Cambodia

We were unprepared for the beauty of Cambodia. Having read the stories of the genocide of the Khmer Rouge in the 70’s, and how 1 ½ to 2 million people lost their lives; we were not sure what to expect. We spent three days traveling the country by air, boat and car. We saw a country that has suffered a great deal. But people are doing their best to recover.

Our first trip was a boat ride to the floating school that Mission of Mercy supports. There was also a medical team with us to provide check ups for the children. We met our 12 year old sponsor child, Lay Phat, and our heart went out to him. The floating fishing village he is a part of is incredible, but there is concern that the lake they are on is being over fished and their livelihood may diminish. That’s why an education becomes so important.

As we traveled to Battambang and then south to the orphanage on the southern coast, we saw so many people deeply committed to helping these children become productive members of society. As these kids learn about the Lord, many have dreams of becoming pastors. The kids at the orphanage are learning business practices by raising crops, pigs, quail, and by doing crafts. They are able to sell the products. Several of the kids have nice bikes that they have purchased for themselves.

Although our days were filled from early to late, Dee and I were deeply impacted, and look forward to the day that we can return.