Oh, what a blessing it is to be here. This is the first city that Asia's Hope had an orphanage, so some of these kids have been here for a few years. I recognize many from when I was first here in 2005. They are so beautiful with big smiles and a joy in their hearts.
Yesterday they danced again for us...some traditional Khmer (the word for Cambodian) and some dances they made to Christian songs. It's a strong part of their culture to dance, so both boys and girls take part. And just like typical kids, love to hear how much you liked it and that you are proud of them.
Savorn (the AH director in Cambodia) told us that these children come from all over...many deep in the jungles. When they arrive, they have never been to school before and were probably not eating every day. Most of these kids have no parents and grandparents can no longer take care of them.
Last night, Savorn also shared the story of his life. He was about 6 years old at the time of the Khmer Rouge. (Read an earlier post for a brief description.) This brutal regime basically brainwashed the children to hate their parents. There were no schools, no hospitals, no economic system. Many children were trained how to do the killing, and they didn't know any better. This is the "truth"they grew up with. Savorn was taught to turn in information and goods from his parents...because everything belonged to the collective. He was lucky though. Some children were even forced to kill their own parents. I can't imagine living with that kind of grief and guilt now when you know the truth, and living without hope.
Even after the Khmer Rouge were driven out by the Vietnamese, Cambodians were forced to fight in the army against the KR who had moved into the jungles in the north. The country was still not safe for many years.
I hope you will take some time to read more about this. It will give you a better understanding of why the country is such a mess right now...and I do mean mess. And why the people are without hope.
We sat down to watch the performances last night, and immediately 2 kids came to sit by me. One 13 and one 9. I put my arms around both of them, and they stayed glued to my sides the entire time. At one point, my arm got tired so I put it in the lap. Soon, I felt a little hand reach its way into my. They just want loving contact. They want to know that they are loved and are valued. If that's all I did while I was here, it would be enough.
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3 comments:
The power of human contact - the ability to be loved and feel love - these truly are basic needs, and it is devastating that so many go without.
Ali
oh, how sweet. hold their hands for us! love you so much.
Our world can be such a horrible place. I can't imagine what it would feel like without God. I am amazed at the suffering of the country and the people especially the littlest ones. Thank you for loving them and giving them the hope that we all share in Christ!
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