Day Five was an early start to some of us. We end our mission trip with some sight seeing in the tourist city of Siem Reap. Two trips ago, the journey was eight hours. Then four hours. Luckily for all of us, it was only 3 hours. We were able to have lunch as a team, then break for some free time in the market before heading out to the floating villages to catch a beautiful sunset over the horizon. Highly recommended for all future trips.
Day Six concludes with an early morning hike to watch the sunrise at Ankor Wat (UNESCO World Heritage Site and possible New 7 Wonders of the World), followed by touring the temples of Bayan (temple with thousands of faes) and Ta Prohm (huge trees growing over the temples). Lunch then some last minute gift shopping before we checked out of our hotel, for a final team dinner at Red Piano Restaurant. Then it was off to the new airport, and here we are, hours later, at an airport in Korea. 20 more hours, and we will all be home in Atlanta.
For some of us, we will quickly fall back into the routine of work and life. For others, we will only be a day or two behind. But somehow, as we fall back into our daily existence, we are reminded of God's calling for our lives. We are reminded of His grace, mercy, compasion and love. And we are reminded of the purpose of our lives. That existence is not enough. That we must be courageous enough to ask God, to pray to God, to ask Him to do whatever it takes with our lives, to be willing to follow His plan, at all costs for His glory. Because it is so much harder to do than say. But we have the faces of our angels at New Life Orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia imprinted on our hearts, in our souls. And we cannot disappoint them. We cannot disappoint ourselves. And we cannot dissappoint God.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Day Four: No more tears tonight, please ...
The morning and afternoon are easy to explain. It's the evening that can not be expressed in words. For this morning, we re-iterated the theme of God's team with all the kids, with our God's team skit, praise and worshipped the Lord, and made faith bracelets. Then everyone took out their tie dye t-shirts and started to autograph each other's shirts. The kids would write their names in English and in Khmer. Wall worthy for sure!
Then we broke for lunch, saving time by pre-ordering our meal, a first for mission trip teams. So American of us to try to keep everything on a schedule and rush through the day. But we had a mission, to spend as much time as possible with the kids. The afternoon was host to our Christmas party. We made gifts for our kids to give to other kids in the village. Then we gave our kids, and the staff at New Life Christmas presents. It's hard to believe giving is better than receiving. But the joy and light in these kids eyes when we could give something to them is immeasurable.
Fast forward through dinner, and the most difficult thing awaits. Goodbye. What starts of as some more worship music, becomes the beauty of hearing "Here I am to Worship" in Khmer, drowning out our English. Follow that with an intimate evening, where we all sit in a circle to share our thoughts and prayers with one another. Certain kids would stand up, addressing everyone, by offering their gratitude, thanks and love. We followed suit with out own words. And closed in prayer. It all sounds so simple. Like any other evening. Anywhere else in the world.
But tonight was no ordinary night. Because it was extraordinary. Because somehow, God blessed us with an opportunity to see His face, His love, His compassion, His heart, His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness, His humility, His kindness, His joy in these kids. Because when we look at these faces, faces that make up our heart, the beat of our heart, our reason for living and coming to Cambodia, we see the face of God. Jacob wrestled with God, and God showed him His face. We wrestle with our own emotions, our knowledge of ourselves, our intimacy with God, our availability for God, our true purpose, for God showed his face to us tonight. And that's why it was so hard to say goodbye. Because when tears flood down these kids faces as they express their gratitude of having the opportunity to go to a restaurant, of all places, for the first time in their lives, one can not just stop in awe of how awesome our God is. And one cannot stop and cry too.
Because our hearts and our souls cry out for these kids. These future leaders of Cambodia. So please pray with us. For we lift up these 40 angels to God. We ask our Father to send his angels to the four corners of Battambang to protect these children. To shower them with love. To drench them with the Holy Spirit. To give them the strength and courage to accept His will for them. To know that they are never alone. That they will never be forgotten. That their face and spirits reside in our hearts. That they know our love for them. That they realize no matter how much we love them, it will never match the depths of God's love for them. That we miss them. That they are our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters in Christ.
So that's why tears flow down our face. For we cannot say goodbye to a piece of our heart. These children are our heart. A piece of our heart with always remain with the angels of New Life Orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia. Half way around the world. And that's why we cannot say goodbye. For we can never be without a full heart. So we choose to return. At least that's why I had to come back for a second time this year. To reclaim the piece of my heart that was left here this past May. Unfortunately, my heart is broken. For another piece remains. Maybe God will give me an opportunity to return next year to reclaim it. Until then, no more tears tonight ...
