Voices of Transformation

Today's journal is from our dedicated man, Larry Commins

My wife Chris and I have visited Cambodia once before, and Vietnam several times, so we were very excited to have another opportunity to return in 2024. Our plan was to visit again some of the homes and other projects of GIBTK in these 2 countries, and also to spend some treasured time with the children, young people, and also the staff of this unique, and uniquely placed organisation.

Larry and his amazing team on this trip

This time however, we had the added joy of being accompanied by 6 friends (ages from 19 through to 70) who had heard Chris & I talk about our love and appreciation for the work of GIBTK, and decided that they wanted to ‘come and see' for themselves. For now I will limit my story to our experiences in Cambodia and write later, if opportunity affords itself, about our visit to Vietnam.

The moment of meeting the girls at the Homes made Larry extremely excited and touched

We began with a visit to one of the infamous ‘Killing Fields' near Phnom Penh. We commenced our self-guided tour with keen interest, wanting to learn some of the country's significant recent history as helpful background, hopefully enabling us to better connect with our friends and the work of GIBTK. 

What could be more wonderful than seeing such emotional and warm welcomes

Next, in complete contrast, we travelled north by road for about 4 hours to the central city of Battambang. After resting for the night we excitedly bundled into the small bus which took us to the first of the GIBTK homes we would visit that day - Marlene & Vera Girls Home. Words are hard to find for the way I, and the others in our team, felt as we arrived. The girls and young women of the home had prepared special name posters and greetings for us all.

The warm words shared by Larry to encourage the girls

It was very touching to realise that our visit meant so much to them and there were many hugs and tears flowing down our cheeks – even some of the men! During our visit there, the girls shared with us about their dreams and aspirations for the future. 

Encouraging and motivating the children is something that Larry is extremely attentive to

Most of the beautiful young women there now have clear goals and plans in place for the careers and ambitions they are pursuing; Teaching, Medicine, Arts, Business and others.

The music exchange session with the girls left many memorable emotions

Our hearts melted as we listened to them tell of the terribly sad circumstances they had come from, and how GIBTK had given them a safe home to live in, precious opportunity for education, and most importantly of all, a simple yet priceless gift called Love! We shared songs together, some delicious pizza! ...and there were some more tears as we departed, all the while hoping and praying for another opportunity (some day) to meet again and share together...watch this space!

I was deeply moved by the girls' heartfelt music about their lives

And that's all the wonderful things for women from home. I also want to tell you more about the New Hope Home for boys. Stay tuned for Part 2.