it ok. They are the skinniest chickens and cows I have ever seen.
24) A fun thing for kids seemed to be riding water buffaloes which are everywhere!
25) They siesta in the afternoons. Most of them had a hammock for that.
26) Cobras are revered in the country. Almost every town has a huge cobra structure with either 5, 7, or 9 heads.
27) Many girls were wearing long sleeves, sweat suites or even turtle necks! I think this was all in the name of fashion. Girls will be girls everywhere. The children loved to wear pajama sets as daily outfits. They think they are quite cute and fashionable!
28) After struggles with my feet not fitting on the stairs many places, bonking my head mulitple times multiple places, and being rejected at a shoe market, I realized Cambodia is not designed for tall people!
29) You can get an amazing massage for $5!! I ended 3 days of ministry with one. I will have massage withdraws! The Thai massage was the best.
30) HUMAN LABOR and SEX TRAFFICKING is everywhere, on every corner, affecting nearly every family. It is rampant and a problem we should all be aware of as it is happening here in the USA more and more everyday. Men from all over the world fly into Cambodia just to have sex with young girls. Children as young as 3 are selling wears everywhere in Cambodia. These children are obviously slaves working for some labor-lord. Several of us were asked to purchase children by mothers! Things are desperate in Cambodia which causes the slave laborers to be continually successful.
Before I wrap up, I want to say personal thank yous to:
Chad Burghart (you are the husband God designed for me. Thank you so much for your support and being the best daddy ever.),
My mom and dad (Thanks for spoiling the family while I was gone and for not laying down in front of the airplane during take-off. I know you worried, but it was a trip meant to be.)
My in-laws (thanks for all the support and all the help while I was away. I am sorry I missed the birthday celebration.),
Susan Roberts (I know you serve the kids because you love them and it is one of your talents and gifts, but I whole-heartedly say prayers of thanks for you daily.)
Joshua Foster and Tyler Copp (You are very good boys. You make every Sunday bright and your willingness to teach these kids about Jesus is beyond impressive. I love you both!)
Jennifer Siebert and anyone else who likely stepped in and covered gapping holes I likely left behind! LOVE YOU!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Last Day in Cambodia
Hi Everyone! Today is our last day here in Cambodia. We fly out of Phnom Pehn at 6 tonight. We will need the long journey home to begin our processing of all that we have witnessed and experienced. Not only did we get to see what RAPHA HOUSE does in its amazing efforts in prevention, healing, and reintegration for girls that have been sexually exploited, but we have also soaked in how the people of this country live. It is so vastly different from the place that I live that I can't go back and view the world the same. It simply CAN'T happen. I will share many of the differences we have observed in a later blog. We have been compiling a list.
I want to say thank you to those who supported this journey for me financially. Because of what you gave, I was able to:
* Help purchase bedding, storage, and supplies for the FREEDOM CENTER in Phnom Pehn. Your dollar goes a long way here and can cover a lot of needs!
* Give money to the RAPHA bride and her new husband to help start their life together. She gets to be pure once again thanks to her healing in God. AMEN? The wedding was so touching. (And Randy, your pictures are coming when I get home.)
* Give $150 towards one of the rescued girls medical needs. Her eyes were damaged while in slavery, and she needs surgery. She loves to sing and has the most beautiful voice.
*Give money to the Kids Club which provides needs for the street kids in Phnom Phen.
* We were also able to purchase things that the RAPHA girls made such as purses and jewelry. Each girl gets paid some money for each item that she makes and sales which teaches her empowerment, confidence, and opens the door to learn money management. The rest goes to support the SAFE HOUSE.
* I am most thankful for the opportunity I was given to come here. I needed to be here. I am honored to be a voice for these girls who do not have one themselves. I will forever support RAPHA HOUSE and their efforts to fight for these girls every step of the way. They have lived nightmare childhoods and deserve a chance. They need to know there is hope in this dark world. My hope is that you all will feel compelled to support this cause. Meeting these girls solidifies how worth it they are.
It will take many of us from this team time to re-adapt to things when we get home. Likewise, it may take time for us to be ready to fully share our hearts and stories with you. Please be patient with us. We will share and probably not shut-up once we are ready.
LOVE to you all one last time from Cambodia.
I want to say thank you to those who supported this journey for me financially. Because of what you gave, I was able to:
* Help purchase bedding, storage, and supplies for the FREEDOM CENTER in Phnom Pehn. Your dollar goes a long way here and can cover a lot of needs!
