Cambodia - July 27, 2013

[The following post is an excerpt from my journal as I traveled to Cambodia. The inconsistency in the entry title and datestamp is due to limited internet access while I was on the trip. These experiences were documented in real time, and I am posting photoblogs now that I have returned. In order to protect all those involved with the organization that rescues children from sex slavery and works to prevent others from being trafficked, I have intentionally omitted specific names and locations.]

Saturday, July 27, 2013 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

"He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you." 1 Thessalonians 3:6b
 

You know those moments you wish you could physically wrap up, tie with a bow, and carry with you to open whenever you wish? While I have had many such moments on this trip, tonight was a very special one of those moments.

The little gentleman himself (first decribed in this post) has stolen my heart. This little 13-year-old boy has proven to be more of a man than some grown adult men will ever be. Yet, he is still just a child and has a childish innocence which I adore.

We had a birthday party for our translator tonight. At the party, the little gentleman broke out of his shell and danced like there will be no tomorrow. He even taught me a silly dance. It was hilarious, yet charming at the same time. This young boy is destined for greatness in the Kingdom of God, there is no doubt in my mind. I can already see it growing within him.

His simultaneous dancing, laughing, and smiling tonight made for a perfect gift-wrapped moment. I pray I never forget it.

The following are some pictures from the birthday party.

The following are a few pictures from a prayer walk we took around Phnom Penh. Along the river, there are flags representing many different nations. The presence of the American flag reminded me that the same God who watches over me back at home is the God whose presence can be made known in Cambodia. We prayed for various specific areas, groups of peoples, as well as the country as a whole. I would appreciate if you would join me in continuing to pray for Cambodia.

Cambodia - July 23, 2013

[The following post is an excerpt from my journal as I traveled to Cambodia. The inconsistency in the entry title and datestamp is due to limited internet access while I was on the trip. These experiences were documented in real time, and I am posting photoblogs now that I have returned. In order to protect all those involved with the organization that rescues children from sex slavery and works to prevent others from being trafficked, I have intentionally omitted specific names and locations.]

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - Somewhere Else in Cambodia

"The Lord said, 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey'"
Exodus 3:7-8.

I'm grateful for Switzerland.

[Wait a second, I thought this was a trip to Cambodia? In Asia? Nowhere near Switzerland?]

Just keep reading, and you will understand. :)

Today we traveled to a new city where the smaller safe house is located. In the morning we toured a silk worm farm while the girls were at school. Once they got back to the house, we headed over to so a devotion with them. As the girls were trickling in, we began to socialize with and get to know them. When I was a child, I could usually be found playing on the swing set, so I headed in that direction when I saw a few girls swinging.

I befriended the three girls over a game where they would do a trick on the swing, then I would try [and fail]. One of these three girls is the youngest at this house (by far) at 5 years old. Surprisingly enough, although she is the youngest, she seemed to know English the best out of these three girls. In fact, as we were on the swings, she started singing 'Do Re Mi' from The Sound of Music! Naturally, I joined in and sang with her.

The story of The Sound of Music, set during the rise of WWII, is based on the true story of the family of Austrian Naval Captain Georg von Trapp. At the climax of the story, the Captain is summoned to join the German Navy. Because he is opposed to the Nazi regime, he refuses the summons and the entire family has to go into hiding in order to escape through the Swiss Alps across the border to Switzerland.

How these girls' lives mirror the story of The Sound of Music. They were once "summoned" [well, stolen or sold to be exact] to be sex slaves. Although they are considered to be protected in the safe houses, some of them have traffickers whom are still at-large in the business of sex slavery. However, thanks to a wonderful ministry, these girls have escaped to a life of freedom!

The safe house is these girls' Switzerland. The healing that is happening here is their Swiss Alps. They have to climb this difficult mountain in order to get back to having a normal life. But, just as the von Trapp family made it, so will they. One day at a time. :)

I'm grateful for Switzerland.



[The following pictures are from the visit to the Silk Worm Farm]