Then we broke for lunch, saving time by pre-ordering our meal, a first for mission trip teams. So American of us to try to keep everything on a schedule and rush through the day. But we had a mission, to spend as much time as possible with the kids. The afternoon was host to our Christmas party. We made gifts for our kids to give to other kids in the village. Then we gave our kids, and the staff at New Life Christmas presents. It's hard to believe giving is better than receiving. But the joy and light in these kids eyes when we could give something to them is immeasurable.
Fast forward through dinner, and the most difficult thing awaits. Goodbye. What starts of as some more worship music, becomes the beauty of hearing "Here I am to Worship" in Khmer, drowning out our English. Follow that with an intimate evening, where we all sit in a circle to share our thoughts and prayers with one another. Certain kids would stand up, addressing everyone, by offering their gratitude, thanks and love. We followed suit with out own words. And closed in prayer. It all sounds so simple. Like any other evening. Anywhere else in the world.
But tonight was no ordinary night. Because it was extraordinary. Because somehow, God blessed us with an opportunity to see His face, His love, His compassion, His heart, His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness, His humility, His kindness, His joy in these kids. Because when we look at these faces, faces that make up our heart, the beat of our heart, our reason for living and coming to Cambodia, we see the face of God. Jacob wrestled with God, and God showed him His face. We wrestle with our own emotions, our knowledge of ourselves, our intimacy with God, our availability for God, our true purpose, for God showed his face to us tonight. And that's why it was so hard to say goodbye. Because when tears flood down these kids faces as they express their gratitude of having the opportunity to go to a restaurant, of all places, for the first time in their lives, one can not just stop in awe of how awesome our God is. And one cannot stop and cry too.
Because our hearts and our souls cry out for these kids. These future leaders of Cambodia. So please pray with us. For we lift up these 40 angels to God. We ask our Father to send his angels to the four corners of Battambang to protect these children. To shower them with love. To drench them with the Holy Spirit. To give them the strength and courage to accept His will for them. To know that they are never alone. That they will never be forgotten. That their face and spirits reside in our hearts. That they know our love for them. That they realize no matter how much we love them, it will never match the depths of God's love for them. That we miss them. That they are our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters in Christ.
So that's why tears flow down our face. For we cannot say goodbye to a piece of our heart. These children are our heart. A piece of our heart with always remain with the angels of New Life Orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia. Half way around the world. And that's why we cannot say goodbye. For we can never be without a full heart. So we choose to return. At least that's why I had to come back for a second time this year. To reclaim the piece of my heart that was left here this past May. Unfortunately, my heart is broken. For another piece remains. Maybe God will give me an opportunity to return next year to reclaim it. Until then, no more tears tonight ...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Day Three: Battambang sunsets
Day three. Half way done already. Insane. The morning started off with worship music, and then puff paint on our tie dye t-shirts from Sunday. The kids love getting everyone's autograph or name on their shirts. They find a way to make you feel like a celebrity at any given time. What an amazing feeling. Once the shirts were finished, we left them outside in the lawn to dry.
Side note, for you previous construction trip members, the pathways are still looking great and holding up. However, due to the city wanted to pave a road on the street in front of the orphanage, they had to move the property line, aka the fence, on the other side of the water puddles. Which basically means the field is much smaller, and they had to lose the volleyball nets.
So we kicked off this morning's skit with the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den. We made some lion masks and ornaments as crafts and then broke for lunch. Pomme dámour restaurant is highly not recommended for future visitors. The wait was long, the orders were wrong, some were forgotten, but hey, this is Cambodia, and we're on a mission. So as soon as returned to the orphanage, we jumped right into the last Bible story of the week, David and Goliath, which was a great hit with the kids. After more arts and crafts, we finished the afternoon with worship. There is nothing more moving, more emotional and more joyful, than to sing praise songs with the kids, especially when we sing in English, and we hear the kids sing the same songs in Khmer. So to the writers of "How Great is our God,""Hosanna," and "Heart of Worship," thank you for allowing us to experience a cross-cultural experience and spiritual connection unlike any other.
Pastor Vek's and his wife Samouen briefly greeted us at the orphanage, as they were making their round briefing with all the local pastors. Samouen was so impressed with the crafts and skits, that she wanted to take copies of everything to bring to the children at the other 2 orphanage sites.
But the highlight of the night belongs to dinner. Ratha, the orphanage director, wanted to surprise all the kids with a Christmas treat. He wanted to take the all the kids, the church staff and our team to dinner at a BBQ buffet restaurant. (No there is no BBQ pork ribs, sauce or the like. Just cambodian deep fry and cook your own meat). So as soon as we left the orhanage in the afternoon to freshen up, Khandy, our bus driver, returned to pick the kids up at the orphanage. We quickly rushed to the restaurant, so when the kids arrived, we could greet them with the same enthusiasm and over-the-top excitement they give us every morning. And it was pandamonium! For all the kids, this was the first time they have ever eaten in a restaurant, and the ages of these kids vary from 4-18. Imagine never eating a restaurant in your life until you were 18, such a drastically differently lifestyle, and yet, you wouldn't think anything was missing in your life.
