Saying 'So Long' but not 'Goodbye'.

I've been home almost a week, but I can't forget the last morning we spent with the kids. I was excited because we were going to tell them an amazing story of King Solomon and his bride. The purpose of the story was to show them what true love looks like. When we love someone, we do everything we can to protect them, provide for them, and sacrifice for them. God chose King Solomon to write Song of Songs to describe what true marital love should look like, and to describe God's love for us. I asked Dustin and Robi to tell the story because I wanted married men who love their wives to tell the children of God's plan for marital love. You see, in this culture, men don't protect their wives or young girls, they exploit them, beat them, and abuse them...and in this village, sell them for sex.

Dustin and Robi had a chance to tell the girls how special they were and that God intended they should be loved, protected and honored. They also had a chance to teach the boys to honor their sisters, mothers, girlfriends and future wives. To protect them from harm, to guard their virginity, and honor them by not hurting them, using them or selling them.

After the story, we all had a chance to give the children a special message of love and blessing...and a chance to say 'so long', not goodbye. Tiffany captured tears streaming down the face of one young girl as we said our goodbyes...genuine tears that spoke volumes...she would miss us. We'd made a difference in her life. Her single tear winding through the smudges and sweat on her face made everything worth it. The heat, dirt, garbage, sickness, exhaustion, lack of sleep...yes it was all worth it to capture the depth of meaning behind that single tear.

I had a few tears of my own that day. It started right away, the moment we arrived at Rahab's House. Robi shared at breakfast an idea to get alone with one or more of the children who'd become special to us and through a translator speak a special blessing into their lives. My moment came almost immediately when I saw my little Peoa girl. Through the translator I told her how much I loved her; how special she was; how I'd never forget her and would always be praying for her. I hadn't gotten two words out when the tears began, and my voice cracked. I tried hard to stay composed because I knew from earlier in the week when one of our girls got emotional, that the children thought we were angry when we cried. We had to assure them that our tears meant we were sad...sad to be leaving them. Sad because we loved them so much.

When I was done and my translator had conveyed my emotional sentiments, little Peoa grabbed me with both hands around my neck and gave me the biggest kiss. The memory still causes tears to well up unwanted, without permission. I'll never forget that little girl, and I shall pray for her always, along with the other little girls in that village. I'm asking you to pray too...pray that God will rescue them, that He'll bring more Christians to love them and teach them and that the hearts of the parents will change as they give their lives to God. And as they change, the village will change, and the lives of the children will change too.

There is hope. Pastor Shantey and his wife have been in the village for only 8 weeks and already his church has grown to 160 people. That's rapid growth for anyone's standards. So although we said so long...its not goodbye. Because the God who invited us to come to Cambodia, remains. And the love and hope that we shared will continue through those He's put in place and through others He calls to come.

I said so long because I plan to go back to Cambodia one day...if God allows me that privilege. I shall hold those children again one day and kiss their smiling faces and tell them I love them once more. That's my prayer. But for now...its not goodbye, only so long.

Barb

I'm out of the Country but the Country's not out of Me!

We left Cambodia on Friday afternoon at 6pm. On the one hand we were glad to leave the oppressive, humid heat, but on the other, so sad to leave the people. When asked what I found most challenging about the culture, I mentioned the heat, the chaotic traffic and last but not least the piles, and I mean piles of garbage everywhere--even in the middle of the street. More than once our driver had to navigate around large mountains of garbage.

But all of that paled in comparison to what I loved about the culture. Number one, the people. They are sweet, kind, friendly and appreciative. We noticed the difference when we arrived in Hong Kong and the people not only ignored us but responded rudely to our requests for help. In contrast the Kuhmer people enjoyed their tourists and loved to practice their english. And they were frequently apologetic even when we made mistakes.

