Growing in grace

It is so encouraging to see children growing bigger daily. To see each one of them day by day on the breakfast table with their hair neatly comb with their winning smile and sparkling eyes that I can't help myself to thank God and went back from the first I saw each one of them.
I can't forget the first time Ram came out from the van. His looks made me think he might have some serious disease. His body seems like to dislodge from it's frame anytime. When kids are running and playing he usually sits on the sides watching them.
But, today one of our staff called me and said, " look! Ram is already running and playing around with the other kids."
There are still much to do and mountains of effort for the physical rehabilitation of these kids but, I could say, it's worth it. Each child is very special to us because each one of us is also special to God. I know that God has brought them in our home because He has a great plan for each one of them that as of this time only Him knows.
Be part of our home.

Spending Holidays in our Home

Cambodia allocate two long weeks for their New Year celebration. First week is spend for thorough house cleaning and preparation and second is for temple visitation/offering for the departed love ones and going back to their home town to pay a long awaited visit to the relatives and friends. Celebration includes special food preparation.
In our home, we also have activities almost like they are used to like house cleaning and awaiting the events prepared for this year like the sport fest where friends from other areas will come to our home to spend about two to three days. The event usually have games, fellowship/knowing each other and special food preparation also.
Usually the last night is the most memorable of the event because we have bonfire and barbecue and the fellowship is extended for hours.
Our goal is to give glory to God in everything that we do. Whatever we do and wherever we go. To impart our life to the best we can to each child God has given to us.

Adaptability

For years of keeping the kids, I'm amazed on how God work in each of the kids life regarding with adjustment to their new environment with a lot of new changes. Not much with the material blessings that they are presently enjoying but, with the emotional effort of adjusting with discipline and order.
They have been to a home where there is no order and no rules to guide them. One kid once ask me why they have to do things at the same time like eating time, sleeping time and playing time." In my house, my mother let me do anything and whenever I wanted". Although I follow but I just wanted to know, "Why?"...
Our home is totally different from where they were yet the grace of God is more than enough to accept a new totally different way of living.

New Year in our Home

Cambodia with it's mixed but unique culture has crafted me into being resourceful and creative especially during special family occasions. Although, our "home" can't be like the usual home most of us enjoy but, we try to make it like "almost" home to each child we have. We celebrate birthdays, pray together and share many things together. One of those occasions we observe is New Year. For us, time like these are loaded with fun and most of all we have a "little" extra, yummy food.
I mentioned "these" and "are" because in our home we keep three New Years. Khmer, Chinese, and the New Year we usually celebrate.
We do this because our kids are from different kinds of origin. By keeping the different occasions we understand and we become more attached to each other. We are cultivating mutual respect and appreciation to each others uniqueness and heritage.

beginning of today

Upon arrival here in Cambodia 11 years ago. Our home is already open with teens that wants to find shelter. In one particular year we have about 8 men living with us. Now some of them have already jobs in other places but two men stay with us until now to help us with the present ministry. One of these men is Eng Sary. He was personally brought to us by his father because he wanted to learn more computer and English. Presently, He is now our interpreter and staff in the School and Children's home.
I personally saw his diligence in learning and work hard to attain basic skills. All his efforts are really blessed and he continually being fruitful in our other Church in the border of Thailand.

hitting two birds in one stone

When a volunteer will come to help the Children's School. He is actually helping the children's school and the children's home. That's what I mean with, "hitting two birds in one stone". Everyday after school, we have play time which the volunteer is free to mingle with the kids. Following the dinner that is before bedtime we have fellowship together separately in the girl's house and boy's house sometimes join together in my family's room.
During this time, we interact with each other. We encourage acceptance of differences because each of them are from different area and background. That is why the foreign volunteer becomes more effective because in our home we don't put boundaries and borders. Whoever and Whatever is your gift you have a place to lend your hand and your heart. Red, yellow, black, brown and white are precious in God's eyes.

Improving an orphan's talent

Our children's school also provide the kids an opportunity to discover and improve their talent in Music, Expressive reading, Arts and Sports. By presenting a monthly song for each group level the kids learn the art of Singing and playing musical instrument. During especial events they also show their talents on drama, musical play and different stage performances. We also host sports fest in the home that will enable them to meet new friends from different areas in the city that will also improve their athletic prowess and social skills.

curves in an orphan life

Being an orphan have multiples curves to experience in their own personal life. To be rejected and neglected is one of the most painful experience they are trying to overcome. Our home are not only a healing place physically but, also a place for emotional healing for each child with different experiences and from different backgrounds. Ram, which is the weakest among the younger ones are one of these kids that needs especial care. By his physical features and response to care that we gave, it is evident that He was neglected with the basic necessities of a child. A hug, would bring out awe and sparkle from his still sunken eyes.May we be able to do our part the best we can to help each kid in our home.

mending a wound means mending a wounded heart

Ram, is physically the weakest child of the newcomers. This child's condition is actually not new to us. Most of the kids that come to our home are physically weak and malnourished. It takes about 2 or more years for them to recover to be vibrant lively child. Although the heart and mind is hungry and longing to be running around with other kids but, Ram can't enjoy physical activities like other kids. He is 7 year old boy with a weight of a 3 to 4 year old child. Yesterday, when all the kids were playing in the play area, I saw him sitting down with other children watching the game. I was relieved thinking everyone is having a good time. While i was in the room I can hear a pleading and hurtful cry. I run out passing bye drops of blood in the pathway. Ram, fall while just walking to the kitchen to get some drinks. He got 3 stitches wound in the forehead but, I'm thankful that today he greeted me with those sweet smile that has touched my heart.

the baby of the newcomers

Sew Ee is the youngest among the new kids, only 3 years old girl that was left in the care of her old grandmother. Upon arrival I told my son, shem about her happy mood. The journey from her mountainous place to preynop takes approximately about 14 hours. During the travel she makes the atmosphere in the vehicle lively by singing. By hearing it, my son called her Melody. Yes, melody is making our home happier and more lively.