God presents you with situations for a reason.
Over the course of the month we became friends with two sweet little kids. At around 5pm we would go to the towns main park, and around 530 we would run into these two. A boy and a girl, both small, dirty and shoeless. However, they both always had the brightest smiles in the park. We would share our snacks with them, dance, play frisbee and soccer. For me, running into these two was the bast part about going to the park.
Chhan Ven (11yrs) & Chhan Phreas (5 yrs)
However, the hardest part about meeting them was that we were not able to communicate. We talked to the director, Mr. Sao Thy, of the school we have been volunteering at and he offered to translate for us. Of course when we wanted to find these two, we could not. Our time here was running out. We are leaving soon and translators are very difficult to find here in Sisophon. I prayed to God that if he really wanted us to get to know these kids and to help them that He would make sure they were at the park in the nexT few minutes. As I finished my prayer I heard a kid scream. I look over and there is the little boy, running to me and grinning. As he approaches he launches himself into my arms and gives me a big hug. His sister is right behind him and does the same. We bring him to Mr. T and tell them tomorrow we want to take them to lunch. We say our goodbyes but that we meet them at the park at noon the next day.
When we met them the next day at the park, they brought a bunch of friends with them. It took us a little while and Mr.T translating for us to realize that our two friends came with two more sisters and the other kids just came along to the park. We took the 4 kids to a restaurant and found out more about them
This is their story…
Chhan Phreas (sounds like pre eye) is 5 years old and his sister Chhan Ven, who is 11 years old are the two we met at the park. They have 4 older sisters, Chhan Vorn is 13 and Chhan Wey (sounds like We) is 15. We did not yet meet any of the other sisters. The 4 kids we did meet, looked a lot younger than their age, wore the same clothes for days in a row, and said they rarely get enough food to eat. They dug into the food we bought them like it was the only food they’ve had in a month.
Sao Thy helping us get to know the kids.
Their father died 3 years prior in a motorcycle accident. Their mother collects plastic bottles and tin cans in order to sell and make money for the family. The kids help to collect them as well. Their oldest sister is married and she goes fishing with her husband as an additional means of income for the family. The kids have not been to school in over a year because they went to a public school that hit the kids when they made mistakes in their learning.
We asked the kids if they would like to go to a school where the teachers are really nice and they can learn both Khmer and English. Apple General Knowledge School is the school Sao Thy is the director of and it is by far one of the best schools in Cambodia. They all said “yes, they would love to go” but it was the little boy whose response really struck us. Mr.T asked what he wanted to be when he grows up and he responded “a carpenter.” We could see him thinking and then he added;
“I want to study so I don’t have to be bad”
To hear a 5 year old say this is truly heart breaking.
It was then that we decided that we absolutely had to find these kids sponsors and get them to a good school. We thought about the possibility before having lunch with them but after hearing their story and what Phreas said, it became heavy on our hearts to help. Their family obviously does not have the money to do it but God wanted us to meet these kids for a reason. His heart, and through Him our hearts are set on giving these kids, who despite their living conditions have so much joy, the chance at a good future.
Chhan Wey (15), Chhan Phreas (5), Chhan Ven (11), Chhan Vorn (13)
The kids finished up their meals and Mr. T decided that we needed to go right away to meet their mom. When we arrived, the house was bare and the wood was breaking apart in places. There was another toddler, and an older sister who was chained to the corner. Yes, chained and I am not happy about saying it but at this point in my race I know that there are so many people who are uneducated about those with special needs. There is no place in Cambodia for individuals with disabilities to learn skills so families keep them home and chained up so they don’t run away or hurt themselves or others. (Again, I am not happy about this is any way and I wish there was more awareness in this area but thats another battle for tomorrow)
On the way to the house and while we were there the kids did not stop smiling and hugging us. I’m pretty sure they thought I was a jungle gym because they kept jumping on me.
We talked to Sao Thy about school fees and supplies and it breaks down this way
Tuition – $39 /3 months ($13/per month)
Snack & water @ school – $.50/day
2 school uniforms per kid -$26 ($13 for 1)
School supplies ( workbook, pencils, marker, white board) – $10/per child
2 bicycles so the 4 school age children can get to school – $25/ bike
In total we calculated it as follows
$70 for the first month per kid (to start them at school and get them the uniforms, supplies and bikes)
$30 for each month after for tuition and a snack while at school.
(with the possibility of adding a few dollars extra so the kids can get twice a year check up with the community doctor)
Apple General Knowledge School
Isaiah 58:7-8 “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8. Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”
We are looking for sponsors for the 4 school age kids in the family. God’s will was to give these kids a fighting chance and we are the stewards to help find them the support they desperately need. Will you help us in this?? If you found this story heavy on your heart as well, contact me and we can talk more in depth.
