Happy? Yes, yes I am. I've got a great life. I'm living my dream with people I love. My life however, like yours, is not always easy or fun or even what I thought it would be like. I'm ok with that. What I'm not ok with is…not doing more…praying more…or supporting more.
My recent trip to Cambodia convicted me of this.
Located in Southeast Asia, the primary language spoken in the capital is Khmer. The small portion of this Buddhist country that we saw is so beautiful. But it's greatest treasure is in its people- their stories, their dreams, and their potential.In the late 1970's there was a horrific massacre throughout the country as anyone with education/power was killed- their wives and children too. Over 2 million people were murdered in all. When the regime was overthrown, Cambodia had to start all over -full of grief, weak, and without any educated citizens.
The country still struggles to this day. It will take generations to rebuild cultural infrastructure where the economy and the people can stand on their own. Without education… all the advances that improve a government, commerce, medical care, etc. are impossible.
If Cambodia's history isn't heartbreaking enough, its present is even more horrifying because it deals specifically with the children. Little girls and little boys are being sold for sex by their families. They are sold on street corners, parks, markets, from home from parents. They work in brothels. They work in bars. They are trafficked to other countries. Through the rising rates of AIDS and STDs, abortion, untreated pregnancies, violence, abuse their future is death.
With knowledge comes responsibility, what should I do?
Walking the streets of Phnom Penh, seeing the dirty faces and scarred, bare feet of those seeking comfort in the light of day… I want to do something.
Do you want to do something? Do you want to do MORE?Click the link below to check out our next opportunity to Cambodia:
