Cambodia – Monday, June 14
Today we started out by going to the old Mercy Medical Clinic, took a tour, delivered all the supplies and donations we brought with us from PCW, and learned how the clinic operates. It is truly amazing how they care for their patients and the doctors and nurses do so much with relatively little to help these Cambodians. Next we went to a restaurant by the Russian Market, had a delicious meal and heard a lecture from two amazing women who founded White Lotus–an organization that saves young women from sexual exploitation. We learned in Cambodian Society women are devalued and too often lured into the sex trade by unscrupulous employers and family members. White Lotus saves these girls, gives them a place to live for two years while they learn trades to become self sufficient. Then they took us in smaller groups to their store, called The Oasis, to see firsthand and interact with some of the young ladies who’ve been rescued and are learning to do pedicures, manicures, facials, etc.–many in our group happily became customers! Most of these young women are no older than our kids…sobering realization for our kids and us adults. Then the kids explored the Russian Market and found incredible bargains and fun stuff…remember Dad’s day is coming! Lastly, we went to the Benadum’s home for a delicious Kmer dinner and lecture by Dr. Tim Benadum on Buddhism and Animism to explain the religious and cultural situation for Christians in Cambodia.
Tomorrow we begin work at the new clinic building site and everyone is excited to see it and get our hands dirty! We’re well and happy. Tired from the heat but everyone is acclimating well. Thank you for the prayers and we miss you all. M
June 13 update
Here are today’s pics. We started out with devotions led by our hosts. Then we went to an international church service (much like our Visions Service) with over 31 countries represented. Then we went to a lovely lunch (food is so cheap here) and then off to a temple in the center of town (elephant feeding and monkeys). The the sobering part of the day–touring a museum located in a former a high school that was converted into a prison by the Kmer Rouge and where thousands were tortured and murdered. These pictures were taken by Mary Jane. The kids were really moved and we had a long and thought-provoking conversation about it with the kids tonight. Then to a terrific Chinese dinner and home to Skype the 9am service. The kids really enjoyed that and our thanks to everyone there who made them feel so important and loved. God Bless, another big day tomorrow–Mercy Clinic and we’re going out to the Killing Fields and then to the Russian Market! M
First Cambodia Updates
From Matt F:
First day in Cambodia was amazing. We went to 4 temples including Angkor Wat, toured the old market in Siem Reap (where f
ish ate the dead skin off our feet-picture to come), went for elephant rides and had a classic Kmer dinner with Aspara dancing. Everyone exhausted but happy and safe and sound. The poverty and heat is amazing–I’d forgotten how hot it get here, but we all drank gallons of water and never needed to fins a rest room. Our transport are Tuks Tuks scooter carriages that everyone loves and provide a cooling breeze. Today we are heading to breakfast, a silk farm and then the bus to Phnon Penh. Tell everyone we thank them for their prayers and we are grateful for God’s grace to send us to a place so beautiful and heart wrenchingly sad at the same time. Matt
You can view their full flickr set here