Being able to enjoy the sunset on the second floor of a restaurant, all closed off, with kids in an all-you-can eat restaurant, and God on our side was bliss. The evening flew by so fast, with photo ops galore, and a clam eating contest amongst the teenagers. Borey seemed to win that, hands down. What feels like hours of chatting and photos til 2am is only 9pm here. And in our hearts, and the back of our heads, the good byes of tomorrows are starting to creep up on us.
Because tomorrow evening, we must say goodbye to 39 angels. Angels with a joy in their eyes that reflect the heart of Christ shining through. To quote Scott Ekman, "His love for us pours through the kids, in a way we rarely ever see in our daily existence." So as we prepare our hearts, and our tissue paper, for goodbye tomorrow, we must remind ourselves, to not forget God's instruction to us on this journey. To pray for Him to do whatever it takes with us, so we may do whatever it takes for Him, for His glory. And to love our neighbors as ourselves, when we return the true mission field, our homes, our community, our city, our state, and our own country.
Side note, for you previous construction trip members, the pathways are still looking great and holding up. However, due to the city wanted to pave a road on the street in front of the orphanage, they had to move the property line, aka the fence, on the other side of the water puddles. Which basically means the field is much smaller, and they had to lose the volleyball nets.
So we kicked off this morning's skit with the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den. We made some lion masks and ornaments as crafts and then broke for lunch. Pomme dámour restaurant is highly not recommended for future visitors. The wait was long, the orders were wrong, some were forgotten, but hey, this is Cambodia, and we're on a mission. So as soon as returned to the orphanage, we jumped right into the last Bible story of the week, David and Goliath, which was a great hit with the kids. After more arts and crafts, we finished the afternoon with worship. There is nothing more moving, more emotional and more joyful, than to sing praise songs with the kids, especially when we sing in English, and we hear the kids sing the same songs in Khmer. So to the writers of "How Great is our God,""Hosanna," and "Heart of Worship," thank you for allowing us to experience a cross-cultural experience and spiritual connection unlike any other.
Pastor Vek's and his wife Samouen briefly greeted us at the orphanage, as they were making their round briefing with all the local pastors. Samouen was so impressed with the crafts and skits, that she wanted to take copies of everything to bring to the children at the other 2 orphanage sites.
But the highlight of the night belongs to dinner. Ratha, the orphanage director, wanted to surprise all the kids with a Christmas treat. He wanted to take the all the kids, the church staff and our team to dinner at a BBQ buffet restaurant. (No there is no BBQ pork ribs, sauce or the like. Just cambodian deep fry and cook your own meat). So as soon as we left the orhanage in the afternoon to freshen up, Khandy, our bus driver, returned to pick the kids up at the orphanage. We quickly rushed to the restaurant, so when the kids arrived, we could greet them with the same enthusiasm and over-the-top excitement they give us every morning. And it was pandamonium! For all the kids, this was the first time they have ever eaten in a restaurant, and the ages of these kids vary from 4-18. Imagine never eating a restaurant in your life until you were 18, such a drastically differently lifestyle, and yet, you wouldn't think anything was missing in your life.
Being able to enjoy the sunset on the second floor of a restaurant, all closed off, with kids in an all-you-can eat restaurant, and God on our side was bliss. The evening flew by so fast, with photo ops galore, and a clam eating contest amongst the teenagers. Borey seemed to win that, hands down. What feels like hours of chatting and photos til 2am is only 9pm here. And in our hearts, and the back of our heads, the good byes of tomorrows are starting to creep up on us.
Because tomorrow evening, we must say goodbye to 39 angels. Angels with a joy in their eyes that reflect the heart of Christ shining through. To quote Scott Ekman, "His love for us pours through the kids, in a way we rarely ever see in our daily existence." So as we prepare our hearts, and our tissue paper, for goodbye tomorrow, we must remind ourselves, to not forget God's instruction to us on this journey. To pray for Him to do whatever it takes with us, so we may do whatever it takes for Him, for His glory. And to love our neighbors as ourselves, when we return the true mission field, our homes, our community, our city, our state, and our own country.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Day Two: A Whale of a Time
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Today was A-MAZING!!!! The kids are absolutely awesome!!! We started the day with some more praise and worship that the kids LOVE! The sound is soooooo intoxicating! They catch on to the moves and words so quickly. After we worshipped with the kids we shared the story of Noah's Ark (it's really funny to hear the kids say Noah... they pronounce it NO-A.. haha). They loved the story. Afterwards we did some crafts, the best one being the elephant! We had the kids create elephant ears and trunks to wear! I can't wait for you guys to see the pictures... SO STINKING CUTE!