Second, although I found the traffic and non-existent traffic rules a challenge, I also found it charming. Motos are everywhere--short for motorcycles. This is the most prevalent mode of transportation. In fact, entire families travel on one moto--up to five or six. I even found mothers nursing infants while weaving wildly in and out of traffic. But to be totally shallow (which I can be once in a while:) ) one thing that is awesome in Cambodia are the cheap foot and back massages. $7 for an hour foot massage with reflexology, and $10-13 for a full body massage. I'm going to miss those.

I'll also miss driving in the tuk-tuks. These are open carriages driven by motos. They're everywhere, and are very cheap. About $2 for a ride around the city. They hold about 6-7 Cambodians, and 4-5 American's!
As I adjust back to the American time zone and culture, I'm continuing to process all that I experienced. I asked God to change me on this trip and He did. Not only have my eyes been opened to what a BIG God we have and to see His amazing work in other parts of the world, but He also opened my eyes to see and feel the pain and evil that others face every day, things I can only imagine. I'm not sure what God wants me to do with this now. But one thing is for sure...now that I've seen, heard and witnessed the miracle work of God even in the darkest places on earth, I can never go back to the way I was. How I live, pray, love and serve will all change. Someone said to me the other night that it was so good of me to sacrifice and go to Cambodia. Funny, there's never been a moment I felt that I was honoring or blessing anyone. On the contrary, I said, I'm the one who was honored and privileged to be able to go. I feel like God has let me in on a secret...one He never wants me to forget, and one that He insists I share with all who will listen. You may just be the next one God wants to share this secret with.

I have more to share next time...when I said goodbye to my Poea.

Until then...
Blessings, Barb

The Last Day

Its early Friday morning, July 10th, our last day in Cambodia. The last few days have been a whirl of activity. As the week has progressed I've become more anxious and saddened by the fact that we're going home today. I can't imagine leaving these precious children. I've come to love Cambodia and the people.

When I came I prayed that God would open my eyes to see Him at work here. And He has. There's no doubt that God has placed people here in strategic places to reach the people of Cambodia. He's brought people here from other countries, and raised up Cambodian young men and women to fight against the evil of sex trafficking. Although we're sad to leave, we're know that God's work will continue here.

The highlight of my trip was this past Wednesday. We were teaching the kids about our bodies. How God made our bodies and how they're a gift to us from Him. And when we take care of our bodies, we honor God. I also said that another way to honor our bodies is by doing kind things with them to other people, and not hurting other people with our bodies.

At the end I told them that I had something very important to say. That next to telling them about Jesus, this was the most important thing we would tell them. Then I went on to tell them that we knew that men came into this village and did things to hurt the bodies of the little girls, and the little boys. And that was wrong. We were not okay with that, and God was not okay with that. But I also told them that it wasn't their fault, they were not bad, they were not wrong. But what others did to them were wrong. I also said that when the boys take the girls to the men, that was wrong too.

Then I told them that if that had happened to them they could come and tell us and we would listen to them, love them and pray for them. We would not laugh at them, or be angry with them. We would love them. We would never hurt them. God would never hurt them. We were safe, we would help.

As I talked, and as Ponha translated, the children became very quiet. The smiles were gone, and serious looks came over their faces. I knew that they knew what I was talking about. For some it was the first time they heard that what was happening to them was wrong. I can still remember the looks on some of their faces. One little boy right in front, Poea, he looked at me with sadness, but also a longing hoping that what I said was true. Some of the girls looked away from me in shame. Some had tears in their eyes.

Although none came to talk to us that day, I know that what we shared got through. I could see it on their faces, in their eyes. It was the most fulfilling experience to let these children know that God loved them and would never hurt them, and that we were safe people for them. Although we're leaving, Pastor Shantey and his wife, and Rattanak and Alli who remain to work with the children and pastor the community, love those children and will continue to be a safe haven for them. And they will continue to teach them what is right and wrong and give them hope.

God is working and changing the hearts of the people, one by one. And as He does, more and more children will be saved from being sold. More parents will realize that selling their children is wrong and want to protect them.

Today we're putting on a carnival for the children and serving them lunch. They're very excited. But we're sad, because it will be the last thing we'll do with them. My prayer is that if God brings me back next year, I'll see these children again, and that none will be sold to brothels. And that the one brothel with the 60 girls locked down will be closed down. Even more that more people and more children will have given their lives to Jesus, and be changed.

