Remembering Cambodia

I am up quite late, because I can't sleep. Tonight I watched the movie "Blood Diamond" and I simply cannot shake all of things that movie stirred in my heart. The movie depicts such horrors, not just in the violence and brutality, but selfishness in all of our hearts. I invite you to all check it out, although a warning that it is quite violent.

As I've said, my time in SE Asia is never far from my thoughts. In fact, I think about my experiences and the people I met at least 5 times a day. I just can't forget or ignore those 9 weeks. There's no way... it's not possible.

Poipet, Cambodia often comes to mind as I think about all of the poverty I was face to face with... and yet all the hope there is for that country and city. Recently I was looking at a Lonely Planet type book about Cambodia, and for Poipet it said something like: "There is absolutely nothing that would bring you to this dirty city, except for a bus layover or a chance to gamble in SE Asia". That quote made me so angry and sad. I thought about all of the children I held there... children who were dirty, hungry, in need of love. There is every reason for people to visit Poipet, if only to see how people live. I realize the book is directed toward tourism (which, we all have to admit, is primarily selfish), but it still greatly upset me. I pray for the children at the pre-school every day.



This is Silyn, who I grew so attached to. I taught her english every afternoon, and instantly her and I had a bond. I can't even explain it, really. Yes, she was really cute and wanted to hold my hand and be held all the time, but it was something deeper. She had a real passion and spunk and was quite feisty and strong willed. I was so drawn to her and every break I had from teaching, I would try to invest my time especially in her and play with her and make sure she knew I truly loved her.

There were a group of girls that I grew really close to in the afternoon (Silyn was obviously one of them) and we would always play together. There was this one game that I especially liked, I of course don't know the name, but part of it involved a Khmer song and I loved hearing their little voices sing. The girls also loved playing with my hair and gave me some very interesting hairstyles (here's one example, although I had taken out 2 braids by this point):



On our last day at the school, I held Silyn as much as I could. I took a video to show the pre-school a little and display how the kids would climb all over us. I was holding her while taking the video, with two little ones at my knees, begging to be picked up, and even hitting each other at who got to be held next. Here it is:




Shortly after I took that video, I gave Silyn a card that I made her. I don't even remember what I said in it (I wish I had written it down for myself), but I just wrote blessings over her, encouraged her, and kept emphasizing that she is special, loved and created for a purpose. I hope and pray that Heng (her teacher) was able to translate the card for her. She was really excited to receive it, but oh my word, do I wish there was more I could have done for her... Here she's holding the card:



One last picture to show you. It cracks me up so much. I had been taking these really adorable group shots of team members with the children surrounding them, but as each picture went on, the kids grew more and more excited. I went last, and by this point, the kids could just not sit down. So, here is the picture that ended up being taken:



Those children were so beautiful and amazing. I can't help but think about their lives and the horrific things they've seen and endured, but I am so encouraged that they are able to get an education, receive a meal, and have a safe and clean place to be all because of MMF.

I think I will need to make another Cambodia post. That will come soon... :)