Due to government protection, I wasn't allowed to post the pictures from our ministry in the Bakong Village on Facebook. There are many "orphanage" and "children's ministry" scandals in Cambodia, where people post pictures of impoverished children in hopes of getting donations…which they use for selfish gain. So, to avoid making the Cambodian government suspicious, we are only allowed to share photos via our blog…
This was one of my favorite ministries so far on the Race, and although you couldn't be there with me, hopefully these pictures will give you a glimpse into the village that captured my heart.
The pretty view of the Cambodian countryside, which we saw everyday during our 45 minute tuk-tuk ride to Bakong Village.
Tressa and I in town on the tuk-tuk, ready for ministry!
We usually would make a pit-stop at the market to pick up snacks for the kids. The aisles were full of snacks, fruits, and knock-off Louis Vutton bags, but we never stayed long because it smelled like raw fish. (Not an uncommon smell in Asia)
This is the school house in Bakong, where Sydney, Tressa and I taught English. My classroom was upstairs, Sydney's was inside downstairs and Tressa's classroom consisted of those blue chairs and the white board in the front yard!
Sokhal, our tuk-tuk driver/translator, would drive around the village and pick up children for afternoon ministry.
The kids were always so sweet and would offer so many hugs…just like this picture of Sydney and Tressa demonostrates!
This beautiful girl was one of my students..she would run up to me before class each day and wrap her arms around me in the biggest bear hugs you can imagine!
The little kids loved playing in the dirt….even if it was hygiene day.
This is "Baby Girl." We could never remember/pronounce her actual name, so we nick-named her Baby Girl. She would be waiting at the school whenever we pulled up. She was quiet, but loved us so much…she would always ask to be in our arms or nearby.
The girl on the left is "Not." She was the first child I met in Bakong….she's such a tomboy, super out-going, and doesn't let the fact that she only has one hand get her down. Without even knowing it, she encouraged me and my teammates in so many ways!
Baby Girl and her friends were dancing machines during our end-of-the-year party…they were right up next to the speakers, which were blasting insanely loud Khamer music.
The Cambodian version of Dora the Explorer. She always showed up to ministry with her backpack, and whenever music played, she was dancing! She may have been my favorite kid…if I chose favorites…
Dancing with little Dora…I taught her how to twirl!
Playing with Dora…backpack included!
This little man stole my heart…he and his mom live next door to the school, and she always brought him over to say hello.
Cambodian kids like to play this game, which is like backwards limbo – you have to jump high enough to get your feet over the string, and they raise it up higher and higher….it was kind of scary to watch when the string was really high!
Showing me peace signs and telling me its time for class…even though they don't have a watch or anything to tell time.
Teacher Sydney with some of the girls.
Sokhal, our translator/tuk-tuk driver passionately performing karaoke songs for the kids…he was really into it.
Hanging out with the kids during children's ministry!
Every Tuesday and Thursday was "Hygiene Day," where we would wash each kid's hair with lice shampoo. It was really humbling for me….because I knew they were slightly embarrassed. For some, this was the only opportunity to bathe each week.
Sydney washing Melis' hair.
One Saturday, we all traveled to Bakong for Women's Day. We set stations where the mothers, grandmothers and girls could be pampered with manicures, pedicures, haircuts, hair styling, and hair dying. I was in charge of manicures, which was ironic considering I do a terrible job of taking care of my nails…especially on the Race!
Nikki also helped with manicures…she was a pro! I let her do the women's nails, and I stuck to the kids.
Becca put her salon skills to use in Bakong….but this guy wasn't so sure what he was getting himself into!
Ash took over the hair-curling station, and the little girls were so excited…they lined up immediately! It's crazy to think that this is probably the first time they had ever had their hair curled or straightened! It was such a blessing to serve the women and girls of Bakong Village!
Being silly with some of the Bakong Village kids…I'm really going to miss them!
I loved my time in Bakong Village and I am so thankful God had our team placed there. My only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer. I pray that God continues to strengthen ministry in Bakong and draw the hearts of the people to Himself.
