Embroidered with various colors

The pictures are all spread out on the wooden platform that rests in the middle of her thatched home.  As her worn hands rustle through a kaleidoscope of memories, she generously adds life to the images that grace each photograph. Sharing the former moments in time that were unable to be captured. Those mere essences of breath that once lived behind the lens. My heart and mind paralleled the prior action of the shutter, as it opened wide to let in the light and then contract around the dark realities that face Cambodian children. She continues on, expressing a vulnerable side that is naked and bare. A beautiful transparent unveiling of the heart. Feeling within my own, the depth of what she has known, a greatly welcomed cool breeze blows through the slits in the wood panels that construct the walls around us, ever so graciously taming the humid afternoon heat. Without ceasing in conversation, she leans over as she moves in continual pursuit of one particular photo. A photo that tightens and blesses her heart in equal measures, and holds the sole reason for my being there. With a mirroring of her emotions, I'm searching out why I feel this level of compassion towards a boy whom I have just met. Why I felt this was about Panha...

...As she held the photograph, she sent him off to do chores. It was taken not too far from where we were seated, underneath the canopy of shade that one of their biggest trees held.  His chubby cheeks and unsure demeanure were captured, and colorfully illustrated his new transition. The new transition into his new home. Or first home for that matter. The longer I tried to visually picture him at such a young age, the easier it was to fall more in love. As she relived his past and the crossings of their paths, the heartbreaking translation came in sync with my heart absorbing what I saw. "My heart turned to wax; it has melted away within me," Psalm 22:15 for I saw a beautiful little boy, so precious and loved by God, but what I heard was a story that described such dark realities defined by abandonment and homelessness. Over and over the term "street kid" was said and it played like a broken record in my thoughts as I looked up and watched him bounce around with such life. With such a tenderness and innocence about him. Now at the age of nine, five years ensuing the date that I held, so many questions came flooding in crashing against every corner of my being...and then with a 'stilled and quieted...soul' (Psalm 131:2) I was enlightened by the Love of my God.

Panha (in tiger paint) with his friends Bunthong, Raksa, and Virak

Jesus, in reference to children, lovingly stated that "their angels always are in the presence of and look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven." Matt. 18:10.  In Panha's life, his angels have demonstrated this close presence in an expression that of which points to the vastness of His unfathomable love. To hear the sadness cry out of his days as a homeless child and see how they have transpired into such beauty; by a tender pouring forth of the gracious heart of God, is reviving to the soul. This part of his life will always make his story, his story, however, it is only the beginning. For also with him in the beginning was God and He saw his 'unformed substance' and in His 'book all the days were written before they ever took shape, when as yet there was none of them.' Psalm 139:16  His defender watched over him and did not slumber in the dirty hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Being his Father, He set his feet to walk upon the road that would lead him and set this lonely child into the hearts of a family that would love and care for him immensely. (Psalm 68:5-6).  How this intricately designed life was not hidden from [Him] when [he] was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery] v. 15 is all too beautiful.

As we rode together, the three of us, all piled onto the moto back to school, the beauty of the natural simplicity that paints the countryside of Cambodia, giving way to the rural daily life, had more depth to it. A deeper understanding that I was being pushed into here along the dirt roads, making this place in time stand still; drawing upon the reality of the spiritual kingdom that "lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it."
A.W. Tozer.  It was in that thatched home where we spent the afternoon talking about the courses of events that have shaped Panha's life, that the depth of the knowledge of truly understanding that He knew us before time, planning our lives with a love so beautiful, so patient, and so new, refreshed me like a cool breeze.Capturing my heart once again, in this beautiful country by another one of His precious children.

A Thing of Beauty

Pagcheata & Lisa 2nd grade

With her fingers she follows along the Khmer script as she struggles to make sense of the print. Using the pictures as a guide she, at last, finishes the page. I have no idea if she read it correctly, but her sweet smirk of accomplishment makes this moment all that matters.  In this moment nothing is more beautiful than watching this little girl. Nothing is more beautiful than watching Pagcheata. As I continue listening to her and her classmates in an attempt to read a stack of children's books, that we received as a generous donation from Room to Read (one of the only book publications and literacy promotion organizations in Cambodia) a rushing of emotions come pushing forward. Immediately wanting to get out and make more of this dull colored backdrop that is everyday education in the public schools.  Wanting, so much more, to paint this school, with such a vibrant array of colors.  A beautiful rainbow that  reflects this beautiful snapshot that serves as a sweet refreshing to keep going, despite the rigors of this daily life.

Lisa, Chantrea, Sokim & Lina

The importance placed on developing strong literacy skills in the elementary years and promoting its necessity, has been in dire need for so long. Throughout the past few months, I've been researching and meeting with various organizations, which has lead to a deeper understanding of the issues that face Cambodia's children (education) today and their possible implications for the future.  While there are  organizations that have established libraries, written and published children's books and  distributed literacy resources in various provinces, there are still too many schools throughout the country without such resources or knowledge of such. Many organizations focus on the financial burden of attending school, promoting it's necessity. And while this is much needed, the quality of education is sadly, so many times, overlooked. The individual child is overlooked. Those struggling are overlooked.

