The first day we went to the Killing Fields and to Toul Sleng (Former office S.21), both are genocide museums. If anyone has ever heard me say "I feel burdened for Cambodia" they know I mean mostly trafficking, therefore, the women and children. Honestly, I was disturbed with the Khmer men. How could they continue letting their women and children be sold everyday into sex slavery? Why weren't they being protectors?
When we went to the Killing Fields we met Mr. Moltai, he was no average tour guide. Mr. Moltai was lucky enough to be the only one of his family who escaped the Khmer Rouge. He started most sentences with "I remember like yesterday", and I could tell he was flashing back to every moment he described. The emotions he had as he ran with all his might away from "the men with AK-47s", and the smell when he arrived back at piles of bodies three years later. Anyone could tell the story of this genocide and my heart would break from mere injustice. But you would have to see in his eyes, and hear in his voice the passion, in order to understand how painful hearing this story was.
When I woke up this morning I was praying to see through the eyes of Christ because I wasn't sure how my emotions would handle being on site, and seeing everything I have been praying for first hand. I didn't know how desperately I would need this simple prayer. By the end of day my heart was shattered for the entire country of Cambodia; men, women, children, even the buildings which are still tainted with blood stains. I can now understand and feel Christ's mercy and grace for the men of Cambodia.
Returning from these genocide museums, riding in our tuktuk (which is basically a motorcycle pulling a four person wagon/chariot.) We passed an area of Phnom Penh that I can only describe as a situation in dire need for care. The smell, the greenery (or lack of), and the people just laying around with flies everywhere. I was practicing my listening prayer (you'll know what this is once you go on the trip!) I asked "Why Lord, are you letting this happen? I know it MUST break your heart like its breaking mine." "This is what happens when an entire people turn away from Me, but once they return to Me I am ready and willing to restore them to order." I was overwhelmed with peace at this answer. God isn't finished with Cambodia, He is ready to restore hope, love, and joy. But the Khmer people must be ready, willing, and we must be ready to share the good news!
I couldn't have asked for a better day one!
*Bottom photo by Kristen; all others by Connie Rock.