Lunch was at a new restaurant, Khmer Delight, hihgly recommended for any future groups and travelers to Battambang. We then did some shopping in the market, although the somewhat foul odor from raw meat baking in the sun for hours leaves it stench on you. We got paper, pens and other stationary for kids, in addition to badminton birdies and hacky sacks, since they love playing with these in the late afternoon. Mike wanted to be a little adventurous and eat some spiders, but none were to be found in the market. Instead, he had to settle for three types of bugs (video to be posted later). The second bug was the worst, because although it was crunchy as the other two, the insides just gushed out in your mouth. He had to pass on the snakes though, as they've been sitting outside for days. Maybe next time ...
After lunch, we shared the story of Jonah and the BIG fish! We have this bug blue blow up whale that the kids just thought was so funny. I have this picture I can't wait to post of all the kids carrying it to the school house from the bus. It's so funny! After the skit, the kids made stuffed lunch bags that looked like whales... water spickets and all! And the cutest were the whale ornaments that they decorated with tissue paper and put on the tree...
THE TREE... Natalie and I were so excited to bring the christmas tree and were sorely disappointed to find that they had a tree at the orphanage already... but then we found out that the tree is the church's and they had just brought for while we were there! The kids love the tree we brought and all the bright lights. After we put it up today they kept taking all their pictures around it!
Tonite we stayed at the orphanage late and watched Ice Age with the kids! We brought a projector with us and showed it on one of the big blank walls in the school house. We brought Chex Mix and Cheez Its with us from the states and then went and picked up a whole bunch of sodas for the kids! It was so finny to see how excited they were to have it all. Before the movie started though we gave the kids a whole bunch of glow stick necklaces! The kids were in awe... I'm not sure if they've ever seen them before. And being the New Life kids that they are... were very creative! Let's just say... the trees have a glow about them these days:)
It was so nice to just sit and relax with the kids and watch the movie. It makes me dread leaving though! I'm happy to be here in this time though! But the night is over, and we are exhausted. But before we go to bed, the hotel advertises a body massage for $5/hr, so off we go...
Today was A-MAZING!!!! The kids are absolutely awesome!!! We started the day with some more praise and worship that the kids LOVE! The sound is soooooo intoxicating! They catch on to the moves and words so quickly. After we worshipped with the kids we shared the story of Noah's Ark (it's really funny to hear the kids say Noah... they pronounce it NO-A.. haha). They loved the story. Afterwards we did some crafts, the best one being the elephant! We had the kids create elephant ears and trunks to wear! I can't wait for you guys to see the pictures... SO STINKING CUTE!
Lunch was at a new restaurant, Khmer Delight, hihgly recommended for any future groups and travelers to Battambang. We then did some shopping in the market, although the somewhat foul odor from raw meat baking in the sun for hours leaves it stench on you. We got paper, pens and other stationary for kids, in addition to badminton birdies and hacky sacks, since they love playing with these in the late afternoon. Mike wanted to be a little adventurous and eat some spiders, but none were to be found in the market. Instead, he had to settle for three types of bugs (video to be posted later). The second bug was the worst, because although it was crunchy as the other two, the insides just gushed out in your mouth. He had to pass on the snakes though, as they've been sitting outside for days. Maybe next time ...
After lunch, we shared the story of Jonah and the BIG fish! We have this bug blue blow up whale that the kids just thought was so funny. I have this picture I can't wait to post of all the kids carrying it to the school house from the bus. It's so funny! After the skit, the kids made stuffed lunch bags that looked like whales... water spickets and all! And the cutest were the whale ornaments that they decorated with tissue paper and put on the tree...
THE TREE... Natalie and I were so excited to bring the christmas tree and were sorely disappointed to find that they had a tree at the orphanage already... but then we found out that the tree is the church's and they had just brought for while we were there! The kids love the tree we brought and all the bright lights. After we put it up today they kept taking all their pictures around it!
Tonite we stayed at the orphanage late and watched Ice Age with the kids! We brought a projector with us and showed it on one of the big blank walls in the school house. We brought Chex Mix and Cheez Its with us from the states and then went and picked up a whole bunch of sodas for the kids! It was so finny to see how excited they were to have it all. Before the movie started though we gave the kids a whole bunch of glow stick necklaces! The kids were in awe... I'm not sure if they've ever seen them before. And being the New Life kids that they are... were very creative! Let's just say... the trees have a glow about them these days:)
It was so nice to just sit and relax with the kids and watch the movie. It makes me dread leaving though! I'm happy to be here in this time though! But the night is over, and we are exhausted. But before we go to bed, the hotel advertises a body massage for $5/hr, so off we go...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Day One: Introduciton of God's team
Day One. God's team. This is our theme for this week. We are doing VBS, or vacation bible study for four days with the 39 orphans this week. To kick off our programming, we thought there would be nothing more exciting, nothing more action packed and full of energy than a pep rally. So with the supplies we packed from back home, we arrived in style at the orphanage this morning. Pom poms, noise makers, beach balls, whistles, God's team tattoos and loud noises were the awakening the city of Battambang received after the commotion these kids caused.