* Give money to the RAPHA bride and her new husband to help start their life together. She gets to be pure once again thanks to her healing in God. AMEN? The wedding was so touching. (And Randy, your pictures are coming when I get home.)
* Give $150 towards one of the rescued girls medical needs. Her eyes were damaged while in slavery, and she needs surgery. She loves to sing and has the most beautiful voice.
*Give money to the Kids Club which provides needs for the street kids in Phnom Phen.
* We were also able to purchase things that the RAPHA girls made such as purses and jewelry. Each girl gets paid some money for each item that she makes and sales which teaches her empowerment, confidence, and opens the door to learn money management. The rest goes to support the SAFE HOUSE.
* I am most thankful for the opportunity I was given to come here. I needed to be here. I am honored to be a voice for these girls who do not have one themselves. I will forever support RAPHA HOUSE and their efforts to fight for these girls every step of the way. They have lived nightmare childhoods and deserve a chance. They need to know there is hope in this dark world. My hope is that you all will feel compelled to support this cause. Meeting these girls solidifies how worth it they are.
It will take many of us from this team time to re-adapt to things when we get home. Likewise, it may take time for us to be ready to fully share our hearts and stories with you. Please be patient with us. We will share and probably not shut-up once we are ready.
LOVE to you all one last time from Cambodia.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wedding Day in Cambodia
We have done SO much since my last post that I might miss telling you some things. Yesterday morning we did our last staff devotions in Battambang. A couple of us went into the ugly cry. These people are so amazing. The love Jesus and they love helping these girls AND fighting for justice. There is no way to describe our love and appreciation for them. They will forever be in my heart and prayers.
After that, we headed up to Siem Reap which was a 3 hr trip via bus. Siem Reap was best described by Pastor Ron when he said it is like a Cambodian Branson. It is the most "touristy" place in Cambodia. They are best known for their NIGHT MARKET. There is a smaller safe house here. They did secure some land where they can build larger facilities soon. Praise GOD for the funding that they have received for that so far.
We went to RAPHA after making it into town and did devotions with them. It was wonderful. The girls here were all around 14 and over, and many of them could speak some English. I enjoyed them very much. We didn't get a lot of time with them this time. But, we will get more time with them at the wedding and several different times over the next few days. This staff seems just as amazing! One memory is our GRAND entrance we made. We had wade through diseased water for quite a distance to get to the house. I was not in my happy place. But, it was worth every step to get to these precious girls!!
After that, we went to the NIGHT MARKET where we practiced our bartering skills. It was such an adventure and experience. We will go back again late tonight. It was sort of like our craft fairs at home. There were some artists, but you never have to pay full price. It is fun to see what bargains we can come up with.
We are currently back at the hotel between the wedding ceremony and reception. To experience the wedding of one of these girls makes us all very emotional once again. The bride and groom are just precious!! They really go all out for weddings here. In fact they usually last 3 days. This one felt American in a lot of ways, but I was reminded that it isn't American, it is Christian. So, off to the reception I go where we will mix with the RAPHA girls and celebrate ultimate healing in Jesus.
LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!
After that, we headed up to Siem Reap which was a 3 hr trip via bus. Siem Reap was best described by Pastor Ron when he said it is like a Cambodian Branson. It is the most "touristy" place in Cambodia. They are best known for their NIGHT MARKET. There is a smaller safe house here. They did secure some land where they can build larger facilities soon. Praise GOD for the funding that they have received for that so far.
We went to RAPHA after making it into town and did devotions with them. It was wonderful. The girls here were all around 14 and over, and many of them could speak some English. I enjoyed them very much. We didn't get a lot of time with them this time. But, we will get more time with them at the wedding and several different times over the next few days. This staff seems just as amazing! One memory is our GRAND entrance we made. We had wade through diseased water for quite a distance to get to the house. I was not in my happy place. But, it was worth every step to get to these precious girls!!
After that, we went to the NIGHT MARKET where we practiced our bartering skills. It was such an adventure and experience. We will go back again late tonight. It was sort of like our craft fairs at home. There were some artists, but you never have to pay full price. It is fun to see what bargains we can come up with.
We are currently back at the hotel between the wedding ceremony and reception. To experience the wedding of one of these girls makes us all very emotional once again. The bride and groom are just precious!! They really go all out for weddings here. In fact they usually last 3 days. This one felt American in a lot of ways, but I was reminded that it isn't American, it is Christian. So, off to the reception I go where we will mix with the RAPHA girls and celebrate ultimate healing in Jesus.
