Joys Day Care

"Hi, I'm Tom Kriska from Brighton, Colorado.

Recently, I accompanied my daughter on a mission trip to Cambodia with Transform Asia.

Three highlights stood out for me: witnessing TA's impactful projects, forming meaningful connections with the community, and getting to know Setan Aaron Lee, a dedicated man of God.

This experience not only changed my view of Cambodia but also deepened my understanding of Jesus' command to 'Love your Neighbor as yourself.' It's a journey I'll always treasure."

I had the privilege of witnessing incredible work across Cambodia through the efforts of TA. From caring for children in the Phon Phen city dump to sheltering abused women in Champong, each location radiated with the love of Jesus. In Battambang, students found not just lodging and meals but also spiritual guidance, leading many to embrace Christianity. Even in remote areas near the Thai border, TA's feeding center offers sustenance and solace to children left behind by parents working abroad. And at the David Center orphanage in Ahn Lang Vang, up to 80 orphans receive not just essentials like food and education, but also enrichment through arts and sports, all infused with love and care. Witnessing the genuine affection these children have for their caregivers, Setan and Rhanda, was truly inspiring

Our names are Charlotte and Camille. We are from France and we spent 5 weeks in the Joy Day Care Center. We really enjoy our time there! At the beginning we were concerned that we might not be very useful but it was the opposite! The majority of people who are working there are volunteers so there is a very enjoyable environment for working. Sareth and Saron are very welcoming, smiling, very nice … The conversation with the kids was limited because they don’t speak English and we don’t speak Khmer. However, we discovered many ways to exchange without speaking … for example with gestures, with smiles, with laughing… We have so many good memories in our minds and hearts. One favorite memory is when Sareth played a traditional Khmer instrument called the Kho. All of the kids were sitting around him listening and singing. We are very grateful to them for our time there, the mission will stay in our mind for a long time.

In December 2023, for 3 weeks, I volunteered at Joy Day Care in Phnom Penh.

Our days were quite busy. In the morning, we looked after the children, played with them, did activities or gave lessons to the older ones. At lunchtime, we fed them, and then they went for a nap. In the afternoon, we did some more activities with them, after the shower.

The children are wonderful. They're so smiley, so loving. They thank us all the time, they ask for affection. Seeing them happy is a daily joy.

Sareth, the director, is a kind person. He takes very good care of the children. It was a pleasure to work alongside him during this period. In fact, as the only one at Joy Day Care who spoke English, he was the one we could talk to and talk to if we had any problems, or if we needed any information, especially to find out more about the identity of each of the children.

It was a very enriching experience for me in human terms. It's important to take the time to volunteer and help those in need. You can't realize what it can do for them and for you until you've lived it.

Since our first visit to Cambodia in 2012, Transform Asia and their mission has captured our family’s heart. My husband, a civil engineer, has partnered with Transform Asia on water/ wastewater projects since 2008.  In 2012 we brought our whole family (children aged 14 and 11) and both sets of parents to Cambodia for a visit trip with Transform Asia.  We traveled to all of the Transform Asia sites and each one of us fell in love with the children, the mission and Cambodia. Through God’s provision, my husband, father, daughter and I have returned almost annually between the four of us.  Beyond loving on all who reside at the centers, our focus is primarily on water/wastewater and facility management to ensure safe environments for the children and staff. It is a joy to know the students and follow them over the years to see how they flourish in the God focused, loving centers provided by Transform Asia. 

Here is a summary of my experience. At the bottom is a link to my blog entry where you can see more.

We got up at 3am to begin our journey. After three long flights we landed in Cambodia where they met with Setan Lee. I thank God we are safe, and I pray he continues to keep us safe throughout our travels.

On our 2nd day we traveled around Phnom Penh visiting various sites including Joy Day Care.  The kids were young and very shy, but I was able to make friends with a few of them. 

On our 3rd day we drove 2-1/2 hours to the New Development Center, a place that takes care of kids who are sexually abused.  When we got to the center, 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. 

On our 4th day we traveled to Battambang 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.  I liked that.  It was still hard to be close when you can’t really talk.  

On our 5th day 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!  

Our 6th day was Sunday.  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.  I liked the singing even though I couldn’t understand the words.  We had already met some of the kids, but we met more on Sunday.  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. 

The next day I enjoyed time playing with the kids. 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!  Today we got to share some of the Rapids’ gear that we packed.  

On the next several days we went 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.  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! 

On the 10th day we left the youth camp and went to Siem Reap, the New York of Cambodia.  We stopped at Burger King and went to bed right away.  I am happy that no one has gotten sick or hurt so far! 

On the next day, after church we visited three temples.  At the first, which was my second fav, I got to ride an elephant.  This was so fun!  At the second, there were huge trees, my least fav.  At the third, called Angkor Wat, we saw a snake and other cool things.

On our last day we hung out and went to the mall.  We bought souvenirs:  air pods (for $20!), a few more charging cords and one secret gift.  Setan was working getting ready for a medical mission team’s arrival. 

At night we flew to Tokyo and then home.  I really miss my family.  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!

To read more and see pictures of my trip click below...

A story of love and service - Micah's Journal

Hi. My name is Djénéba Mareau and I was a volunteer for 4 weeks at Joy Day Care in Phnom Penh. Sareth and Saron was very kind with us. What they do everyday for this children from slum area is respectable and admirable. During this month I gave English lessons so that the children could have the basics. I played with them and shared some love and kindness. The afternoon we shower them and comb the girls hair. I think everyone who can help should do it, because many children need it.
Thank you for allowing me to live this unforgettable experience.

I had the chance to spend a month at Joy Day Care. Joy Day Care helps street children to flourish on a daily basis. As a volunteer I gave English lessons to these children, share moments of games with them and also helped with daily tasks.

Thanks to Joy Day Care, these children have a quality meal each day, a shower, and clean clothes.

All this thanks to Sareth and Saron, whom I thank for their kindness.

I was a teacher at Joy Day Care for a month. It was a very enriching experience. The children give so much love and always have smile. We try to teach them English. Hopefully supporters will help so the children can have more school materials to vary the lessons. We also help with showers and meals.

Thank you for everything !

Lisa Marie