"Home"

I made it to Cambodia after my long wait at the airport. It's just as I remember it. Hot and dirty and hot...and did I mention dirty! But it feels like coming home. In the next few weeks, I will tell you more about the country and the kids here. It's definitely third world. The traffic is outrageous. Poverty is everywhere. I have definitely left behind many conveniences and comforts.

But the orphans are so sweet. Today, we had a clinic to immunize all the kids. Some kids got 3 or 4 shots. As in Thailand, they were so stoic. Barely any tears, except one tiny little girl that I had to hold. Can't say that was my most favorite moment:) Then we went to each of the orphanages to spend some time.

There are now 4 orphanages in Prek Eng, which is just outside of Phnom Penh where the guest house is. The fourth one opened just 2 weeks ago. It was started out of money that was raised at a Grace Brethren youth conference this summer. In a matter of hours, the kids at the conference had given $90,000 to Asia's Hope which helped to start 1 orphanage here in Phnom Penh and 1 in the city of Battambang (northern Cambodia).

It was so special to be able to visit our kids at the Vista orphanage. Our director Savong has learned English since we were here last so I was able to talk a little with him. Mostly, though, I just loved to hold the kids. They again hung on tightly!

I wish I could upload pictures for you, but I am at an internet cafe and am unable to. I hope to have internet access at the house (you can pray for that:) When that is available, I will be able to blog more often and put up pictures. Until then, my posts won't be coming as often:(

Tomorrow, we will be visiting one of the state run orphanages here. It is a stark contrast to the orphanages that Asia's Hope sponsors. We will be bringing them food and hygiene items. On Monday we are traveling up to Battambang to see the kids there. I look forward to that trip!

Thanks for all your prayers. Please continue to lift up the team as they finish out the last week here. Also, pray for the logistics for my time here and that I would continue to rest in God's presence throughout it all. He has a plan!