Day 1: Today we are flying to Cambodia! We had to get up at 3 am and our flight left at 6 am. We just landed in Seoul, South Korea and slept during our 5 hour layover. We are about to land in Cambodia and meet Setan Lee.
Day 2: Today we traveled around the city Phnom Penh. Our stops were the genocidal museum Tuol Sleng and the killing fields, two malls, and Joy Day Care (one of Setan’s centers located near a garbage dump). The kids were young and very shy, but I was able to make friends with a few of them. We played paper airplane tag after I made some airplanes for them.
Day 3: Today we drove 2-1/2 hours to the New Development Center, a place that takes care of kids who are sexually abused. We met the kids, many of whom seemed my age or a bit older but only a few were my size. Most were smaller. They were shy at first, but when we played “rock, paper, scissors,” they softened and really came to like us by the time we left. I am realizing that it will be kind of tough to get to know the kids because very few over here can speak much English. They try to speak a bit, like saying “Hello. My name is ____. I am ____ years old.” That’s all the farther we can get a conversation going.
Day 4: Today we traveled to Battambang. When we arrived at Battambang Center which is a place of college-aged kids, we spent time meeting the kids and then went to see tons and tons of bats coming out of a cave. My friend Lik (Leak), a high school aged kid who Setan had come along for the whole trip, started to connect with me more here. It was still hard to be close when you can’t really talk.
Day 5: Today we traveled to David Center, the place where we will spend most of our time. It is a very nice orphanage with lots of kids of all ages. Setan said it is one of the best in Cambodia!
Day 6: We drove to church and listened to Pastor Khuna’s sermon which was totally in Khmer and sang. I couldn’t understand anything and used my dad’s phone to look up the Bible passage and read it in English. We hung out and played games, like soccer and volleyball. We also provided a big dinner with lots of fruit, meaty Thailand chicken that the ladies fried, sweet potato fries and fruity drinks. Everyone had a feast, and it was fun. We called it “Grandma’s Meal” in honor of my Grandma Geels.
Day 7: The kids are clingy and won’t stop touching you--very tiring but so fun. They really like to “pet” my dad because he has hairy legs, face, neck, and arms. The kids love to hug and play physical games even when they are completely drenched with sweat. We also went to the farm that is part of the ministry and provides food for the David’s Center. I got to teach the kids about David and Goliath. Setan translated and then I had the kids act out the story. It was great! Oh, and today we got to share some of the Rapids’ gear that we packed. The shirts were large on the kids, but it was fun to share. I think they will end up being re-gifted to the older kids and staff who will enjoy them more. That’s ok because we did bring some other clothes that will fit the younger ones better.
Day 8: Today we are heading to the youth camp. We got there and it wasn’t as nice as David Center, but it was so fun. We played a game like hacky sack that was really fun. There are a few teachers here and the youth have lots of teaching times in Khmer. I sit with them on the tile floor and try to listen, but mostly I get to look around at all the kids.
Day 9: Hanging out at the camp today. Very fun. We played group games in a cow pasture and even had a dance one night. Eleven kids gave their lives to Jesus today. That was amazing!
Day 10: Today we left the youth camp and went to Siem Reap, the New York of Cambodia. We were very tired after the 3 day camp, and wanted to sleep, so we stopped at Burger King and went to bed right away.
Day 11: Today was Sunday and we went to church and then to the ruins—three to be exact.
Day 12: Today is just a chill day. Me and Dad played Phase 10. I whooooped his butt. So we just hung out and went to the mall. We bought souvenirs.
Day 13: Today we flew home. If I had to say the thing I am most grateful for after traveling to Cambodia, I would say just having the chance to go and see for myself how it is to live in this country which is so different than the US. I am glad that I know Christians here, especially Mr. Setan Lee who took so much time to share his homeland with my dad and me. I am amazed at how much God has used Setan, a man who has lived through so much that is so hard, for so much good. It was very special to get to know him so well. I am so thankful that God protected us and provided for us on this trip. I am also very thankful for everyone who supported my dad and I in our going as well!
Day 14-16: Ooops! Our trip was 16 days long so something must have gotten lost in time changes and jet lag! Oh well.
