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
