Before and After

Today, I started to take some time to look through the pictures and bios of our kids when they first came to the Asia's Hope orphanage. Wow...the change is dramatic. I knew that it was, but I still couldn't believe how different the children look now.

So, I thought I would give you the chance to see it too. Look at their faces before...no smiles, sad looks, bags under their eyes. It's no wonder when you read a little of their bios. How thankful I am that their stories didn't end there!

Along with the growing smiles, I have seen their personalities emerge and evolve. They are still playful, happy, helpful, compassionate, and loving. Which is amazing to me after all they have been through.

Sophann is one of the oldest kids at the orphanage. He and his younger siblings (Sophy and Cheata) were brought from a remote jungle village. Their father was killed by a landmine. That's one of the legacies of the fighting that took place beginning in the 70s with the Khmer Rouge. He is so kind and helpful with the other kids.

Sophy is one of Sophann's younger sisters. She is the one who is always trying to teach me Khmer and is ever so patient as I continually fumble the words.

Cheata (the other younger sister) loves girly stuff...painting her nails, using hair accessories, wearing dresses. She is also playful and laughs often.

Somphoas is also one of the older boys. His parents died, and every day he had to beg for food from the monks at a pagoda for himself and his grandfather. He and Sophann are such great big brothers to all their siblings. Lately, every time that you take a picture of him and show him, he will say, "Handsome!" I agree!

The first time I saw Sreylin's picture, I couldn't tell if she was a boy or a girl. Now look at those pigtails:) Before coming to the orphanage, she was used by neighbors after both parents died to beg for food on the streets. At just 6 years old! She is so fun-loving and has one of the best giggles I have ever heard. So glad to be able to hear it!

Sreyroth's mother was killed when she was one and her father was an alcoholic. She and Sreylin are a happy-go-lucky pair. They love to joke around and tease with me. I don't think I have ever seen her without that smile!

Rebekah and her younger brother Timothy came to the orphanage after her father divorced her mom and left, and then her mother disappeared. I have one word for Rebekah...energy! She has a lot of it! Always playing and laughing. Loves to snuggle, but usually not for long:)


Timothy is Rebekah's younger brother. He's a rough-and-tumble little boy and plays hard all the time...but he definitely has a sensitive side.

Yohan was born after his mother was raped. She did not want him and so left him with grandparents and never returned. He is the youngest...and by far the smallest...boy at our orphanage. (I'm sure he could fit in my carry-on!) So sweet and loving. He will just crawl into my lap whenever I sit down.

Longdich is the oldest girl. Her father left the family and never returned. Her mother became crippled and was unable to care for her anymore. She is quiet and so tender-hearted. One day, while dressed in the dance clothes that you see, she started to cry because she had never looked so beautiful before.


Kimhou is Longdich's younger sister...and the littlest girl. (Also could fit into my suitcase!) Like Yohan, she will crawl in my lap and want to be held. But is also usually busy riding her bike or playing. Love the pigtails!

Sopheak's father died, and her mother was in prison. She will quickly come and offer hugs, but can also be seen hanging back and taking everything in. She's in between the little kids and big kids, and I think is trying to figure it all out. Such a sweet heart.

Before Phalla came to the orphanage, he had to work bringing the cows to the fields every day. He loves to play sports, and is also helpful with the other kids. He's always one of the first to give me a hug when I arrive.

For the first month, I could never remember Senghong's name. I just called him Smiley. Because that smile you see is how he looks all the time! So thankful to see it. Before he came to the orphanage, he had to sell bananas on the streets.

Before coming to the orphanage, Seyha had to take the cows to the field and sold leaves at the market. He loves to tease! He enjoys being rough and tumble and laughs all the time.


Sothurn had to work his uncle's farm and endure his aunt's punishments before coming to the orphanage. He always has that sweet smile and is playful as well.

Isn't the change amazing! Here's the good news...there is room for more kids at our orphanage. You have the power to make a major impact in a child's life. Their lives have not only been changed...they have been saved.