We are currently in the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia. It is a tourist place as there are many famous temples here and wherever there are lots of tourists there are many children selling items and begging. The children here are somewhat funny. This is a typical conversation, (in a whiny voice) “You buy postcard. You buy bracelet. I sell you 10 for $1. Good deal.”
I respond politely, “No, thank you.”
“Where do you come from?”
“America.”
“I know capital of America. Washington DC. What state you come from?”
“Michigan.”
“I know America have 300 million people and president is George W. Bush””
“Good job.”
“You buy postcard? You buy bracelet for your boyfriend?”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“You know why you don’t have boyfriend?”
“Why?”
Here is where I get one of two answers: (1) “because you don’t have one of my postcards, OR my favorite (2) No money, no honey.”
I’m not sure where they learn these things, but it can be funny or annoying, depending on your mood. We’ve learned to play along.
So, yesterday, we had a morning of quiet time, teaching, worship, and silence. Then, we had team meetings to reflect on our past month. After our meeting, I was antzy for something to do. Morgan and Annie were going to use internet and Candice and Spano were going to a book store, neither of which peaked my interest. Andrew was going to wander and try to find something exciting to do. I tagged along with him and we walked around town for awhile. Andrew was talking to the tuk-tuk drivers when two girls came up to me and we went through the whole conversation.
Neat and Kom
I learned more about children selling items on the street in Cambodia and did not want to support what could be behind them selling these items. Then, they asked me if I could buy them some ice cream. I agreed, but they soon wanted a real meal. I agreed, even better, its healthier. So my new 12 and 13-year-old friends, Neat and Kom, led me down the street to a restaurant. They both ordered meals and ate up. They spoke English well. They explained that they go to school in the mornings and then sell items in the afternoon. They said that they have to give the money to their mothers to pay for school and said that school costs $10/week. They each come from families of 7 or 8 children. They were so sweet and precious! They used one of thier postcards that they were trying to sell as a thank you note for me.
I saw them again today and instead of begging me to buy something, they just came to say hi and talk. I am so thankful for this opportunity. They were an unexpected blessing in my day!
Kom, me, and Neat at lunch.
