Every day in Cambodia I wake up and walk downstairs to see the faces of smiling children. I get to walk down the street and teach four little preschoolers their alphabet. My afternoons are filled with crafting and cooking in preparation for Christmas. Every day I am completely immersed in all that makes Bykota House a reality.
Mark and Rhonda Benz’ passion for Cambodian children began years ago. The couple had adopted two children from this country to grow their already large family to a total of seven children. After coming to Asia and witnessing the conditions of the orphanages here, their hearts were burdened. They tried working from the States to make an impact, but soon realized God was calling them to further action. They packed up their lives and moved to Phnom Penh where they established Bykota House.
Today, Mark and Rhonda have adopted seven Cambodian children and are currently housing 23 in Bykota House. In addition, numerous other children and teenagers have been through their doors experiencing love and care that they otherwise would not have found. Many of these children would have fallen prey to abuse, trafficking and possibly even death without the help they have received here.
All the kids call Mark and Rhonda “Mom and Dad” creating a true family atmosphere. A monthly birthday party is thrown for all whose birthdays fall within the month with games, décor, and of course cake. Each child receives Christmas presents picked out exclusively for them along with fun-filled Christmas decorating and cooking just like in any other household.
Bykota House is unlike many other children’s homes in that they take in children with special needs. Autism and cerebral palsy are only two of the conditions that some the kids have. Even though caring for them is more expensive and more time consuming, all needs are taken care of here, and no one would be turned away due to medical needs.
As I experience the daily lives of the children here, it is hard to imagine them in any other environment. The nurture and care they receive here is only made possible through donations. Monetary gifts enable these kids to have fun presents and events, but they are not the only things the organization is dependent on donations for. Basically, whether these kids eat or get proper medical care is determined by the funds that come. The rent for the house, school supplies and uniforms, and the caregivers’ livelihoods are all made possible through donations.
I would like anyone who reads this to consider giving a donation to Bykota House. No matter how big or small all is appreciated and used for its designated purpose. And after all, life necessities are less expensive in Cambodia, so your gift could very well go much farther than it would have in the United States. Gifts can be made by visiting www.bykotahouse.org and clicking on the donations tab.
The organization is small; therefore, the amount of supporters is small. But what if everyone who read this blog decided to give a donation simply as a Christmas gift? Each child here will receive 3 gifts – most of them handmade. While all the gifts are quite nice, stop and think what you are giving or receiving as gifts at home. Could you spare a few dollars to make another child’s Christmas better? What can you afford – $10? $25? $100? I challenge you, my readers, to add Bykota House to your gift list this holiday season and make this Christmas one to remember for those serving here in Cambodia.
