I got to explore quite a bit of Cambodia during our off days, and it helped me to understand the Khmer (Cambodian) people on a deeper level. In addition to doing fun things like holding a baby crocodile, touring ancient temples, and Angkor Wat, I also went to the killing caves and killing fields that were used during the Khmer Rouge genocide in 1975. It is estimated that 1.7 – 2 million people were killed in the four years that it lasted. They killed anyone who had an education, was rich, or was seen as even a possible threat because the leaders of the Khmer Rouge were afraid that those people would rise up and overthrow them. You can read about it here if you want more information: http://endgenocide.org/learn/past-genocides/the-cambodian-genocide/
Seeing the killing caves and fields in person made it so real. It wasn’t just something I learned about, I was actually standing on the very ground where millions of innocent people were tortured and killed because someone was afraid of what they might do, not even for an actual crime that they had committed. The Cambodian people have rebuilt as best they can, but the government is still corrupt and there is a huge need for good teachers and doctors. Everyone that can afford to will travel to Thailand to have even simple medical procedures done because the quality of medicine in Cambodia is so bad. There is a huge need for children to learn English so that they have more job opportunities when they are older, which is why the work that the Theriaults are doing at Ezra is so important. Instead of just feeling sorry for them from afar, they are helping the Khmer people take ownership of their freedom and rebuild the things that were destroyed.
In spite of all they have been through, the Cambodians are very gentle and friendly. There are no speed limits, and very few traffic laws, but the majority of cars and motos drive slow, and people are very rarely in a hurry to get anywhere. I think they live at a slower pace because they know that to live life to the fullest doesn’t mean filling every spare moment, but making the most of the moments that they have. The Cambodian people have experienced first hand what it feels like to live in fear, and that makes them appreciate their freedom even more. This has been true in my life as well, although on a much smaller scale.
Before I went on the World Race I was terrified! But the more times I have said yes to God and stepped out into what He has for me the easier it has become. It reminds me of this verse: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 Jesus paid the ultimate price for my freedom, but it is my choice if I step into it or if I will wallow in pain from the past and allow myself to be paralysed by fear. Someone once told me that it is like living in a prison cell with the door wide open. Jesus opened the door, all I have to do is step out of what is familiar and into all of the things that He has for me. I have met so many awesome people and had amazing conversations just because I said yes and stepped out in faith, and that never would have happened if I had not taken that initial step to go on the World Race. I am definitely not perfect, but there is grace and freedom even in my imperfections because I am not defined by my past or mistakes, but by my Maker. So, I am going to choose to live like the Khmer people and not constantly look back to the pain of the past, but to the freedom and journey that is ahead.
In Him,
Heidi
This is a monument at the killing field. It is full of the skulls and bones of the people that died there.
This is a well that they would throw people in to drown them.
