I come to you to update you on our friend Dara, yes I spelled his name wrong in my previous blog. This was due to lack of details and certainties of exact information of this sweet boy. Sunday afternoon my team leader Zac met with Dara's parents and they came to complete agreement that allowing him to go to an orphanage would be the best. At this meeting we acquired the appropriate documents we needed to go forward with the process, the only part missing was the agreement and witness of the community leader. I'm not exactly sure the importance of this, but I know in village life you do EVERYTHING through the community leader. So Zac set up a meeting with the community leader, Dara's parents, YDC staff, and himself for Monday morning. Monday morning came and the rest of the team went off to ministry; Zac off to the village for the meeting.
Zac praying with Dara's family (photo taken by Zac).
From my understanding the meeting went very well and all parties were in complete agreement that this would be best for Dara. Now, the the only thing holding us back, was signed paperwork from the parents and community leader. The community leader took the time to explain to the parents what exactly this meant and they would never see him again. Zac left with the YDC staff, and he was told to come back at 2:30 that afternoon to get the paperwork. As the team headed to our last day of prison ministry, a couple staff members headed to the village to get the paperwork. At this point we are in complete clearance to take him to the orphanage and given authority of this young boy. Monday was spent celebrating with Dara and enjoying our last full day with him.
Dara and Zac
Today we are on our way to Phnom Penh, a city 3 hours from our location to take Dara to the orphanage and obtain visas for Vietnam. This includes our whole team, Daro (YDC staff member), and Dara's dad. Yes, you heard me correctly his dad wanted to go with us and drop his child off. This entire journey has been so great and very eye opening to the reality of our Father's love for us. We all love this kid so much and would anything for him. This is a perfect illustration, as my teammate Megan pointed out to us, of how much greater is God's love is for us and the depth of His unending love for us.
Dara's new friend he made on the bus, complete with a phone number for a play date.
We arrived in Phnom Penh about 11:30 am and headed to grab some lunch, which provided to me how great God is and His provision. The restaurant was rather large and it was empty, so they let us sit in the VIP room, which included AC, ice, and western style restrooms (toilets, TP, soap, and paper towels). I had some delicious fried rice and a yum fruit smoothie. From there we headed to the orphanage to settle Dara in, this meant Zac filling out paperwork and finalizing details. There are 4 different orphanages in the city that all belong to the same organization and we were going to take him to another one about 10 minutes away. There needed to be paperwork finalized, so the team headed to the Vietnam Embassy to get our visas for Vietnam. By the time we got back, all was ready for Dara to go to this new home. We took a tuk tuk ride and arrived to the location ready to say our “see you later’s” and get back on a van to head back home. This was a very emotional moment and I quickly realized the attachment I had to this sweet boy. Through a quick tour we saw his room and bed; followed by watching him make quick friends and playing a game of soccer. We made our way to the gate and as we drove away, he was waving and laughing at us. It was such a perfect ending to all the God has in store for Dara!
Dara's smiling face and showing off his love!
As we loaded our 10 passenger bus that was transporting about 20 people; Zac brought the reality of what the day had held. That was had seen such great things in 2 months; especially here in Cambodia, there are even greater plans for the next 9 months. As we were crammed in this van, making our way back on a 3 hour drive, there was much peace and comfort that this was the Best and Only decision for Dara. He will ALWAYS have a piece of my heart and be in my prayers. Please continue praying for adjustment for him and in this new place. Through sponsorship Zac will be able to be in direct contact with him and know what is he up to. Cambodia was a month of me learning what true love and a glimpse of our Father’s love for us.