LOVE TO YOU ALL!!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Cambodia ~ Day 7
Good morning from a rainy Battambang. Pray for the rain to stop!! They DO NOT need anymore rain anywere in SE Asia. Levees are breaking, people are drowning, water is unsafe to drink in many parts, and of course DISEASE is breaking out. We are seeing adults and children walking around in waiste deep water like it is business as usual.
We are packing up and getting ready to head over to Siem Reap which is a big tourist city because of the Angkor Watt Temple that was built around 1200 AC. There is a smaller safe house there, so we will once again meet some precious RAPHA girls and staff and spend some time with them. We will be attending a wedding tomorrow. A former RAPHA girl is getting married. What a thing to celebrate. Our entire team is so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. She has healed so much that she is going on to live a rich full life. And, to have a Kmher (Cambodian) husband that is willing to let her share her story and love her even after her nightmare life, is a wonderful thing to celebrate. In this culture, these girls are damaged goods. I think we get to take pictures!!
Yesterday was a difficult day. We had to say goodbye to the girls here in Battambang. The way it works when we are at RAPHA is that the girls pick one of us and attach themselves to us, so we each end up bonded with several girls. They know we are leaving, and it is difficult on them to let us go and even more difficult on us to leave them. The best thing is knowing that RAPHA is the best place for them right now. My girls were so beautiful. I cannot share their names for their protection. They definitely have part of my heart, and I pray that they realize their hopes and dreams and understand that having them is ok!
One of our team members got sick last night. We aren't sure if it is food related or a bug she picked up. Pray that she feels better quickly and that no one else gets sick. We have been so blessed with safety and health up to this point, so pray that continues!
I want to share with you all what Cambodia is like very soon. I am making notes, so I share as much as I can think of for you.
If you see my family, hug them for me.
We are packing up and getting ready to head over to Siem Reap which is a big tourist city because of the Angkor Watt Temple that was built around 1200 AC. There is a smaller safe house there, so we will once again meet some precious RAPHA girls and staff and spend some time with them. We will be attending a wedding tomorrow. A former RAPHA girl is getting married. What a thing to celebrate. Our entire team is so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. She has healed so much that she is going on to live a rich full life. And, to have a Kmher (Cambodian) husband that is willing to let her share her story and love her even after her nightmare life, is a wonderful thing to celebrate. In this culture, these girls are damaged goods. I think we get to take pictures!!
Yesterday was a difficult day. We had to say goodbye to the girls here in Battambang. The way it works when we are at RAPHA is that the girls pick one of us and attach themselves to us, so we each end up bonded with several girls. They know we are leaving, and it is difficult on them to let us go and even more difficult on us to leave them. The best thing is knowing that RAPHA is the best place for them right now. My girls were so beautiful. I cannot share their names for their protection. They definitely have part of my heart, and I pray that they realize their hopes and dreams and understand that having them is ok!
One of our team members got sick last night. We aren't sure if it is food related or a bug she picked up. Pray that she feels better quickly and that no one else gets sick. We have been so blessed with safety and health up to this point, so pray that continues!
I want to share with you all what Cambodia is like very soon. I am making notes, so I share as much as I can think of for you.
If you see my family, hug them for me.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Dancing in Cambodia
Yesterday was a day of worship, more cultural understanding, and a night of devotions and fun with the girls.
We start out the day in worship at the church at RAPHA HOUSE. It was one of the most amazing experiences. I wish you all could have been there to hear these beautiful people worship and praise God in their own language. I could barely hold myself together. Ron did a great job of sharing a message about King David, Abigail, and Nable. It was a wonderful morning of worship in a true house of God, and I will think of them and their worship every time I am singing praises.
We took at TUK TUK tour after lunch. It was a great way to truly see how people live and some of their cultural ways. We stopped and watched a lady peal bamboo to put in sticky rice to sell. It was very good. Sticky rice is rice with coconut, coconut milk, and black beans. It was very good. You can buy your bamboo full of sticky rice for $.60. Then we stopped to see a family making rice papers that are used to make spring and summer rolls. It was like SILVER DOLLAR CITY's arts and crafts festival except this is their livelihoods. The TUK TUK took us through a monk community, and we stopped at a KILLING FIELD from the Khmer Rouge. This country did not go through a civil war. It went through a genocide.
Last night we taught the girls to dance to the Hillsong song OUR GOD IS LOVE.
Angela, Heather, and I have been in charge of doing devotions with the girls for the last 2 nights. Angela lead the teaching and did an amazing job explaining that GOD is LOVE and that he loves them unconditionally. She did it simply and beautifully. Last night was a blast when we taught them the dance. They LOVED it! They love to dance and caught on SO quickly. Heather and I are jealous of that ability!
