Greetings from Cambodia. Well, it is still very hot. Today we went to the Kendal Prison. It was emotional and we got to hand out care packages to some of the inmates. The most gripping was the women and children. Children can stay in prison with their mother until they are 6 years old. A three year old child sang a song of worship in Khmer to our group when we visited the women in the weaving room. It tugged at the heart a little. The Kendal Prison is actually nicer than one might think for a Cambodian prison, however, we are glad we weren't there for an extended stay!!. And surprisingly, Noble made it out without incident.
After the prison visit we went to the Prison Fellowship Cambodia Headquarters to spend some time with grandma Linda (Executive Director for Cambodia). The work they are doing in the prisons is truly amazing. Just when you think you do good work, you meet people like Linda and Marie who inspire you to be more.
After lunch we went to the Genocide Museum Touel Sleng and then to the Killing Fields. Our tour guide was a survivor and lost all of his family during the Pol Pot Regime. He was only 17 years old and watched most of his family die. His passion and lived experience enhanced our understanding of the terrible events that occurred from 1975-79. The following are a few thoughts shared at our evening debriefing session:
-I can't imagine this happening in my life
-It is sad, yet enlightening - the strength of the Cambodian people is evident in spite of the trauma they experienced
-We can't compare the work we do at home with this... it is too different
-"Primal Screaming of Quietness" a quote from Jennifer as she described how she felt walking through the torture centre... If that doesn't say it all.
As Dr. Dave said, how do you even put it into words. There is nothing you can say after seeing this place.
If it weren't for the many NGO's working tirelessly to help restore the Cambodian society... Thank you to them for allowing us into their lives if only for a brief moment.
Sorry there are no photos, it was a long day. Take Care everyone!
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2 comments:
Day 3 will be a moment in time - for all of you -that will impact the rest of your lives. My thoughts are with you.
"The most gripping was the women and children. Children can stay in prison with their mother until they are 6 years old." Can you see the parallel to the Indian Residential School experience?
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