The kids were so enthuastic in welcoming us back. The love they have to share with us is so abundant and overflowing, considering their backgrounds (parents who wanted to sell them as slaves, deceased parents, parents who wanted to sell them as prostitutes or abandoned them etc), one could imagine the sorrow and pain that is in their lives. Yet by the grace and mercy of our loving Father, he has showered these kids with so much love and great caretakers in their lives, that their eyes are filled with joy, their souls with love, so that we get the celebrity rock star treatment when we get off the bus.
The morning programming revolved around splitting the kids up into four teams, representing the four stories we would cover this week. We made some arts and crafts, tree ornaments and team pennants that represented each kid. Prior to this, we had 30 minutes of worship music, praising God with songs and dance. Let me tell you. American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance better find it's way to Battambang if you want to see some young talent, cause these kids can sing and dance! It was beautiful to see the kids also create a huge greeting card for Dara, one of their own who is in Siem Reap for two months due to heart surgery. Our prayers are with him. The afternoon consisted of some outdoor relay race and competitive games to burn off some energy, but before closed it with more songs and reiterating the theme that we are all on God's team, we had a skit on the subject matter. We portrayed how sin can easily entagle of lives, and we may try to remove sin from ourself and from others, but it impossible. It is only through Jesus that our sins are buried. Romans 5:8.
Before closing out the day, we took individual pictures and gathered information on all the kids. Some previous mission trip members, I believe, are parterning with an organization (similar to Compassion International and Brightpoint) to allow for the sponsoring of the kids. New Life Missions has a motto of only taking in kids in their orphanage in which they can provide for untilt he kid can graduate high school. They want to train the future leaders of Cambodia, in teaching them about God, English and how to use a computer. It is with this skill set, these kids have a shot at life, period.
It's amazing at the end of our day, how fast time flies by. I look back at today, and memories of Mary Margaret busting out the snake dance move (which by the way, all the older boys have mastered, and called the dance, the "Margaret"), Tommy performing magic tricks, Sandra dancing a storm in front of these kids, little Ya latching on to every team member, watching the older kids care for the younger ones, and having every kid posing for hundreds of pictures, hoping we would develop the photo and send it back one day to them .... so much to take in, so little time. Day one is over. Three more days to go. And we say goodbye Thursday night (day four). How can so much happen in one day? How can so much love and joy be overly abundant where the total possesion of each kid doesn't even fill a 20 gallon Rubbermaid looking container? How can a mother of four be so loved by two older girls that within 24 hours of meeting each other, they call her Mommy? How can a boy love a mission trip team member so much, that he stares at her for half a sermon/church service, hoping she would notice him? Or kids writing your name on their hats? How can kids be so disciplined and so sharing with one another? How can a nation half way around the world lift itself up after genocide has wiped out almost half its population? And how can this very place still be loved by God? Loved so much, that it can love it's mission trip team excessively, that we are reminded of God's greatest commandment - to love our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourself.
I have no answers. I just know I feel God's love. It's the most powerful feeling I have ever felt and feel. And it's the most powerful feeling you will ever feel in your life. For I know many of us came here thinking we can be the change the world needs to see - more love. But somehow along the way, Cambodia changes you. And it's for life.
Day one. Check. Day two, excited about tomorrow. Day four. Let's not talk about good-byes. We just got here ...
The kids were so enthuastic in welcoming us back. The love they have to share with us is so abundant and overflowing, considering their backgrounds (parents who wanted to sell them as slaves, deceased parents, parents who wanted to sell them as prostitutes or abandoned them etc), one could imagine the sorrow and pain that is in their lives. Yet by the grace and mercy of our loving Father, he has showered these kids with so much love and great caretakers in their lives, that their eyes are filled with joy, their souls with love, so that we get the celebrity rock star treatment when we get off the bus.
The morning programming revolved around splitting the kids up into four teams, representing the four stories we would cover this week. We made some arts and crafts, tree ornaments and team pennants that represented each kid. Prior to this, we had 30 minutes of worship music, praising God with songs and dance. Let me tell you. American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance better find it's way to Battambang if you want to see some young talent, cause these kids can sing and dance! It was beautiful to see the kids also create a huge greeting card for Dara, one of their own who is in Siem Reap for two months due to heart surgery. Our prayers are with him. The afternoon consisted of some outdoor relay race and competitive games to burn off some energy, but before closed it with more songs and reiterating the theme that we are all on God's team, we had a skit on the subject matter. We portrayed how sin can easily entagle of lives, and we may try to remove sin from ourself and from others, but it impossible. It is only through Jesus that our sins are buried. Romans 5:8.