The biggest thing on my heart right now, besides the overt oppression in this country by their religion AND their government, is how the people that work for RAPHA here and at home are such hard working, focused, determined, and passionate people. THEY are bringing light into this DARK place. It is hard work!!! Daunting even. One by one is what they think, and I need to learn to think this way. I need to get my faith in gear. I am soaking in as much from them as I can. I am so honored to be with them and learn from them anything I can to live a real life for Jesus. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in support and prayer. I will forever be grateful.
I want to write more about the country itself soon. Let's just say it would be easy to do my dream job as a weather forecaster here! NO TRAINING NECESSARY! Today's weather will be 85 degrees, partly cloudy with a 100% and 100% chance of rain! ; )
We start out the day in worship at the church at RAPHA HOUSE. It was one of the most amazing experiences. I wish you all could have been there to hear these beautiful people worship and praise God in their own language. I could barely hold myself together. Ron did a great job of sharing a message about King David, Abigail, and Nable. It was a wonderful morning of worship in a true house of God, and I will think of them and their worship every time I am singing praises.
We took at TUK TUK tour after lunch. It was a great way to truly see how people live and some of their cultural ways. We stopped and watched a lady peal bamboo to put in sticky rice to sell. It was very good. Sticky rice is rice with coconut, coconut milk, and black beans. It was very good. You can buy your bamboo full of sticky rice for $.60. Then we stopped to see a family making rice papers that are used to make spring and summer rolls. It was like SILVER DOLLAR CITY's arts and crafts festival except this is their livelihoods. The TUK TUK took us through a monk community, and we stopped at a KILLING FIELD from the Khmer Rouge. This country did not go through a civil war. It went through a genocide.
Last night we taught the girls to dance to the Hillsong song OUR GOD IS LOVE.
Angela, Heather, and I have been in charge of doing devotions with the girls for the last 2 nights. Angela lead the teaching and did an amazing job explaining that GOD is LOVE and that he loves them unconditionally. She did it simply and beautifully. Last night was a blast when we taught them the dance. They LOVED it! They love to dance and caught on SO quickly. Heather and I are jealous of that ability!
The biggest thing on my heart right now, besides the overt oppression in this country by their religion AND their government, is how the people that work for RAPHA here and at home are such hard working, focused, determined, and passionate people. THEY are bringing light into this DARK place. It is hard work!!! Daunting even. One by one is what they think, and I need to learn to think this way. I need to get my faith in gear. I am soaking in as much from them as I can. I am so honored to be with them and learn from them anything I can to live a real life for Jesus. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in support and prayer. I will forever be grateful.
I want to write more about the country itself soon. Let's just say it would be easy to do my dream job as a weather forecaster here! NO TRAINING NECESSARY! Today's weather will be 85 degrees, partly cloudy with a 100% and 100% chance of rain! ; )
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sunday in Cambodia
We are getting ready to head to Church at the Rapha House here in Battambang. I am really excited. Ron is going to preach and all the RAPHA girls and staff will be there as well as a few folks from the community. It should be a morning of worship to remember!
The Director of the RAPHA Houses over here is Soom (sp?). He has 2 goals. One is to rehabilitate these girls for a safe reintegration into their villages but also to plant churches in Cambodia and Thailand. He already has 7 planted. He sees the girls as being a part of that process one day. This country is 95% Buddhist and 3% Muslim. Soom is an amazing Cambodian!
Yesterday we were able to tour all of the Battambang RAPHA HOUSE facilties including the FREEDOM CENTER. The FC is their HALFWAY HOUSE. It is heartwarming to see what is being done for these girls. At the RH, they are treated with lots of counseling and work with social workers as part of their recovery. They also have the opportunity to seek JUSTICE for their particular situation. Many of the girls have court dates to fight for justice and work against sex trafficking in their country. When RH feels the girls are getting close enough for reintegration, they go to the FREEDOM center to fully develope their lifeskills and to develope a trade. The trades for women in this country that can produce a sustainable living are hairstyling and sewing. So, these girls start with that. They learn both. However, if there are girls that have a specific interest in something else like accounting or social work, this RAPHA team helps them get started with that too. Basically, RAPHA HOUSE does anything and everything you can think of in the recovery process and future success for these beautiful young ladies.
While visiting the FC yesterday, we let them practice their skills on us. Some of us got our nails done. Others got their hair colored, cut, or straightened. It was precious to watch the girls work and learn. They were so sweet. The girl that straightened my hair was SO PROUD of her work that it made me cry to watch her. I LOVE ALL OF THESE GIRLS! It has to be so rewarding to watch them come in so traumatized all leave to start a life of healing and success.