Nevertheless, despite these educational struggles, there is a beauty hidden within that transforms into a joy, forever.  Challenging life, yet again, here in rural Cambodia. And this transformed joy felt within the parameters of the four walls of each classroom, at AHFW, is in measurable. Each child, unique with their own beauty, bringing with them a thirst for knowledge and to be taught in Truth. Bestowing  upon those that teach, with blessings of lessons in culture, language, and love. In return, teaching "us to number my [our] days aright, that we may gain a heart for wisdom."(Psalm 90:17)

 

Seeds Planted in the Fall

10 months ago, I shared a little on the state of education in Cambodia, it's history, and the vision, a few years long delicately prayed dream, of Kit and Ream, the directors of A Greater Hope Orphanage, CCF, for a Christian school, and quite possibly the first one in the province.

Within this past year, outside the perimeters of the orphanage, faces have turned into more than just faces and prayers for the school have ended in "May your will, not mine (ours), be done." And after the long expected opening day, our seven teachers, students, and families, overflowing with excitement, together welcomed A Heart for Wisdom School's opening on October 3, 2011. Welcoming grades K-6, more than thought possible last January. A Greater Hope Orphanage (AGHO) children and local children make up the, a little over 100, children that are beautifully decorating the classrooms of our small school, the unused rooms of the church, where they study the Bible, Math, Khmer, English, Science/Social, and P.E., all while filling the spaces in between with their laughter and life.

Now, four months into an unknown time frame, equipped with an ever growing love for these children, this daunting beautiful honor to share God's love with these precious children, seems more incredible and more real than ever. Preparing each child for their future ahead and the challenges and struggles that the Khmer culture faces daily quickly brings into light that this generation is 'It.' They're the generation that is going to start the steep recovery process that this country faces. The importance placed on giving them the spiritual and academic tools needed to pass on to future generations to come, weighs heavily. To teach and encourage them to be the Josiahs' of their time, who with his whole heart sought after God, thus, transforming a nation.

Seeds are being planted almost parallel to the surrounding rice that gives this time of year the county's sought after photographic beauty. And like every year, "the God of the seasons...who caused the seeds to swell in the earth, burst with life, and send up their bright green shoots, the promise of harvest (Cormack, Don. Killing Fields Living Fields)," is ever so patiently waiting for this land, a demonstration of His mercy pointing to the unveiling hope that His eyes are on this country.

From Cambodia with Love,
Alicia

Stars Forever and Ever

 

...He lay there, breathless, beneath the canopy of stars. His thoughts overtaken by the glorious riches that adorned the night sky. As all life slowly faded into a deep sleep, songs of hope rocked him in a most mesmerizing lullaby.  Each night a peace welcomed his visits, inviting with them, a consuming cool breeze that joyfully danced around his heart. For He was wooing the one He loved. His eyes closed every few seconds to take in this moment, and breath in His fragrant presence. It was here, that he was reminded of promises that were once whispered so deep into his soul. The sweet melody echoed from within, "Look at the heavens and count the stars-if indeed you can count them...so shall your offspring be." (Gen. 15:5) The magnitude of this promise released into the midnight sky, blessings, illuminated with love, adding a brilliant beauty and wonder, forever, to the stars above.

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Cambodia's children are beautiful. They have this brilliant sparkle about them, immediately exposing a subtle but yet striking beauty. As I watch them in passing, my heart grows within me. We all look back as we pass each other, smiling, then they fade from my sight as quickly as they came. Each playfully going their own separate way. As I continue home, their joy and beauty somehow, remind me of the stars. Upon reaching the off-white iron gate leading into the orphanage, my thoughts collide with the love story that is played out to all the world every night.

As the evening bides farewell to the day spent and the left over heat dissipates into the cool evening, the sky is clothed in a rich purple that slowly transends into a dark midnight, a color palette all unique to Cambodia, as the night, once again, is born. Not a cloud in the sky, as I stare up into the night. And with the same romancing whisper that longed to speak of love and faithfulness to Abraham, a singing grace fixes my gaze, and thoughts, on the stars, once again. In them, a reflection of His beauty. Giving light to the night, and illuminating His promises.

For they are each treasures, and as thoughts of them adorn my night sky, and end the day, I pray that each child I meet, each child I see in passing, each child I teach, and each child I live with, may come to truly understand the depth of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18) and to "shine like the brightness of the heavens...[shine] like the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3). Being those that light up the world and fulfill the promises spoken so long ago to Abraham.

Then, "as the darkness is passing...the true light is already shinning" and whispering goodnight (1 John 1:8).

One Month in Thmey Village, Takeo, Cambodia

Can't believe it's been a month already! Time is flying by and after a bit of adjustment to life back in the village, I am again feeling right at home. Here's a bit of what's been going on...