That's my prayer...
Barb

Week Two In Cambodia

Its Monday evening of our second week in Cambodia. The weekend was action packed. On Saturday we had the privilege of putting a fourth of July party on for the girls at Agape House. Its a secure, safe home where girls who are rescued from the sex slave trade live. Very few people are allowed on to the campus, and no one knows the location or purpose of the home. The safety of the girls is the highest priority.

When we walked onto the campus we could feel the love, hope and joy. It overflowed from the girls, the staff, and the founders, Don and Bridgitte. One of the girls on our team is a party planner and put on the most amazing party for these girls. We had decorations, a craft, and games. We brought traditional american music and sang some fun songs for them. We ordered some hamburgers and french fries for them, and had a cake made. The cake was so large they couldn't get it through the door! This is the first cake some of these have ever had. We found out that this was the best party these girls had ever experienced. They all had cameras and wanted to take our pictures. We felt like celebrities.

On Sunday, we attended church in a little village where Moses was preaching. Moses is an amazing man. Born in Cambodia, he came to the states before the Khmer Rouge massacred their people in 1975, and got his bachelors, masters and a doctorate degree. He returned to Cambodia a few years ago and founded AIM 4 Asia, a church planting organization. He has about 15 disciples who live with him and he trains daily to be pastors. In the past 4 years he's planted over 800 churches all over Cambodia. His disciples become the pastors. We got to speak at his church, sharing verses, and songs and a short message.

Sunday afternoon, we visited the killing fields where the Khmer Rouge slaughtered 2-3 million of their own people. A smaller number than the Jews in the Holocaust, but considering that there were only 7 million Cambodians at the time, it amounted to 40% of the population. Only 30 years ago, the torture, and killing that went on is beyond what I've ever seen or could imagine. We then visited the prison where thousands were tortured for no reason. They even put barbed wire on the upper floors of the prison to keep prisoners from committing suicide by jumping to their deaths. We saw pictures of terrible atrocities that no human should ever experience. After seeing that it makes it easier to understand how they could now treat their own children. Because although tourists come from all over to have sex with the girls, it is the Cambodian men who account for the greatest percentage.

Sunday evening we went to dinner with Moses, his wife, and his 15 disciples, men and women. They are godly men and women reaching Cambodia for Christ. Today, Moses and his disciples drove 3 hours and baptized 200 people and handed out rice to 400 families. Like his namesake from the bible, God is using Moses to lead the people of Cambodia to the promised land of eternal life.

Today we returned to Svay Pak. The children were waiting for us and so excited to see us. We're getting so attached to them as we become familiar with their names and faces. One little girl today ran up and jumped into my arms. She was new, I hadn't seen her before. One of my favorite little girls, her name is Peoa, has worn the same dirty top every day since we've been here. I don't think her clothes or her body has been cleaned in a long while. Her little arms and legs are so tiny. I don't think she gets fed much either. Although her little teeth are rotting, she's got the sweetest smile, and engaging laugh.

The two men on our team are constantly being asked on the street if they want 'girl's'. They've had some interesting conversations with those asking about how wrong it is to have sex with little girls. They've seen a few of these men convicted because of their converstions. We found out that men are hired to sit in the lobby of the hotels and drive customers to find girls, especially in Svay Pak...our little girls. We wondered why so many guys sat around doing nothing in the lobby...now we know.

The days are long, hot and tiring. But its a good tired. By 9pm we're ready for bed. But we fall asleep knowing that God is at work here in Cambodia, and we've had the privilege to join Him even for a short time in what He's doing here. I'm already dreading having to leave these children on Friday.

Until tomorrow....

Barb

60 girls held captive within our sight

Its Saturday today. We're going to Agape today to put on a fourth of July party for the girls there. We're excited to meet them. There are 55 girls living there who've been rescued from the sex slave trade. Agape provides a safe home and the love and healing touch of God to help restore these girls. Many of them go on to help rescue and restore others like them.