Due to pending court cases and the UBER need for protection for these girls, we cannot take and post pictures of the facilities or the girls.
As for our group, we are all doing well. God has blessed a group of this size greatly. We are all jumping in with both feet. I am so proud of each and every person on this team. We are all in it for HIS glory!!!
I hope you all have a blessed Sunday in worship tomorrow. God is love! That is the devotion we taught the girls last night. AND, pray for us....We are going on a TUK TUK ride this afternoon. If you knew what these roads were like, you would know why we need prayer for that one! YIKES!!!
The Director of the RAPHA Houses over here is Soom (sp?). He has 2 goals. One is to rehabilitate these girls for a safe reintegration into their villages but also to plant churches in Cambodia and Thailand. He already has 7 planted. He sees the girls as being a part of that process one day. This country is 95% Buddhist and 3% Muslim. Soom is an amazing Cambodian!
Yesterday we were able to tour all of the Battambang RAPHA HOUSE facilties including the FREEDOM CENTER. The FC is their HALFWAY HOUSE. It is heartwarming to see what is being done for these girls. At the RH, they are treated with lots of counseling and work with social workers as part of their recovery. They also have the opportunity to seek JUSTICE for their particular situation. Many of the girls have court dates to fight for justice and work against sex trafficking in their country. When RH feels the girls are getting close enough for reintegration, they go to the FREEDOM center to fully develope their lifeskills and to develope a trade. The trades for women in this country that can produce a sustainable living are hairstyling and sewing. So, these girls start with that. They learn both. However, if there are girls that have a specific interest in something else like accounting or social work, this RAPHA team helps them get started with that too. Basically, RAPHA HOUSE does anything and everything you can think of in the recovery process and future success for these beautiful young ladies.
While visiting the FC yesterday, we let them practice their skills on us. Some of us got our nails done. Others got their hair colored, cut, or straightened. It was precious to watch the girls work and learn. They were so sweet. The girl that straightened my hair was SO PROUD of her work that it made me cry to watch her. I LOVE ALL OF THESE GIRLS! It has to be so rewarding to watch them come in so traumatized all leave to start a life of healing and success.
Due to pending court cases and the UBER need for protection for these girls, we cannot take and post pictures of the facilities or the girls.
As for our group, we are all doing well. God has blessed a group of this size greatly. We are all jumping in with both feet. I am so proud of each and every person on this team. We are all in it for HIS glory!!!
I hope you all have a blessed Sunday in worship tomorrow. God is love! That is the devotion we taught the girls last night. AND, pray for us....We are going on a TUK TUK ride this afternoon. If you knew what these roads were like, you would know why we need prayer for that one! YIKES!!!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Cambodia ~The Journey Continues
There is so much to share and say. I am sure I will miss somethings to tell you but will catch you up over time. Let me start with Kids Club back in Phnom Phen. There is a Christian family that offers their home up as a safe place to play, hang-out, and get some basic needs met. They sing songs with them about God. There are so many kids that they don't have an accurate count of how many they see. It is somewhere around 400, and this is a small neighborhood. Though Cambodia is primarily Buddist they live in a muslim neighborhood. The best way to describe Kids Club is that it is like Adventure Club at home with many exceptions. Some of these kids go to school but many do not. When we arrived they MOBBED us. They wanted hugs and kisses and to play games and practice English words. They got very jealous if they weren't getting as much attention as another child. They were STARVED for love. Then, we sang songs with them. They sang songs to us. Also, we fed them a box lunch. This ministry is amazing. The Cambodian family that does this are giants of the Christian faith and are walking the walk every minute of everyday. I look forward to telling you more about them.
Yesterday we left Phnom Pehn and headed here to Battambang. It was a 6hr bus ride through many flooded roadways. We all got a kick out of our driver stopping before a flooded road. He rolled his sleeves up and hopped out. He got back in with the air conditioning unit. Then we proceeded through the deep murky mess. ANY ROAD like this in the States would have been CLOSED. Thankfully he stopped and put the AC BACK in the bus. Cambodia is HOT and HUMID all of the time. I am sweating as I type.