Before closing out the day, we took individual pictures and gathered information on all the kids. Some previous mission trip members, I believe, are parterning with an organization (similar to Compassion International and Brightpoint) to allow for the sponsoring of the kids. New Life Missions has a motto of only taking in kids in their orphanage in which they can provide for untilt he kid can graduate high school. They want to train the future leaders of Cambodia, in teaching them about God, English and how to use a computer. It is with this skill set, these kids have a shot at life, period.
It's amazing at the end of our day, how fast time flies by. I look back at today, and memories of Mary Margaret busting out the snake dance move (which by the way, all the older boys have mastered, and called the dance, the "Margaret"), Tommy performing magic tricks, Sandra dancing a storm in front of these kids, little Ya latching on to every team member, watching the older kids care for the younger ones, and having every kid posing for hundreds of pictures, hoping we would develop the photo and send it back one day to them .... so much to take in, so little time. Day one is over. Three more days to go. And we say goodbye Thursday night (day four). How can so much happen in one day? How can so much love and joy be overly abundant where the total possesion of each kid doesn't even fill a 20 gallon Rubbermaid looking container? How can a mother of four be so loved by two older girls that within 24 hours of meeting each other, they call her Mommy? How can a boy love a mission trip team member so much, that he stares at her for half a sermon/church service, hoping she would notice him? Or kids writing your name on their hats? How can kids be so disciplined and so sharing with one another? How can a nation half way around the world lift itself up after genocide has wiped out almost half its population? And how can this very place still be loved by God? Loved so much, that it can love it's mission trip team excessively, that we are reminded of God's greatest commandment - to love our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourself.
I have no answers. I just know I feel God's love. It's the most powerful feeling I have ever felt and feel. And it's the most powerful feeling you will ever feel in your life. For I know many of us came here thinking we can be the change the world needs to see - more love. But somehow along the way, Cambodia changes you. And it's for life.
Day one. Check. Day two, excited about tomorrow. Day four. Let's not talk about good-byes. We just got here ...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Santa Claus has came to Battambang ...
Day Two in Battambang. Our team had breakfast at a new restaurant in town. The restaurant served fried egg and toast, but this is not your normal scrambled egg breakfast platter. This is Cambodian spam, wrapped in an omlette, dressed with mayonaisse in a spider design, with yellow baguette bread. But it was edible, as more than half of our team ordered this item, and no one is sick.
So after breakfast, we arrived at New Life Church for the 8:40am worship service. We were greeted by 39 joyou kids, local residents in town, and the church staff. The church has been renovating its flooring, replacing the tile. Although in its current state, half the room is tiled, and half the room is gravel. Then came worship music, with various groups of kids (based on age), signing and dancing to songs. It was amazing to see kids sing recognizable songs in Khmer (local language) but then shout out the chorus in English. Very entertaining.
We then returned to the hotel to organize our crafts and activities for the next few days. Then was lunch at Green House Cafe, a new restaurant owned and operated by one of the members of the Church. After lunch, we finally arrived at our destination - the orphanage. A place that brings back unforgettable, touch and lovely memories for all who've been there before. The minute you get off the bus, you have a flock of kids grabbing your hands, wanting to carry your backpack for you, and just expressing their love and enthuasiam for your presence in their home.
Kira, one of our team members, had letters and pictures to deliver each kid from the July team. I had letters, pictures and gifts to deliver to the kids from the May Construction team. It defnitely made us feel like Santa Claus delivering letters and pictures, which may be the most precious items for these kids. After gifts, we did introductions, distributed balls (rubber balls, volleyballs, soccer balls, etc) for the kids to play with, and made tie dye T-shirts as our first arts & craft activity on our rest day. It's amazing to see how fast these kids operate. And for those who are curious, the most popular dye dye color was yellow.
The afternoon was very active. Not from a programming or planning standpoint, but from the exhaustion of chasing balls, singing and dancing to praise music, and hanging out with these kids, our excitement for the next 4 days is awesome. Ratha, the orphanage director, is planning for our team to have a huge feast Wednesday evening. For the first time, we will take the entire staff and all the kids to a restaurant for a meal. For all of these kids, this will be their first exposure to the inside of a restaurant. We are definitely blessed with the luxuries we have in our life, and the opportunity to be around these kids.
