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So is it really about the kids? Of course, but landing in Cambodia made me wonder. Could it also be just what I need? Although I have been here many times, the city seemed strange. The airport which I visualized while landing was a complete surprise. It was over twice the size it had been as recent as last summer.
As we began our drive there was many new buildings but even more under construction. Tall buildings, huge complexes and the traffic? Well congested would be an understatement. The driver made many turns to avoid would traffic jam, would gasp as he'd come to "new shortcut" only to find many others had the same idea.
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| The Ladies of Marlene's and Vera's home!!! |
It has been 6 months since my last trip to SE Asia. Arguably the roughest couple years I have lived. After a night in Phnom we began our 6 plus hour drive to Battambang. Once again construction all along the way. Bumpy roads with stretches on unpaved red dusty roads. Cambodia never was what I would call a "clean" city but now the dust from all the construction covered everything. Building and homes were all tinted from the red dirt.
The city I sort of understood why I felt sort of lost. But once in the country I kept looking at fields and shacks having almost a out of body experience. I felt as though I didn't belong. Weird I know.
I reminded myself several times that I'm here to bring hope to the hopeless. GIBTK has been called to a mission and that's to transform lives.
This disconnect is what made me begin to think maybe it was sorta about me. To reconnect and re-fire the passion I was given for the poor and disenfranchised. To do something!!! Make a difference.
Once we got to Battambang and met the girls. Most, from the poorest of the poor. Some having been trafficked others at high risk of being sold off. Now living in a place of safety! A place where they are regularly reinforced to realizing they are of value, special, and unique ladies of God!!!
Yup as I type this and think of the joy these young ladies show. I see that this trip may be a little about me. Much of my recent time has been spent with my kids and what for gibtk has been admin and fundraising. For me what has always been the most joy is hanging with the kids, being there for parents whose kids need surgery. Being a channel of Hope.
What amazes me to no end is that yes Cambodia is exploding in growth, but let me tell you these girls aren't letting the country growth show them up! No way. These young ladies yes taller, but emotionally healthier and speaking English!!! Beyond just common phrases.
"Big" Shreynoch, one of our first girls. Has grown at least 12 inches since she first came to us. But the changes I see in her are HUGE, this little lady lived in a village in Poipet, known for being a funnel of trafficking into Thailand. She struggled many times wanting to give up and go home. But has persevered. Her English was remarkable. She even corrected one of my translators.
We ended the evening enjoying pizza (these girls can eat!) as the night drew to a close we had surprise celebration of "little" Sreynoch birthday. It was where even all the restaurant staff came out loudly singing Happy Birthday! Most of these young girls never had their birthdays celebrated before coming to our homes....
It is sad leaving the girls but I have a lot of ground to cover in Vietnam and not so much time. Before leaving I saw a advertisement that the circus is in town. I first battled inside knowing this is not part of the budget but I'm sure you already know I caved. As we were saying our goodbyes I asked if they wanted to go to the circus. Channa, our new house manager looked at me wide-eyed, said YES,
I said ask them. But by now the girls caught on. At first they looked back and forth at each other, their eyes asking in wonder, "could it be?" Then they all realized it was true. They were being asked if they wanted to go to the circus. They all squealed in joy, many jumping up and down, others clapping and shrieking.
Simple huh? So what's the big deal? Circus? Yup a new experience for these lovely young ladies and for me a wake-up reminder why we do what we do. Were here to transform lives, one child at time. And its working!
So is it all about the kids? You bet! Always will be. But i got my suspicions that there may a little extra for this weary traveler too. God seems to always have more in His plans then we think and always see's when we need that little extra God wink!
BBLESSED!
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