Happy Birthday to Donna Rodatz!!!! Today we got on the bus for Siem Reap. David Ens (Marie's son) is with us to help show us around and translate (THANKFULLY). We had a five hour bus ride from Phenom Penh to Siem Reap through the country. We saw a lot of little villages and really cool things. Right now the country is under water - literally. We stopped at a market for a break and Brent O'Çonnor ate a fried Tarantula. They had lots of interesting things to eat (just to gross out the tourists). That night we went to Pub Street where there are many neat restaurants to eat in so we all chose what we liked and went our separate ways. Hank tried to find a burger, but I think he was out of luck. Joleen got to eat Mexican Food in Cambodia and it was great!!
After the Tuk Tuk ride home, we met to eat some desert and talk. Not a lot happened today, but great to see the countryside. Cambodia is a beautiful place.
Jennifer has had some interesting adventures getting in and out of a Tuk Tuk. She has started a collection of Tuk Tuk and Role stories to share when we return.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Day 5 October 22
We have had some Internet difficulties so sorry about the delay. Today we went to the Military Hospital which is otherwise known as the poor persons hospital. The hospital was dirty, but much better than it was a couple of years ago. Marie Ens (Place of Rescue) has a team of people who visit the hospital each week to pray and advocate for medical supplies for the patients. People in this hospital must have a family member to care for them because there is no nursing care provided. Their families bring them food, blankets, etc. We broke into small groups and visited different parts of the hospital. The rooms were moldy and hot. Many did not have pillows or blankets. Some of our group mentioned that patients in the emergency care ward did not have casts on their broken bones, they were just laying on the beds until the wounds healed. The conditions of this hospital were not what we have in Canada - so those of you who complain about a nurse or the level of attention provided to you in the ER, just be very thankful you are not a poor Cambodian.
At evening debriefing Jay talked about reaping what you sew. From Job 4:8 "If you sow trouble you will reap it". The reverse of that is when you sow good, you reap it. This is very true for all of the people doing good things in Cambodia.
The Administrator for the hospital is a highly decorated female in the Military. Very Cool!
Sue called from the House of Smiles to inform us she signed a lease for one year with the increased rent so the children will be able to remain in this facility with the help of donations from members of this group of 300.00 per month.
Blaine - our very awsome guide had some words of wisdom before we landed in Cambodia... While in Cambodia, practice patience and politeness. We have been doing a lot of that.
We also got to visit Place of Rescue's new transition house that they are just building to get ready for the children graduating so they have a safe place to live if they go on to College in the city. It is going to be great. It is very nice house.
At evening debriefing Jay talked about reaping what you sew. From Job 4:8 "If you sow trouble you will reap it". The reverse of that is when you sow good, you reap it. This is very true for all of the people doing good things in Cambodia.
The Administrator for the hospital is a highly decorated female in the Military. Very Cool!
Sue called from the House of Smiles to inform us she signed a lease for one year with the increased rent so the children will be able to remain in this facility with the help of donations from members of this group of 300.00 per month.
Blaine - our very awsome guide had some words of wisdom before we landed in Cambodia... While in Cambodia, practice patience and politeness. We have been doing a lot of that.
We also got to visit Place of Rescue's new transition house that they are just building to get ready for the children graduating so they have a safe place to live if they go on to College in the city. It is going to be great. It is very nice house.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Day 4, October 21
Today we toured a number of NGO's and visited the Russian Market. We went to:
1) House of Smiles which is one of the programs operated by Hagar. This program cares for children with cognitive and physical disabilities.
2) We went to Peace Handicrafts & Silks which is a store that sells silk products made by landmine and polio victims.
3) We ate lunch at Jars of Clay which is an NGO that took in 8 at risk girls and taught them how to operate a restaurant.
4) We then visited Harvest Cambodia which is a factory where canned and dried fruit products are made by landmine survivors.
It is remarkable how many NGO's exist in Cambodia and it is truly a gift to have the opportunity to visit these organizations to learn how they made the journey to Cambodia to help rebuild the social infrastructure here.
Everyone in the group took away different thoughts and had a special connection with one or more of these groups. The following is a summary of some of the comments shared at evening debriefing:
-Kim felt especially connected to House of Smiles. It took her back to a mission trip she went on when she was 15. She believes she is fulfilling her true purpose in life by having the opportunity to work with children.
-House of Smiles has a beautiful facility in a really nice, clean area. The landlord has recently increase the rent by 300.00 per month. The Executive Director has had to make the unfortunate decision to leave this property due to the rent increase. The only location she can secure is a facility which is under water and is not appropriate for the care of children with disabilities. Bill suggested they offer to help House of Smiles stay in their current location by trying to raise the funds back home to cover the rental increase. These are really amazing and beautiful children who are otherwise not accepted or treated well in Cambodian society.
-A few others talked about the faith/guidance and vision some of these women had when they answered their calling from God to come to Cambodia to help. Most left everything familiar behind and came to Cambodia with nothing but a dream. To come and start with nothing sacrificing all of the comforts of home is inspiring to all of us.
-Jars of Clay was started by a women from the UK. She has now turned the business over to the eight girls she rescued off of the streets of Cambodia and is leaving it to them to continue without her. Jana commented that this is a true example of empowerment, faith and trust.
-We talked as a group about the good vs evil. For example in the prisons, how does the good combat the evil that exists... how do you make a difference in the lives of people in prison. Jana said, "You can not take away my will to forgive". Hank stated that you can't attempted to fight evil with good, you can only continue to do good for people to and just accept that evil exists.
-We processed a bit more about the Khmer Rouge Regime and the terrible genocide that occurred during this time. We discussed how people could have followed this regime and carried out the evil, torture and killing from Pol Pot. Hank stated that "All you need for evil to survive is for a few good people to nothing at all".
We are experiencing some pretty powerful things in Cambodia. We will come back with heavy hearts and a new perspective. Cambodians are easy to love, they have the most beautiful and welcoming smiles.
On the lighter side of things - Kim and Lynn want to raise awareness of the Cankle disease that occurs in Cambodia. This is a disturbing situation where the calf becomes one with the ankle. It is a common disease for foreigners.
Also, Jana wanted to mention that this trip has officially become the bathroom and buffet tour. Many of the smaller eating establishments have a hard time accommodating a large group.
On that note, we wish friends, family and co-workers well. See you tomorrow.
1) House of Smiles which is one of the programs operated by Hagar. This program cares for children with cognitive and physical disabilities.
2) We went to Peace Handicrafts & Silks which is a store that sells silk products made by landmine and polio victims.
3) We ate lunch at Jars of Clay which is an NGO that took in 8 at risk girls and taught them how to operate a restaurant.
4) We then visited Harvest Cambodia which is a factory where canned and dried fruit products are made by landmine survivors.
It is remarkable how many NGO's exist in Cambodia and it is truly a gift to have the opportunity to visit these organizations to learn how they made the journey to Cambodia to help rebuild the social infrastructure here.
Everyone in the group took away different thoughts and had a special connection with one or more of these groups. The following is a summary of some of the comments shared at evening debriefing:
-Kim felt especially connected to House of Smiles. It took her back to a mission trip she went on when she was 15. She believes she is fulfilling her true purpose in life by having the opportunity to work with children.
-House of Smiles has a beautiful facility in a really nice, clean area. The landlord has recently increase the rent by 300.00 per month. The Executive Director has had to make the unfortunate decision to leave this property due to the rent increase. The only location she can secure is a facility which is under water and is not appropriate for the care of children with disabilities. Bill suggested they offer to help House of Smiles stay in their current location by trying to raise the funds back home to cover the rental increase. These are really amazing and beautiful children who are otherwise not accepted or treated well in Cambodian society.
-A few others talked about the faith/guidance and vision some of these women had when they answered their calling from God to come to Cambodia to help. Most left everything familiar behind and came to Cambodia with nothing but a dream. To come and start with nothing sacrificing all of the comforts of home is inspiring to all of us.
-Jars of Clay was started by a women from the UK. She has now turned the business over to the eight girls she rescued off of the streets of Cambodia and is leaving it to them to continue without her. Jana commented that this is a true example of empowerment, faith and trust.
-We talked as a group about the good vs evil. For example in the prisons, how does the good combat the evil that exists... how do you make a difference in the lives of people in prison. Jana said, "You can not take away my will to forgive". Hank stated that you can't attempted to fight evil with good, you can only continue to do good for people to and just accept that evil exists.
-We processed a bit more about the Khmer Rouge Regime and the terrible genocide that occurred during this time. We discussed how people could have followed this regime and carried out the evil, torture and killing from Pol Pot. Hank stated that "All you need for evil to survive is for a few good people to nothing at all".
We are experiencing some pretty powerful things in Cambodia. We will come back with heavy hearts and a new perspective. Cambodians are easy to love, they have the most beautiful and welcoming smiles.
On the lighter side of things - Kim and Lynn want to raise awareness of the Cankle disease that occurs in Cambodia. This is a disturbing situation where the calf becomes one with the ankle. It is a common disease for foreigners.
Also, Jana wanted to mention that this trip has officially become the bathroom and buffet tour. Many of the smaller eating establishments have a hard time accommodating a large group.
On that note, we wish friends, family and co-workers well. See you tomorrow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Day Three, October 20
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!
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!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Day Two
Well it is Oct 19 in Cambodia and very hot. Today we had a bit of a relaxed day to try and recover from the long travels and to prepare for the week ahead. We went to Church at the World Vision Headquarters (International Christian Assembly). Then we went for lunch with Marie Ens and her son. The food is great so far. Then later in the day we went on a river boat down the Mekong River and then for a stroll along the river. We had the amazing experience of crossing a road and for some of us (who did not go to Vietnam) saw our lives flash before us. It's true they all just drive around you. Then we road a Tuk Tuk back to our hotel. A lady on the street offered to sell her young infant to Jana, so needless to say, we had some discussions about that after supper. Cambodians are very friendly and giggle when you try to speak their language. Tomorrow we have a very early morning. Off at 7:30 to the Kendal Prison and then to the Killing Fields. That's it for tonight - see you tomorrow, same place, same time. Happy Blogging.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pictures from Day One
These are children at Place of Rescue wearing Heritage T-Shirts.
Sean with one of the children.
The girls are doing traditional dance (Jesus is born)
First Day in Cambodia
After travelling for about 30 hours we made it to Cambodia at 10:30 am on Saturday the 18th. We got to the hotel had a few minutes to freshen up and then we loaded back in the vans to head out to Place of Rescue. When we got there all of the staff and children were waiting for us in the pavilion. They had prepared a great program for us which included singing, prayer and traditional dancing. They also welcomed us to the stage to sing a song for them. We sang one verse of Jesus Loves the Children. Not bad for no notice. They prepared a traditional Cambodian dinner and then we toured the grounds. Place of Rescue is truly amazing and the work Marie Ens does is inspiring. There are so many adorable children and grannies who were happy and welcomed us with open arms. This was a great way to start the trip. We will put some photos on in a few days - when we are a little less exhausted.
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