For previous May Construction team members, these kids are expecting a new fence and to see your face next April. Don't disappoint them. They've been asking about you and can't wait to see you again. Until tomorrow night ...
So after breakfast, we arrived at New Life Church for the 8:40am worship service. We were greeted by 39 joyou kids, local residents in town, and the church staff. The church has been renovating its flooring, replacing the tile. Although in its current state, half the room is tiled, and half the room is gravel. Then came worship music, with various groups of kids (based on age), signing and dancing to songs. It was amazing to see kids sing recognizable songs in Khmer (local language) but then shout out the chorus in English. Very entertaining.
We then returned to the hotel to organize our crafts and activities for the next few days. Then was lunch at Green House Cafe, a new restaurant owned and operated by one of the members of the Church. After lunch, we finally arrived at our destination - the orphanage. A place that brings back unforgettable, touch and lovely memories for all who've been there before. The minute you get off the bus, you have a flock of kids grabbing your hands, wanting to carry your backpack for you, and just expressing their love and enthuasiam for your presence in their home.
Kira, one of our team members, had letters and pictures to deliver each kid from the July team. I had letters, pictures and gifts to deliver to the kids from the May Construction team. It defnitely made us feel like Santa Claus delivering letters and pictures, which may be the most precious items for these kids. After gifts, we did introductions, distributed balls (rubber balls, volleyballs, soccer balls, etc) for the kids to play with, and made tie dye T-shirts as our first arts & craft activity on our rest day. It's amazing to see how fast these kids operate. And for those who are curious, the most popular dye dye color was yellow.
The afternoon was very active. Not from a programming or planning standpoint, but from the exhaustion of chasing balls, singing and dancing to praise music, and hanging out with these kids, our excitement for the next 4 days is awesome. Ratha, the orphanage director, is planning for our team to have a huge feast Wednesday evening. For the first time, we will take the entire staff and all the kids to a restaurant for a meal. For all of these kids, this will be their first exposure to the inside of a restaurant. We are definitely blessed with the luxuries we have in our life, and the opportunity to be around these kids.
For previous May Construction team members, these kids are expecting a new fence and to see your face next April. Don't disappoint them. They've been asking about you and can't wait to see you again. Until tomorrow night ...
Saturday, December 5, 2009
We have arrived ...
Finally. We have arrived in Battambang, Cambodia. It was 7:30pm, and we pulled up to"White Rose" restaurant. After a 16 hour flight, 2 hour layover, another 6 hour flight, spending the night in a hotel in the capitol city of Phnom Penh, and another 6.5 hour bus ride, we have arrived at our destination. We were graciously welcomed to the city, by the orphanage director, Ratha, his wife, the local pastor and Sup Keith, the youth minister. Such excitement to see both new and familiar faces. But the most exciting event will occur tomorrow morning, when our team gets to arrive at the orphanage to meet the kids.
But before we arrived in Battambang, we were treated to something both special and emotional this morning. After breakfast, our team headed off to S-21. S-21 was a high school that converted into a essentially a death camp, during the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia from 1975-1979. It was estimated that over 20,000 men, women and children were tortured and executed at this location, part of the estimated 2 million Cambodians that were killed during this time frame.
Samouen, Pastor Vek's wife, who is the head pastor of New Life Missions in Cambodia, and subject of the book An Ordeal in Cambodia, and the partner church with North Point Ministries, gave us a guided tour of S-21. We came across graves of the final 14 people executed at S-21, visited rooms were people were held, saw pictures of numerous victims before they were tortured, saw torture devices (tanks for submerging people under water, cutting off fingers, etc) and and photos of mass graves. Samouen told us how two times, she, her husband, and her son, who was only 2 1/2 months at the beginning of the Khmer Rouge occupation, were set to go to S-21. And once you arrive at S-21, that was your final destination. But fortunately for them, God had a different purpose, a different plan. They never made it to S-21. They spent 4 years surviving the killing fields of Cambodia, before being rescued to the US via Campus Crusade in 1979. And when Cambodia finally opened it's doors in 1991, they felt compelled by God, to return to Cambodia, to build a church and spread the news of God. 18 years later, they now have 40 churches planted in the country, with 3 full time orphanages.
Samouen expressed how at times during th Khmer Rouge occupation, she and Pastor Vek didn';t know why God had spared their lives. But then they realized that God's purpose for them was not yet complete. Their purpose was to share the message of God to the people of Cambodia. That's why when were on our tour at S-21, Samouen got very emotional when we passed by pictures of the mass graves. Because she was reminded of her experience with fellow countrymen, who before they died, were crying out to all the wrong Gods to save their life. And she wish she had more with time, to share the news of Jesus Christ. So for every member of New Life Missions in Cambodia, for every kid that enters the orphanage, their first goal, before anything else, is to teach them about the grace of God. Unbelievable.
