Happy to report that the team landed safely at 1:00pm today and have returned home to their families!  After spending approx 36 hours in airports or on flights, we shouted when the pilot announced that we were making our final descent to the New Orleans airport.

In 7 days on the ground, we held 9 sessions of VBS for approximately 90 children, held a special youth meeting Saturday afternoon, and held a very special “A Life Made Beautiful” for 45 local women on Friday!

On our final day, the children surprised us with a presentation of several dances that the children had learned to Christian songs.  We then ended with a reprise of several of the praise & worship songs that our team had taught – the room was filled with such happy song and dance with a touch of tears, knowing that we would soon leave.

Saying goodbye was so difficult.  We bonded so quickly with each of these children and adults at the learning center.  We pray that the seeds planted during our week there will grow to a fruitful harvest for the Kingdom.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Monday – It was great seeing the children this morning after a much needed day of rest.  Each and every day we are greeted with their smiling faces, their waving hands, and their words “Hello, how are you?”  Most of our time here has been spent with the children but today, I had the opportunity to take one of Pastor Steve’s messages (Uncertain) to the ladies in the village with the help of a translator.  It was the most amazing thing that I have ever seen.  When I arrived, the ladies were patiently awaiting my arrival so that they could hear the word of God.  Some of them actually brought their sick children to the small group.  I was not sure how well the ladies would understand the message I was delivering to them but when God is on the move, a language barrier cannot stop Him.  The message today was on “Fear Not”.  These ladies were so open to share what fears and pressures they were facing today, which is the health of their children.  Cheryl and I prayed for each of these ladies and their families as we closed the group.  As I sat on this cement floor holding hands with each of these ladies, I was overwhelmed with their love for each other but most of all their love for God.  They have so little, but have so much love to give.  I came over here thinking that I was going to Reach People and Build Lives, but in reality it was just the opposite.

Day 4: Friday – Our mission’s version of  A  Life Made Beautiful Tea was held at the Relocation Center.   Approximately 55 women representing the Relocation Center  and the surrounding area  were invited to come experience the 1st ever ALMB from our women’s mission group.   The Mission Team started out with some praise songs in Cambodian language/English followed by prayer. Then  team members spoke briefly about amazing women of the Bible: Eve, Esther, Ruth, Mary- Mother of Jesus and a brief talk on Jesus. After each talk the Team  performed   lip  scrubs, hand scrubs, lotion and essential oils on the ladies.  This was followed by a foot-washing where each team member chose a lady from  her group to perform this act.  The Holy Spirit was very present  as tears flowed and love was embraced by all participants.  We then served tea, cakes and fruit.  These women are wonderfully and powerfully made.  After all the festivities and lunch, our team headed to see the project the Kelly’s started to create jobs for women: Sew Empowered.  A silk-screened t-shirt business. A  very fruitful day.

DAY 5: Saturday – Youth Day at the Center.  The Team did a mini version of VBS in the morning followed by a delicious lunch! Next we had the youth (13-25 year olds)  where they watched a Christian movie and ate POPCORN!!!  In preparing the popcorn, the cook did not know what was happening when she heard the ping-ping.  The when I took the pot of the burner and opened the lid, she looked inside when a kernel popped- took her by surprised.    She was so eager to pop the rest of the corn.  After the movie, the youth decorated back-packs.  Since we had the afternoon free, we did what all women like to do… shop! A visit to the Central Market to look at what the shop-owners had some of us leaving with a purchase or two.  The evening wound down to a nice dinner at a garden restaurant.  No rain today.

DAY 6: Sunday – We all met the Kellys at their church.  It was a 2-hour service full of praise and worship, new happenings at the church, more praise and worship.  The sermon was on marriage. We  Americans had to wear headsets and listen to a translator which sometimes made it difficult to understand.  Pastor Steve.. nobody does a sermon like you!   Of course, after church we had to go eat.  This was an authentic sit-down meal… on the floor on table about 12 inches high.  For our activity we had an option of: shopping or touring the palace.  Some went to the shops, some went on the tour. Sue was back at the hotel for a meeting of some of her relatives for the first time.  We were all excited for her!  The highlight of the palace tour was Cheryl, Sheri Jean, and Shirrell played Cambodian instruments.  We did have a downpour this evening.  All is well for this team.  We can’t wait to come home and show you all of the pictures and relive our experinces with you.

Day 1

Filled with anticipation and excitement, our morning starting off with a great breakfast in the hotel and then we were off to the Kelly’s TLC.  The ride on the way to the center was filled with interesting sites that included lots of motorbikes!  With no traffic lights in sight (at least not the route we took) traffic in Cambodia put a new perspective on drive with “caution”!!  After leaving the city streets, we entered the country roads that were a little less crowded, but even more interesting.  Quite a different life from the world we are use to.  God bless Cambodia! Although the living conditions are poor, the people appear to be happy with what they have. There were sightings of skinny cows running behind the van and a strange large fruit that hung from the trees.  I saw a woman on her front porch weaving a basket while her infant child hung in a hammock nearby. One of my favorite sightings was of a little boy (about 5 or 6) skipping along the side of the road all by himself on his way to school.  Priceless!

Arriving at the center was the best of all.  The little children ran to the van to greet us with “Hello!!! Hello!!! My name is….and you?” They were so loving and wanting of affection.  We couldn’t help but get down and grab them and hug them tightly!!! It was the first of I’m sure many other life changing moments to come on this trip! The day was filled with singing, games, crafts, and MORE HUGS!!!!!!! The Kelly’s shared their testimony as to why they are here: Empowering Cambodia!!! They are a God sent! And I’m so glad that God sent us here to partner with them.

A few of us went to the market to shop for Day 2 events.  This was a GREAT ADVENTURE!!! We went from one market to another trying to find certain supplies and the best prices for fruits and flowers.  The markets were filled with what seemed to be thousands of vendors selling the same things.  It was Wal-mart and Target times 10,000!!!!! Everything you needed or didn’t need was there!

In closing, this is just the beginning and I’m sure there will be more to talk about before the end.  But most importantly, the love of Christ was on display today through the women of Church of the King and all those at Tarsha’s Learning Center (The Kelly’s, the kids, and the staff).  I’m just grateful to God for this opportunity to REACH Cambodia!!! – post by Shirrelle

Well, it’s 12:30am Thursday 10/22 here and we are all checked into our hotel and doing well. Great (but long) flights, clear weather. A little warmer than the weather we left in Louisiana yesterday… We hit the school first thing in the morning with our first session of VBS. Thank you for your prayers – we are expecting great things for the Kingdom this week! – posted by Gwen

Our team of 12 is preparing for our week-long adventure in Cambodia, where we will be working alongside Patrick & Carol Kelly with the children and women in their area.  Please keep the team in your prayers!