why would I travel for over 24 hours to a place where I don't know anyone or the culture or the language? Where I had to brush my teeth with bottled water and couldn't eat most of the food there? Where it was so hot the sweat would drip from my face as soon as I stepped outside? I have literally experienced pure and complete happiness on earth. Better than a perfect first date, or the most awesome vacation, or even putting the finishing touches on a perfectly decorated house. How is it even possible? I couldn't even speak English to most of the kids. The four kids that I really bonded with didn't speak English at all. We communicated through big hugs, holding hands, laughing, dancing, singing. They lived love - for me and the team, for the other kids and the couple who run the orphanage, for the village kids who came to visit. These 40 kids were bright shining lights. They love Jesus and they live his words daily. They had nothing to give but their love and smiles and they were so generous! They have nothing compared to American standards, but they are the happiest kids I've ever seen. I didn't really know what my expectations were going into this trip, but I was blown away. I never knew such happiness and love for people existed. And not just with the kids. With the people of Cambodia.
Their recent history is so dark as a result of the genocide of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s. Millions were murdered that even still the population is not caught up; 50% of the population is 15 years of age or under. We visited a concentration camp (actually it was a school converted into a concentration camp) in Phnom Penh, the capital city. It was sobering to see remnants of such atrocities - not hundreds of years ago, but recent evil.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Pastor Vek, the leader of New Life Missions, spent 4 years in captivity of the Khmer Rouge and barely escaped with his life into Thailand. He made it to America with his wife and child but a few years later felt the calling to go back to Cambodia to bring hope and restoration through his faith in God. Since he returned, he has opened the three orphanages that house 90+ kids and has opened 40 churches in different cities around Cambodia. He and his family are an amazing example of faith and strength and love. Because of his story, he has made happy lives and brought hope to these kids and they are the future of Cambodia! You can read his full story here (follow the links on the right hand side for the different chapters).
"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27
I know I'll never be able to fully describe the experience I had there. I fell in love in a few short days and that should be impossible. But these kids are unbelievable. I am filled with joy when I think of them or look at a photo. Here are some things that make me smile:
- at the beach, I met the 2 kids I sponsor and I gave them each a letter and they were so happy to have a sponsor - many smiles and hugs!
- on our 10 hour bus ride from the beach, they never complained or asked "are we there yet?"; they were just happy to be with us (we even sat three to a seat just because they wanted to sit by us)
- they love to dance; they choreograph dances and all the kids learn them (some of the most enthusiastic dancers were the teenage boys!)
- they loved to hold our hands and give us huge hugs - all of the kids, even the older ones; one of my little guys would hug so tight with his head buried in my stomach and wouldn't let go until I pulled away (which I never wanted to, but we'd still be hugging if I didn't!)
- they would be waiting for us in the morning when our bus drove up; waiving hysterically and jumping up and down all smiles
- they would grab our bags or our hands as soon as we stepped off the bus and lead us into the main building
- they learned how to say 'i love you' and 'God bless you' in English so they could tell us personally
- a few of the kids never stopped smiling; i always saw a smile on their faces
- they took our gifts to them - craft projects, beads, string - and made beautiful bracelets and crafts for us
- they welcomed the village kids when we had a carnival one day and served them the candy & rice
- one boy at the orphanage is handicapped physically and mentally and all other 39 kids looked after him, included him, loved him, and let him win at the games he would never be able to win
- the couple who runs the orphanage has a 10 month old baby and all the children loooove her so much; her feet never touch the ground :)
- we took the extra money we raised and bought pillows and mosquito nets for them; they were so excited and grateful to us for their new pillows!
- one of my girls would always be at my side, and the day before we left she broke down crying because she already missed me
- the day I left, I received so many letters (in beautiful broken English) and bracelets; they were so proud to give us letters we could read
- one of the kids was all smiles the whole week, but when it came to say goodbye I saw tears welling up in his eyes; he was so happy all week and tried his hardest to be tough the last day, but he couldn't hold it back. it gives me happy tears just to picture his face now.
- the thought that I know these kids are loved and taken care of - by the couple who is devoting their lives to the direct call to care for orphans, by Pastor Vek and Pastor Chuen, by all the teams who go over there in May, July and November every year, and by the financial support so many more people provide through sponsoring the kids and teams
And then there's my team...a team perfectly placed together. Among the 8 of us, there was a balance of leadership and wisdom, kindess and caring, humilty and love, sillyness and strength. I am so thankful for this team and the harmony we were allowed to experience in such an unknown environment. Thankful for the men who wore their hearts on their sleeve and the Proverbs 31 women.
All that to say, I know the glory is for my heavenly father. He made me, he made the team come together, he provided forgiveness and restoration for Pastor Vek. The kids are amazing because they reflect God's love. Of this I am unwaveringly certain.
There are so many other moments that I'll keep forever in my heart. I'll never be able to communicate how amazing and life changing this trip was; you just have to go yourself! "Anyone who is welcoming a child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." Matthew 18:5.
listen to some of the kids' favorite songs while you browse the photos.
click into the photos for more descriptions...
"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families." Psalms 68:5-6
on flickr
slideshow
Amazing pictures Carrie - thanks so much for sharing them and your heart with us. I can't wait to hear more... Who knows, maybe I can go with you next year :)
ReplyDeletewow your weren't lying those kids are so beautiful! Thanks for including me in your life:)
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