Yesterday was an exciting day at Rahab's house. The children are so excited to see us when we come. They run to the van and jump into our arms and smother us with kisses. They are the most precious children, in need of so much love and affection, and to know that someone deeply cares for them.

We had the opportunity to walk through the village yesterday with the children and found out where many of them live. That's important, because when there are raids by International Justice Mission, the police are so corrupt they often help hide the girls and if we don't know where they live we can't go and get them.

Right across the street from Rahab's house is a brothel filled with what they believe are 60 girls who are held hostage there night and day. These are girls who are trafficked from other parts of Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. There have been raids there to rescue the girls, but again the police often work to get the girls out the back and keep them from being rescued. Don Brewster, the Director of Agape House, quoted us some statistics the other day: 91% of sex workers (young and old--all trafficked) have to pay the police money. 75% of the sex workers have had sex with police officers and over 50% have been gang raped by police officers. So unfortunately, there is no one here to protect or rescue these girls.

But yesterday a miracle happened. The girls from the brothel are never let out, yet two girls came out of the brothel and came to Rahab's house. We convinced them to come in and play with us and do a craft. They said they might come back next week. They're older, maybe 16. Please pray for them.

One little girl who came yesterday, the counselor said is sold every night for vaginal sex. Often she has to stand for crafts because she's so sore. I watched her walk. She walks with her legs apart. She's very little--she looks maybe 5 or 6. Another little girl came all dolled up with makeup. She was also very little, maybe 5. We're worried about her. We have come to know what that means.

Remember Hooa? She's coming but she's changed. She's lost some of her life, her smile, her spark. She's more subdued, somber. And she always complains of being sick, a stomache, headache, throwing up. The counselor believes this is psychosomatic. Physical symptoms brought about by the emotional trauma she is going through. Please pray for her.

One week down, one more to go. We're becoming more attached to the children. It makes us more in love with what we're doing and I know it will be hard to leave. But please also pray for me. I don't think my sinus infection is healing well and I have a terrible rash from the heat. I think I'm allergic to it. The rash covers my chest and neck all the way to my chin. Its sore and very itchy.

Thank you for reading my blog and praying, and passing it on to others.
Many blessings,
Barb

An Unbearable Day Of Heat in Cambodia

What a day! The heat and humidity never let up, and intensifies by midday. Rahab's house has a tin roof which just conducts the heat more. Its like we're in a sauna for six hours. My skin looks great except for the itchy heat rash I have on my chest.

Today at Rahab's house a doctor came and set up a free clinic for the community. By 2pm the place was packed with kids and adults waiting for the doctor. It created more chaos and heat. Some of the girls from Agape who've been rescued came today and did a craft with the kids. Its a miracle to see what God is doing to restore these girls from their horrendous ordeals.

A counselor who's been working at Rahab's house for the past six months with the children has been telling us some of their stories. Today she pointed out a young girl and her sister who began coming about two months ago. The day they came, this counselor (her name is withheld to protect her) was telling a story of a racoon who had the most terrible thing happen to him. This was the first time the children heard that what was happening to them was wrong. These two girls began to cry. Later they told one of the translators that they were sold every night. The one girl lifted up her skirt to show the long claw marks from the night before that a man had done to her.

Some of the children are drugged with meth to keep them awake all night so they can work, which is why they're so sleepy during the day.

Today one of the little boys, Borin, went home after the morning session where his aunt beat him severely. He came back to Rahab's house and was too afraid to go home again. So he had lunch with us. The parents believe good discipline is beating their children. They are the most neglected, starving for love and affection human beings Í've ever met. They hang on to us constantly soaking up our love and affection, something they don't receive from their parents. The children take care of the babies, carrying them around all day. They don't wear diapers and so we're always hoping we're not the ones to get peed on that day!

