Birthday Party

It's hard to believe, but I am already beginning my sixth week here in Southeast Asia. Time has gone by quickly, though I have a feeling that some of that was due to all the short term team action. On Friday, the last of the people from North America who were here on mission teams have left, and I am now beginning to experience what it will be like to be here alone.

As with anything, there are positives and negatives. Obviously, I will miss people and miss having that constant connection with English-speakers. Though I have to say that it's been nice to have a couple of days of quiet rest here. No running from one activity to the next. And yes, I feel completely safe:)

On Friday, I was invited to a birthday party at Vista's orphanage. Actually, the funny part was that it took me a couple of conversations to realize that it was a birthday party I was going to...and another day to realize that it was for the daughter of our orphanage directors. Rose turned 7. I am learning how to ask the right questions and clarify, but the language barrier definitely remains an issue!

This was the first time that I was at a large gathering on my own without any other team members. I definitely stood out in the crowd - and didn't understand a word that was said. Though I did enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out what was going on. Birthdays are a big deal here. All of the kids were dressed up in their nicest clothes. The little girls got to wear makeup. There were lots of decorations, and lots of people invited.

The birthday girl, Rose.

The little girls had fun getting all dressed up.

Whenever Kimhou sees me, she wants me to hold her. Gotta say, I think I am blessed more than she is:)

The house is decorated, and the kids are waiting for the party to begin.

This is Sokheng. He is 6 years old. Before living at the orphanage, he had to sell bananas on the streets. I think about that every time I see him.

The kids performed a song.

Aren't their smiles great! (Someone mentioned that I look like I am glistening in every picture. You could call it that. I am in a constant state of glisten here:)

The boys were all handsome, too.

The lighting of the candles,

silly string,

and sparklers.

It was a fun night. As I wasn't able to understand most of it, I spent my time just watching. Here's what I noticed...all of the kids were enjoying the fact that it was Rose's birthday. They weren't jealous, they weren't looking for their own gifts...they were genuinely excited for and with her. The adults took much joy in serving the children - even the teachers who had all stayed after school to attend the party. It was beautiful to see them love on the kids.

And every time I have been at the orphanages, the neighbors always come out to see what we are doing. They usually stand at the gates or look over walls. I guess we do make a lot of noise...usually singing and playing and laughing. I tried to get a picture of about 12 people looking over the wall at the party. You can tell they wanted to join in with us. Especially the kids who were watching. In Cambodia, orphans are the least and are at times exploited. But, others want to have what these kids have. Ironic, don't you think? And yet, it makes sense. In this country where people have nothing, a group of kids who have even less yet display hope and peace are going to cause people to wonder. Their joy is attractive. And I pray that somehow though that, they will be a part of changing the future of this dark and hopeless nation.