We FINALLY made it to RAPHA HOUSE which is the safe house in Battambang. We were RECEIVED by these girls. They gave us flowers and greeted us literally like royalty. We thought that was WAY backwards. This place is hard to describe. It feels like a safe place for sure. We didn't get the tour. That will happen today. What did we do? WE DANCED!!! It was so wonderful to see these girls (brace yourself) ages 2 - 18 experience joy as they danced. First, they danced BEAUTIFUL cultural dances for us. Then, they wanted to party. We all danced even Pastor Ron! It was a wonderful night of getting our first picture of the most amazing mission of RAPHA HOUSE. Stephanie Freed is my hero. I want to grow up and be like her. And, my roomie has fancy feet! It was really great. Stay TUNED...........
Yesterday we left Phnom Pehn and headed here to Battambang. It was a 6hr bus ride through many flooded roadways. We all got a kick out of our driver stopping before a flooded road. He rolled his sleeves up and hopped out. He got back in with the air conditioning unit. Then we proceeded through the deep murky mess. ANY ROAD like this in the States would have been CLOSED. Thankfully he stopped and put the AC BACK in the bus. Cambodia is HOT and HUMID all of the time. I am sweating as I type.
We FINALLY made it to RAPHA HOUSE which is the safe house in Battambang. We were RECEIVED by these girls. They gave us flowers and greeted us literally like royalty. We thought that was WAY backwards. This place is hard to describe. It feels like a safe place for sure. We didn't get the tour. That will happen today. What did we do? WE DANCED!!! It was so wonderful to see these girls (brace yourself) ages 2 - 18 experience joy as they danced. First, they danced BEAUTIFUL cultural dances for us. Then, they wanted to party. We all danced even Pastor Ron! It was a wonderful night of getting our first picture of the most amazing mission of RAPHA HOUSE. Stephanie Freed is my hero. I want to grow up and be like her. And, my roomie has fancy feet! It was really great. Stay TUNED...........
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Hello from CAMBODIA!
Well, this is my first blog from Cambodia. I am so excited to FINALLY be here. The trip over was a grueling 2 FULL days. However, we were SO blessed to have had only a few minor bumps. There are 14 of us total on this trip. To not have any big issues arrise on such a long journey with that many people is because our God is blessing us.
CAMBODIA ~ Yesterday we went to the Teul Seung genocide museum and prison. It was so horrific and sad to see in person. I BEG all of you to read about what Cambodia went through under the Khmer Rouge. Actually, the people here beg that of you. The Cambodian friend that is with us for these 2 weeks says that the people here felt like no one knew or cared that all of their people were being slaughtered for no apparent reason. I would love to say that the government is completely reformed and in top democratic form, but I think it is still far from it.
We went to the market in Phnom Pehn. It was such a crazy experience to have when we hadn't slept in 2 days! The sights and smells were overwhelming. We didn't buy much this time. We just experienced it first.
The biggest things that have impacted me so far. Is the shear sadness. I saw 4 year olds sitting alone by buckets begging. I saw adults with all kinds of deformaties approaching me begging. There were lots of small slave labored children out selling their "wears" making us promise to buy something. They spoke ENGLISH. One of our team members, Heather, was a big target of these kids yesterday. And, it was more than she could bear. To get an insight on what is happening to these kids please watch the movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I am glad that I saw that and the Teul Seung documentary before coming as well as reading Terrify No More.
The streets are dirty. The people have their street "shops"and many of them live there at their "shop" where there is no shelter. And, they eat snake! There really aren't words for that kind of problem! I guess my big observation is that I didn't notice any type of middle class society. They are all in the struggle for survival together.
Today we are going to Women's Island to see the women and children there. Women's Island was a killing field during the genocide but is now being used for healing. There is a church and a christian ministry happening there. I will understand it more after going. We will also go to the Kids Club. We will feed them lunch, sing songs, give them gifts of dresses, stickers, and american candy. Some of the people on our team have sponsored a child from here. These are street/slum kids. They can't afford to go to school or eat enough each day. So the ones that sponsored a child, are going to get to MEET their kiddo. That, to me, is the COOLEST of the cool. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these kids at some point, let me know. It is done through RAPHA, and I can hook you up! We will also go to the RAPHA SALON. This is where some of the rescued girls are learning to be stylists. Katie, one of our team members from Prairie Grove, is a stylist and will be filmed with the girls there for a RAPHA HOUSE documentary. It will be fun to meet these girls and let them play with our hair. We may come back much altered in apperance. STAY TUNED!
Please continue to pray for us. There is massive flooding here. There is diseased water EVERYWHERE. (thank you to the inventor of CROCS) We are taking our universal percautions with things, but the chances of one or more of us getting ill are somewhat high. Mostly, pray for the people HERE. Seeing it is more impactful than I could have imagined and that was just after day ONE.