A Heart For Wisdom

Continually praying as we take A Heart For Wisdom primary school, the first Christian primary school in the village, step by step and day by day.  As of last week it looked as though I was going to experience my first lesson in third-world bribing, due to the run around and excuses we were receiving from the Ministry of Education, which is the usual introduction to such. However, today, we have been encouraged to continue with our license application. While this is a less climatic introduction into Cambodia's government, it sadly still reflects the disheartening realization that a child's best interest isn't even a thought, none the less an expectation, despite the written laws that mandate otherwise.
Cambodia's oppressed state is slowly recovering from what has been called Cambodia's holocaust. Due to poor education, and the fact that you can buy a degree, it's hard to find qualified teachers. And after much translation, seeing that the public school curriculum isn't comprised of much educational material to equip these children, this task teter-tauters between being extremely daunting and such a beautiful privilege. And then again, daily, I am confronted with the hovering cloud of a spiritual darkness that my neighbors were born under, as Asia is considered the lost of the lost (K.P. Yohannan).
While a lot still has yet to be done before this October, the start of the new school year, the excitement is definitely building.

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A Greater Hope Orphanage

When you live at an orphanage on a farm, between the animals and the children, there is never a dull moment.  The theme lately has been chickens, chickens, chickens. Chickens everywhere and anywhere. Dead chickens, alive chickens, even being plucked chickens, and my favorite, only one foot mixed in with the vegetables for lunch, chicken. AGHO has been trying out raising chickens for the past four months, this being the fifth. In short, the chickens are raised here and then picked up and sold, all while making a profit. It has been a good way for the children to invest their money and reap a little extra.  

Lor, 17, and his brother Chow, 14

The biggest news lately is the oldest and one of the first to come to the orphanage, Lor, has recently graduated high school and will be leaving at the beginning of next year to attend a trade school about two hours away. He will be studiyng carpentry, welding, plumbing, and electricity in a 9-month program. We took him to check it out and the smile on his face said everything. One of the million moments here, that I wouldn't trade for anything. Lor is an amazing young man with a gentle spirit. He has touched the lives of all of the children here. The younger boys love to hang out with him and his playfulness encourages even the youngest, Nyget, 6, to cuddle up next to him.
Here is a piece of what he said when he arrived at AGHO in 2006.

"My life before I came to know the Lord was very, very hard and I was a bad kid.  My mom and dad got divorced. First, my mom left and then my dad did too so I stayed with my grandparents.  When I became an orphan, the other children were mean to me-they used call me "abandoned child."  I was very, very sad and one day I came to know the Lord and he touched my heart.  He encouraged me not to feel down anymore.  My grandparents and I now have the love of Jesus in our lives.  Since then, the Lord has provided for my grandparents, my brother and me. My brother and I were able to come and live in the orphanage. "

He is going to be missed!  "Many O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you." Pslam 40:5

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Overall, it's been such a blessing to be back! There are always those moments where I am so amazed at the influence that children posses. It always brings me back to why Jesus mentioned them so much. Luke 10:21 says,"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes Father, for this was your good pleasure." For His good pleasure. I just love that.

From Cambodia with Love,
Alicia

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In Between Moments and Memories

He was half monkey the way he climbed up the ladder to the abandoned water tower, a small detour on our way home after an evening bike ride through our village neighborhood. The sun was setting and the view was supposed to be beautiful and besides he wanted to do it. When language is a barrier, it's in those sign language spur-of-the moments that you just act, wanting to do something, anything. He reached the top before I even started. I knew that with each step up would mean one step down. But hearing his voice resounding with such excitement, and the memories that I foresaw, I kept going. I let out a scream, wiped my sweaty palms against my jeans, and with each bare foot sweaty step I took, I focused on one arm over and one arm under the small metal ladder, which got skinner the higher I got. Without warning, moments can forever beautifully impact the heart.  Gently, the never before spoken about prayers that are hidden deep within the soul, lovingly embrace the invading beauty of each instant. Grasping, to forever hold onto these moments, time propels into the unknown, leaving behind fragments of emotion, that are felt, somewhere in between these moments and their memories. It is in the un-named in between, that a soul may intertwine with an un-describable familiarity. An extension of oneself, as if it was already there, and time was keeping it prisoner until the perfect moment for it to be free to be felt by the heart. The view left me breathless and my thoughts at peace, wanting to hold onto this moment. Wanting to hold onto him pointing things out, the smiles, the laughs, and the silences. At last, we spoke the same language. The brilliant-green Cambodian countryside somehow seemed familiar. He seemed familiar. As if my love for both was just a matter of timing. Like it had been there all along, waiting patiently for me. Unable to be hurried. Unable to be humanly created. A beautiful orchastrating of a pre-designed plan (Psalm 139:16). It was this moment and a dozen others that led me back to Cambodia. That led me back to the children at A Greater Hope Orphanage. That led me back to Samrang, Long, Nop, Wut, and  Darow. That led me back to the need for better education in this country, and to help with A Heart For Wisdom School. To experience more of what happens when you spend your life on behalf of a child. "I want to see miracles, to see the world change...[Life's] more than a feeling, more than a cause."~Switchfoot; For life is but a moment (Psalm 39:5).  Add Comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q50QqDSN6HY