Emilie has a connection with a two missionaries from Hong
Kong living and working here in Phnom Penh.
Today Davis and Miu Ling picked Morgan, Emile, and me up and took us to a
nearby restaurant for lunch. For once we
did not have to stare at the menu trying to find an edible option, because they
ordered for us. As we enjoyed the spicy
yet delicious food Miu Ling told us about the programs they work with. Centers are set up in the provinces for
widows, orphans, and at-risk children.
The centers provide education, food, a safe place, care, and hygiene for
the participants. The missionaries also
encourage self-supporting families by providing pigs to be raised and
bred. We are hoping to make a trip out
to one of the provinces to help out at the center.
After our meeting we went across town to the Joy Club that
is run by the New Life Church in Phnom Penh.
Some other World Race teams are working with the Joy Club, which occurs
once a week and runs for a few hours.
Members of the church go out into the slums of Phnom Penh and invite
children to attend. Once the children
arrive at the club they are bathed and dried off. For the remainder of the time they play
games, sing songs, watch dramas, and run around.
The Joy Club meets on the roof of a four
story building; I could hear the kids before we reached the roof. All of the games and songs were in Khmer, so
I tried to play along, but it was difficult.
I was feeling a little out of place and like I was not really helping in
any way. I sent up a quick prayer asking
the Lord to help me with my attitude.
Seconds later a young girl with a Joy Club shirt approached me and said,
“Would you like to prepare food with me?”
I jumped at the opportunity to help in a productive way so I agreed to
help.
As the Joy Club staff corralled the energetic kids and
shouted over the microphone in Khmer, I sat in the back with Vatthey and
Naome. I helped the 14 year olds to fill
plastic bags with 2 packs of Ramen noodles, 2 juice boxes of soy milk, and a
small packet of shampoo. I was
impressed by the young girls’ English abilities. They were quick to offer their
friendship. I don’t often give out my
e-mail address, but I could not say no to the girl’s earnest pleas. I was grateful for the quick friendship and
for feeling useful.