And that was only day 1 in the country. Wow.
But before we arrived in Battambang, we were treated to something both special and emotional this morning. After breakfast, our team headed off to S-21. S-21 was a high school that converted into a essentially a death camp, during the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia from 1975-1979. It was estimated that over 20,000 men, women and children were tortured and executed at this location, part of the estimated 2 million Cambodians that were killed during this time frame.
Samouen, Pastor Vek's wife, who is the head pastor of New Life Missions in Cambodia, and subject of the book An Ordeal in Cambodia, and the partner church with North Point Ministries, gave us a guided tour of S-21. We came across graves of the final 14 people executed at S-21, visited rooms were people were held, saw pictures of numerous victims before they were tortured, saw torture devices (tanks for submerging people under water, cutting off fingers, etc) and and photos of mass graves. Samouen told us how two times, she, her husband, and her son, who was only 2 1/2 months at the beginning of the Khmer Rouge occupation, were set to go to S-21. And once you arrive at S-21, that was your final destination. But fortunately for them, God had a different purpose, a different plan. They never made it to S-21. They spent 4 years surviving the killing fields of Cambodia, before being rescued to the US via Campus Crusade in 1979. And when Cambodia finally opened it's doors in 1991, they felt compelled by God, to return to Cambodia, to build a church and spread the news of God. 18 years later, they now have 40 churches planted in the country, with 3 full time orphanages.
Samouen expressed how at times during th Khmer Rouge occupation, she and Pastor Vek didn';t know why God had spared their lives. But then they realized that God's purpose for them was not yet complete. Their purpose was to share the message of God to the people of Cambodia. That's why when were on our tour at S-21, Samouen got very emotional when we passed by pictures of the mass graves. Because she was reminded of her experience with fellow countrymen, who before they died, were crying out to all the wrong Gods to save their life. And she wish she had more with time, to share the news of Jesus Christ. So for every member of New Life Missions in Cambodia, for every kid that enters the orphanage, their first goal, before anything else, is to teach them about the grace of God. Unbelievable.
And that was only day 1 in the country. Wow.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Almos there...
Oh my goodness was that 16 hours long... but worth every minute to be over here with these kids!!! I'm completely exhausted though! Hopefully I will rest on this next 6 hour flight! Our team is doing great.. Everyone's spirits are high and excited for our adventure! Stay tuned for more later:)
Here's some inspiration my friend Layne shared with me before I left:
"I am with you and will watch over you. Where ever you go I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have planned for you." Genesis 28:15
So awesome! God is sovereign!!!
Here's some inspiration my friend Layne shared with me before I left:
"I am with you and will watch over you. Where ever you go I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have planned for you." Genesis 28:15
So awesome! God is sovereign!!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thank you for the prayers ... Cambodia, here we come!
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Thanks to Dani for sharing this verse with me)
To all of our friends, family, supporters, brothers and sisters in Christ:
Thank you all for your prayers as we are less than 24 hours away from embarking on our journey to Cambodia. We all really appreciate you from the bottom of our heart. God has been very generous with all of us. He's been generous with the love and opportunities he's given us in life. For some of us, to be able to return to Cambodia a second time, others to serve our mission in a new country, and for a first time experience unlike any other. Thank you God for allowing us to be used by you to spread your message and your love to the kids and staff at New Life Missions in Battambang, Cambodia. Thank you God for giving us life, giving us breath, giving us each other. Thank you all for allowing us to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. To be in such an encouraging environment where we can be amazed by one another's love for you God. Thank you all you choice to walk with God. Thank you for your support of our team's mission and trip, financially, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being honest with yourself and with God. For being you. Thank you so much.
Battambang, Cambodia. Get ready. This mission team is ready for you. Here we come!
Mike
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Thanks to Dani for sharing this verse with me)
To all of our friends, family, supporters, brothers and sisters in Christ:
Thank you all for your prayers as we are less than 24 hours away from embarking on our journey to Cambodia. We all really appreciate you from the bottom of our heart. God has been very generous with all of us. He's been generous with the love and opportunities he's given us in life. For some of us, to be able to return to Cambodia a second time, others to serve our mission in a new country, and for a first time experience unlike any other. Thank you God for allowing us to be used by you to spread your message and your love to the kids and staff at New Life Missions in Battambang, Cambodia. Thank you God for giving us life, giving us breath, giving us each other. Thank you all for allowing us to be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. To be in such an encouraging environment where we can be amazed by one another's love for you God. Thank you all you choice to walk with God. Thank you for your support of our team's mission and trip, financially, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being honest with yourself and with God. For being you. Thank you so much.
Battambang, Cambodia. Get ready. This mission team is ready for you. Here we come!
Mike
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