The Cambodians sell their children to the brothels, but the Vietnamese sell their children out of their homes. The counselor told us that this past December a nurse came to do gynecological checks on the girls in a vietnamese community near where she lives. The nurse found 37 girls who'd been raped brutally evidenced by the vaginal scars they had. Their mothers pack their daughter's vaginal area with salt after sex to stop the bleeding so that when they go to school (if indeed they do go to school) the next day they won't bleed. They also then sew up their daughters vaginal area (without any anaethesia) and and sell them as virgins again, over and over.

I know its hard to imagine that parents could treat their children like this. Its hard for me to imagine as well, or process emotionally what these children live through on a daily basis. The only way for me to cope is to write about it, and try to steal my emotions from feeling it, or my mind from imaging it. And my only hope is that God knows, and He promises to avenge the wicked, rescue the oppressed, and comfort the afflicted. If you could see these children's faces every day you'd know there's a God. Because only God could give them the strength to survive what they do and still freely love and receive love. It can only be God who allows their faces to shine with a ready smile the moment you look at them. And only God can help them even for a brief moment enjoy just being kids as we play games with them, and do crafts.

And only God would care enough to call people to give up all they have and come to Cambodia and other parts of the world and be His hands and feet offering comfort, love, hope and rescue. Only God would care that much.

Barb

What Hell On Earth Looks Like

Today is Wednesday, July 1st. After sleeping all of yesterday, today I woke up feeling much better. Thank you for praying. Once again our team drove the chaotic streets through Phnom Penh to Svay Pak. The children are getting to know us, and are waiting for us, waving to us as we drive through the village.

Svay Pak is the pit of hell. It is a town of alcholism and drug addiction, and sex trafficking. Many of the adults are up through the night drinking and doing drugs and having sex with children, and so we have to start the vacation bible school later each morning because the children sleep late. In Cambodia children are a commodity. They are sources of income for the parents. From the earliest age children are expected to work to support their parents. In Svay Pak and other parts of Cambodia the parents spend the money they make selling their children on alcohol and drugs, but also tvs, and other expensive items, yet neglecting to provide their children with some of the basic necessities.

I have so many stories to tell you today. Remember our little girl who came with makeup on? I found out her name, its Hooa. My team tells me that yesterday she came late again with makeup and was very sick. Of course we don't know for sure, but the people who are working to rescue these children say that 100% of the girls are trafficked here. If it hasn't happened yet, it will soon. Pray for this little one. She's beautiful, and bright, and full of life.

Kim from our team, pointed out a young boy who came to the center today. He doesn't usually come, but he came today and was skipping with the children. The Director told us that his father trafficks him out every night to men for sex...every night. Now that is hell on earth for this young one.

The Director of Agape House, Don, came to speak with us today. He showed us a picture one of the girls at the house drew for him of what had happened to her. Then he read her story to us. At nine years old she was being sold in a brothel and having sex with 5-10 men every night. They rescued her and now she is healing from her atrocious experiences. We will get to meet her on Sat when we go to Agape. Don says she is a miracle of the healing work of God.

The people who work here day after day are amazing. They are in the center of the worst evil and God is using them to bring hope and healing not only to the children, but to the families who are in bondage to this evil. In the last 5 weeks, they've been able to rescue 6 girls from Svay Pak. God is changing the people's hearts in this town through the work of the center and the church they've planted there.

But they need our help. With 54 girls at Agape, they're at capacity and so to rescue anymore means they have no where to put them. Don says that by September they'll be out of money for Agape, with costs of approximately $800 per girl per month. And now before they can rescue anymore girls, they need to open up a new home.

But God knows. He is the One who has begun this work, and He will carry it through. But He will use us to help. Be praying about how God might use you to help Him rescue the abused, neglected children of Cambodia.

One last thing...foreigners come from all over to have sex with the girls. But evidence shows that its the American men who treat the girls the worst, with torture and beatings, in addition to the sex.
A sad, but real truth.

Keep praying for us...the heat is unbearable, we sweat through everything within minutes of being outside. Its a long, strenuous day working with the children in the heat. But praise God, more children are coming every day.

More tomorrow...
Barb