Kids, Staff, and Students

On Tuesday evening, we went to the Phnom Penh orphanage, sponsored by Central Vineyard in Columbus. It is a two story house in the city, and unfortunately has no yard for the kids to play in. But they are happy anyway! They love visitors..and are posers for the camera. They love to have their pictures taken and then look at them right away on the digital camera. We had a great time playing with them and giving them hugs.

By the way...Asia's Hope has its headquarters in Wooster, OH. On this trip, the entire team of 16 is from Ohio. The kids and the students all now know how to do O-H...I-O. They also know how to make the O, H, I and O arm gestures with it. We have Cambodian Buckeyes!

Then we went to the Garden Center restaurant. It is beautiful...it literally has a garden and fountains inside. We had a traditional Asian dinner with the staff from each orphanage - 4 couples altogether. We got to eat great food, and we shared life stories and how each of us came to know Jesus. The dinner was in order to show our appreciation to them for their commitment and the amazing work that they do each day for our kids. After hearing their stories, we wish you could all meet them so that you could experience their heart for God and for the kids. When you see the kids, you know that they are deeply loved and cared for. It was a blessing to us to be a part of that time.

After dinner, the university students from the Asia's Hope student center came over for Bible study. The student center that is supported by Asia's Hope provides room and board for poor Christian students from Cambodia that come to Phnom Penh to study at the universities. They work to pay for their schooling. Many of them are learning English and love to have conversations with the team members.

It is beautiful how the students remember those who have come on past trips. Keith was here 3 years ago, and Jen was here 2 years ago. They still remember us, and it's evident that the fact that we have returned touches their hearts. They know that we truly do care for them.




After Dave Atkins (the Asia's Hope Executive Director) spoke, the students each shared about what they enjoyed the most about living at the student center. Many of them spoke about having a safe place to live while going to school away from home, making friends, being surrounded by others who know and love Jesus. They want to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus. Their desire to become leaders in their country is inspiring. We can see how the students have grown in their faith and as leaders since we were here last. They are a joy to be with.

We are going to spend time with the university students again today (Wednesday), and then go and visit another orphanage in Prek Eng. We will be having dinner at the Garden Center restaurant again tonight with the rest of the team who will be returning from Siem Reap.

Three members left for Thailand today to make preparations for the rest of us who will arrive there on Thursday (tomorrow). Please pray for safe travel.

P.S. We had power all night last night!!! Woo-hoo!