Much love to you all from Cambodia! I hope to get more opportunities to blog soon.
CAMBODIA ~ Yesterday we went to the Teul Seung genocide museum and prison. It was so horrific and sad to see in person. I BEG all of you to read about what Cambodia went through under the Khmer Rouge. Actually, the people here beg that of you. The Cambodian friend that is with us for these 2 weeks says that the people here felt like no one knew or cared that all of their people were being slaughtered for no apparent reason. I would love to say that the government is completely reformed and in top democratic form, but I think it is still far from it.
We went to the market in Phnom Pehn. It was such a crazy experience to have when we hadn't slept in 2 days! The sights and smells were overwhelming. We didn't buy much this time. We just experienced it first.
The biggest things that have impacted me so far. Is the shear sadness. I saw 4 year olds sitting alone by buckets begging. I saw adults with all kinds of deformaties approaching me begging. There were lots of small slave labored children out selling their "wears" making us promise to buy something. They spoke ENGLISH. One of our team members, Heather, was a big target of these kids yesterday. And, it was more than she could bear. To get an insight on what is happening to these kids please watch the movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. I am glad that I saw that and the Teul Seung documentary before coming as well as reading Terrify No More.
The streets are dirty. The people have their street "shops"and many of them live there at their "shop" where there is no shelter. And, they eat snake! There really aren't words for that kind of problem! I guess my big observation is that I didn't notice any type of middle class society. They are all in the struggle for survival together.
Today we are going to Women's Island to see the women and children there. Women's Island was a killing field during the genocide but is now being used for healing. There is a church and a christian ministry happening there. I will understand it more after going. We will also go to the Kids Club. We will feed them lunch, sing songs, give them gifts of dresses, stickers, and american candy. Some of the people on our team have sponsored a child from here. These are street/slum kids. They can't afford to go to school or eat enough each day. So the ones that sponsored a child, are going to get to MEET their kiddo. That, to me, is the COOLEST of the cool. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these kids at some point, let me know. It is done through RAPHA, and I can hook you up! We will also go to the RAPHA SALON. This is where some of the rescued girls are learning to be stylists. Katie, one of our team members from Prairie Grove, is a stylist and will be filmed with the girls there for a RAPHA HOUSE documentary. It will be fun to meet these girls and let them play with our hair. We may come back much altered in apperance. STAY TUNED!
Please continue to pray for us. There is massive flooding here. There is diseased water EVERYWHERE. (thank you to the inventor of CROCS) We are taking our universal percautions with things, but the chances of one or more of us getting ill are somewhat high. Mostly, pray for the people HERE. Seeing it is more impactful than I could have imagined and that was just after day ONE.
Much love to you all from Cambodia! I hope to get more opportunities to blog soon.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
I'm READY!
I am finishing my packing and today is my youngest girl's birthday. Haylie Elizabeth is 7, so of course we had to celebrate with a sleepover last night. There were 6 delightful young princesses here. Watching them made me wonder about the parallels of our children and the children I will be seeing over the next 2 weeks in Cambodia. Maybe Haylie will one day go somewhere to minister to girls too.
Some of the Rapha House team went over to Cambodia last week, and we will be joining them on Wednesday. I think it is so cool. because they are blogging and facebooking pictures and experiences from the places and with the people that we are headed to! I have a visual picture of where we are going and now it is time to smell, touch, and breath it all in.
Tomorrow we will go to church. It will be a busy morning with my usual work schedule, plus Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes campaign begins, and we have special prayer time in service. I will have lunch with my family, and we leave from BVCC at 3:30 for Tulsa. We will fly out of Tulsa early Monday morning. I know many will be praying and many have been already. Thanks so much. I hope to post on this blog and on facebook along the way. We should have WIFI capabilities in our hotel rooms.
Ok, back to packing...............
Some of the Rapha House team went over to Cambodia last week, and we will be joining them on Wednesday. I think it is so cool. because they are blogging and facebooking pictures and experiences from the places and with the people that we are headed to! I have a visual picture of where we are going and now it is time to smell, touch, and breath it all in.
Tomorrow we will go to church. It will be a busy morning with my usual work schedule, plus Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes campaign begins, and we have special prayer time in service. I will have lunch with my family, and we leave from BVCC at 3:30 for Tulsa. We will fly out of Tulsa early Monday morning. I know many will be praying and many have been already. Thanks so much. I hope to post on this blog and on facebook along the way. We should have WIFI capabilities in our hotel rooms.
Ok, back to packing...............
Thursday, October 6, 2011
SO THANKFUL!!
