Just one of the many beautiful Cambodian children.
Hello everyone! We have safely arrived at our ministry location for the month in Takeo, Cambodia. We joked about being “in the rice paddies” this month but our joking has become reality. Sorry Mom, this means no internet for the month… (today we came back into Phnom Penh after a tour of the “Killing Fields” used while the Khmer Rouge was in power). So, my remedy for no internet? A video diary! Below are thoughts I had each day since our arrival and the video has clips from each day. No news is good news… Love you all!
DAY 1: Tuesday, April 17
Prior to our arrival in Cambodia, I admittedly knew little about the country or what our ministry would entail. Since I began researching the history and culture, I’ve had some crazy connections that have increased my heart for this nation.
I began reading First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung in an effort to understand the Khmer Rouge. Briefly, the Khmer Rouge was the name given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, who were the ruling party in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Led by Pol Pot, nearly 2 million people were killed in a massive ethnic cleansing.
What struck me the most today was simply this:
On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge soldiers evacuated Loung and her family from Phnom Penh.
On April 17, 2012, Family Force 6 piled into a van and left Phnom Penh for the rice paddies of Takeo.
Here is how Loung describes it:
“Before the monsoons hit in May, we have to endure April, our hottest month, with temperatures often reaching no degrees- so hot that even the children stay indoors to avoid the sun. It’s this hot now.
As we move farther and farther away from the city, the high-rise apartments disappear and thatched-roof huts take their place. The buildings in the city are tall and close together, but the huts are low-lying and widely dispersed in the middle of the rice fields. As our truck moves slowly in the crowd of people, the wide, paved boulevard gives way to windy, dusty roads that are no more than wagon trails. Tall elephant grass and prickly, brown brush have replaced Phnom Penh’s booming flowers and tall trees. A queasy feeling grips me as I watch the villages pass by. As far as the eye can see, there are people marching in the road while huts stand empty and rice fields are left unattended.”
DAY 2: April 18
Today we hopped into the ministry-owned tuk tuk, which is a sight to see! We were told we’d be attending a church cell group in a village nearby and would share our stories with the group. After 45 minutes of bumpy roads, we arrived in Suay Com. It was obvious that foreigners rarely visit this area because we quickly drew a crowd.
We ride in style!
A large group of curious children gathered and looked at us expectantly. Seth, our contact, asked if we had something prepared for the children.
Uhh…think on your feet Emily!
Nick and I led them in a rousing rendition of “Jesus Love is Bubbling Over” followed by Simon Says. Keep in mind I only know how to say hello in their language, so large gestures and facial expressions are all I have to communicate. We quickly realized a need for someone to watch the children so the adults could continue with their Bible study. Sign me up!
Nick and I modeled how to play each game and then let the kids go wild. And wild they were! We played Red Light-Green Light, Elbow Tag, Limbo, Follow-the-Leader Jump Rope and Duck, Duck, Goose. While we hung out with the kids, our other teammates were sharing their stories and praying for the group of believers that lived in the village.
It was a great morning of ministry!
Jumping rope with some village children in Cambodia.
No, my shirt is not two-tone, that's just my sweat soaking through…
I've resigned to the fact that I will sweat all month!
We returned home for lunch, took a brief rest and headed out for English class in a different village. We were told we’d be assisting in the class but it’s typical for the locals to allow teams to teach. Family Force 6 gave a brief lesson and then broke into smaller groups to converse.
My group worked on basic questions and eventually they were comfortable asking me questions. Are you married? and Do you have a boyfriend? are always among the favorites.
Overall, today was a great reminder to let the Spirit lead. We have a basic outline of our day but so much changes last minute. I’m getting better at giving up control and enjoy “letting the day come.”
DAY 3: April 19
This morning we traveled to another village for Kids Club, a weekly gathering of children about 20 minutes from our house. We spent the morning teaching songs, acting out the story of David and Goliath and playing a variety of games. It didn’t take me long to be completely drenched in sweat, especially after leading the kids in the Insanity stretching routine! We shared a lot of laughs!
Kids Club will typically attract 100-200 children each week.
The highlight of my day was the afternoon English classes, particularly our transportation. From 4-5pm, youth in the area arrive at the Center (which is also our home) to have a lesson and practice speaking. Many are involved in the youth group and I’ve enjoyed hearing their stories. When we finished, our contact approached me and asked if I was ready.
Ready? I thought. What am I suppose to be ready for?
Turns out, we were headed back to the same village as yesterday to teach the same students English.
Okay, let’s go. I headed toward the tuk tuk but was redirected to the pastor waiting on the moto. Uhh…are we taking this? I’ve never ridden on a moto overseas… I awkwardly climb on the back and Jamie follows. We then realize our contact is coming and we don’t have to smoosh 3 people on one moto.
As we took off out of the driveway, I didn’t know where to put my hands. I didn’t even know the name of the guy driving the moto- I had only met him briefly yesterday at class. I finally got comfortable and learned to “move with the moto.” The drive to the village takes about 15 minutes and I enjoyed every minute of it. I gotta get me one of these…
The kids at English class were thrilled to see us back so soon and I’m excited to return tomorrow…
My first moto ride overseas.
DAY 4: April 20
This morning we began our day with an adult Bible study at the center. Six members from the local community came to sing praises and hear God’s word. As I was sitting and listening to them converse in Khmer, I wrote these words in my journal:
I’m sitting in the adult Bible study at the center. 6 adults have come after the New Year. What is common all around the world is illiteracy- so many people can’t read or write… I as so blessed to not only be able to read but to process and apply what I’m reading. I have multiple Bibles, I have access to study materials, and I have community to study with. These people are excited to be together 1 or 2 times each week; what they are taught here is all they know. I have so many resources and places to study- sometimes it feels like too many!
After the lesson, each person was encouraged to write or draw a picture about her “takeaways.” We went around the circle and shared about the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25 and how we would apply it to our lives. I’ve been doodling in my journal all Race but I loved seeing each person’s drawings and how they will prepared for Christ’s second coming.
Jamie and I are now pros at riding on a moto!
Our afternoon was spent in a rural village for a cell group Bible study (which means lots of kids to love on) followed by English classes at the center.
Jamie and I rode the moto back to teach English in the same village as the previous two days. We were greeted by 25 students who were excited to see us and eager to learn. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter is a highlight of my day and my time in Cambodia thus far! When class was over, one of my students approached me and gave me a gift of dried mango and told me she would miss me. They are so precious!
A few of my English students after class.
Clearly, you can see it’s been a great first week in Cambodia! We have two more weeks of ministry and I hope to update you along the way. If you don’t hear from me, remember that no news is good news.
