Went straight to the orphanage this morning when we woke up. Its a little outside of Phnom Pehn, but only about 30 min. However, traveling in the city is pretty much the most ridiculous traffic you ever saw. Not in the amount, but in the way they drive. There are pretty much no rules except get out of the way! They drive on the right hand side officially, but are not afraid to go off into the left if necessary. In fact, that's pretty much the only way you can make a left hand turn! And I've only seen one, maybe two, stoplights. Not to mention the hundreds of motos, some carrying an entire family, weaving in and out of traffic. Literally a moto is like a Cambodian mini van. It's not unusual to see one with a mom, dad, infant baby, toddler, gramma, etc. The most I've seen on one is 5 people!
When we got to the orphanage, the kids came out to the van to meet us and help carry in the goodies we brought. We started by splitting them up into teams and playing crazy field day games. I was head of the pink team. Just wait until you see my pictures! I had the cutest kid on my team - we called him Smiley. He was only about 3 years old - one of the youngest there. We had 3 translators, all students of the New Life Church Bible college, as well as Cambodian universities. They were able to explain the games to the kids well, and we demonstrated and participated. When was the last time you crab-walked? Wheelbarrow raced? We had fun, and by the end, we were all drenched in sweat. It probably averages 100 degrees and 100 % humidity here! Doesn't seem to bother the Cambodians at all! Then we gave the kids a bunch of the balls that we brought. It was like Christmas! We played basketball, threw frisbees, got our butts kicked at soccer, etc! You know I wasn't even trying to kick the soccer ball around, but I'm not too bad with the frisbee, especially to an 8 year old.
Lunch was the best meal we've had here so far! The women who run the orphanage cooked for us - fried fish, and rice, and chicken soup, and something we've eaten twice now - morning glories. They really are the stems from the flowers! Dad, I'm sure you're jealous! They look like green beans. We also had a chance to talk to Samoeung. Her and her husband are the heads of New Life Church, and the orphanage is her baby, so to speak. She told us about their funding situation very openly, saying that commonly they just have to trust Jesus to bring them the money they need. Its worked so far, but she said it would be better if they could get some consistent sponsorship. Kacie and I were pretty interested - we think this could be a great thing for a couple of small groups to get together to commit to. It only takes $30/month to feed, clothe, house, and educate a kid here. Now I sound like Sally Struthers. But if you could see these kids, you would know that it's more than worth it! They actually have it really well, compared to the extreme poverty that much of the country lives in. It makes you question how God allows this to happen. No good seems to come of it. How can He be doing the best for these kids? But His ways are not my ways, and someday I will have to ask Him. Until then, I have to do whatever I can! It was great today to see the joy on the kids faces. Its also very cool that they grow up knowing about Jesus and what He did for us, unlike the 95% of Cambodians who are Buddhist.
After an afternoon of more games, more frisbee, and much more sweat, we headed back to the hotel for the best shower (and most needed!) I've probably ever taken! I got to talk to Ron at the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, and we worked out a plan where I will get to spend the entire day there on Thursday! And the rest of my team will be meeting me there at 3:00 for a tour. This is exactly what I wanted!
Time to go to sleep. If you read this, please pray for us that we will continue to stay healthy, and that God will shine His love through us, to the kids and to all of the people we come in contact with. Also, please pray that we will really catch on fire with enthusiasm for doing His work and spreading His love!