As I finalize things at work, I keep thinking over and over again how God has taught me so much through so many friends, family, and neighbors. The financial giving from so many has taught me how important it is to support others that are obeying God's call. I think it is important to validate one another's obedience as a means of encouragement. I feel encouraged and want to encourage others more than ever before.
Also, if it weren't for key people staying here and covering my work at home and at church, I would not be doing this. So, THEY are very much a real part of this mission trip just like those who gave financially. I am so thankful for my parents, my husband, and my children's teachers for being the safety net for my little munchkins while I am away.
I can not say THANK YOU enough to SUSAN ROBERTS for her willingness to facilitate Wednesday Night programming here at BVCC and to supervise the elementary area on Sunday mornings. Not only do I know things will be taken care of, but I know they will be taken care of at a top notch level.
This is not only my JOURNEY of FAITH now but a JOURNEY of GRATITUDE! I can't wait to see what I learn next!!! Thanks be to my creator. And to all of you supporting in holding down the forts, financially, or in prayer, I am praying for you and thanking God for your hearts.
I will leave Arkansas in 63 hours and counting.
Also, if it weren't for key people staying here and covering my work at home and at church, I would not be doing this. So, THEY are very much a real part of this mission trip just like those who gave financially. I am so thankful for my parents, my husband, and my children's teachers for being the safety net for my little munchkins while I am away.
I can not say THANK YOU enough to SUSAN ROBERTS for her willingness to facilitate Wednesday Night programming here at BVCC and to supervise the elementary area on Sunday mornings. Not only do I know things will be taken care of, but I know they will be taken care of at a top notch level.
This is not only my JOURNEY of FAITH now but a JOURNEY of GRATITUDE! I can't wait to see what I learn next!!! Thanks be to my creator. And to all of you supporting in holding down the forts, financially, or in prayer, I am praying for you and thanking God for your hearts.
I will leave Arkansas in 63 hours and counting.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
ONE WEEK
We leave in ONE WEEK. I can't believe it. I am feeling really excited. I feel like God's protection will be the ultimate thing to lean on.
I am hopeful that I will be reminded of what is truly important and what isn't and can somehow come home and convey that in a real way to my kids. We live in a place of such gluttony and excess. It is a battle I fight in my own spirit every day. To give is better than to receive, so then why do we have such WANTS? It is amazing how we influence one another and how the surface and shallow things influence others more than the real heart issues do.
I am just going to learn a tiny bit about this country and these precious girls that were thrown into an unimaginable existence either out of desperation or ignorance. I want to hear what is on their hearts and minds. What are their desires? Are they healing from such horrific events in their lives? I want to show them that they are LOVED. That their is human kindness, love, and compassion available to them.
I think I am ready to go. I love the team that is going. I feel a peace about how God is going to guide and protect us. I am leaving notes and treats for the kids. I will miss them, chad, and my parents very much.
My plan is to blog from our hotel rooms which appear to have WIFI!!! So, please check in to see how things are going and what we are experiencing.
There is flooding happening there. This is the end of their rainy season, so for it to be flooding, seems a little strange. I guess it is an extra rainy, rainy season? But, the bottom line is that it means that many homes and businesses are flooded and hurting a country that was hurting to begin with. So, we will get a unique experience with this happening while we are there. I am sure the country could use prayers for the rains to end.
I am hopeful that I will be reminded of what is truly important and what isn't and can somehow come home and convey that in a real way to my kids. We live in a place of such gluttony and excess. It is a battle I fight in my own spirit every day. To give is better than to receive, so then why do we have such WANTS? It is amazing how we influence one another and how the surface and shallow things influence others more than the real heart issues do.
I am just going to learn a tiny bit about this country and these precious girls that were thrown into an unimaginable existence either out of desperation or ignorance. I want to hear what is on their hearts and minds. What are their desires? Are they healing from such horrific events in their lives? I want to show them that they are LOVED. That their is human kindness, love, and compassion available to them.
I think I am ready to go. I love the team that is going. I feel a peace about how God is going to guide and protect us. I am leaving notes and treats for the kids. I will miss them, chad, and my parents very much.
My plan is to blog from our hotel rooms which appear to have WIFI!!! So, please check in to see how things are going and what we are experiencing.
There is flooding happening there. This is the end of their rainy season, so for it to be flooding, seems a little strange. I guess it is an extra rainy, rainy season? But, the bottom line is that it means that many homes and businesses are flooded and hurting a country that was hurting to begin with. So, we will get a unique experience with this happening while we are there. I am sure the country could use prayers for the rains to end.
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