Observations

There are so many things that we have witnessed. After our arrival, we went to visit a torture camp of Pol Pot. It was a school that had been converted to torture prisoners into confessing that they were spies of the United States and to name other spies. The confessions preferably would be one thousand pages. There were pictures of men, women and children, both before and after death.



After they were beaten to near death, they would be taken to the killing field. There was a speaker that played music so that the surrounding farmers would not suspect what was going on. The soldiers would use boards and hit the bound prisoners from behind to crash their skull. They did not want to waste bullets. Babies were held by the foot and hit against a tree. There are remmants of clothing and bones on the ground still.



Estimates are that over 4 million died. Four million is the population of Houston.



Church service on Sunday was nothing short of spectacular. There is a small sign indicating that is a Methodist Church. It is a two story building . There are chickens and dogs in the courtyard. We take off our shoes before entering the church. All sizes and kinds are aligned against the wall.



There are chairs that we are guided to and the members make certain that the fans provide cool air for us, along with bottles of water. There are lots of young people in the church, singing, leading service, praying, helping.



Elaine is giving the sermon this morning and the people are very attentive. It is father's day and a presentation is made to the fathers at service. We gather in a circle for prayer and closing. At this point everyone starts to pray their own prayer and in that building, with the size and acoustics, it is truly an upper room experience.



Lunch is at a great buffet restaurant, all you can eat for $4.50. What a great presentation of food, there several meat dishes and fresh fruit. After lunch we have a team orientation in preparation for the seminar that starts on Monday.



Monday morning we meet with the Khmer ladies to review the program and expectations. What a beautful people they are!! Such light and inspiration as they explain the struggles of the women.



We eat lunch and go over to the hotel for the seminar. Such noise, so many smiles. Marissa gives the opening address and tells the ladies that when she looks at them, see sees the image of God. How right she is.



Tuesday we are back at the hotel for sessions starting at 8 or as close to 8 as possible. Another full day of the ladies listening and discussing Bible Stories and faith. They have warmed up to us and each other and there are several that are willing to express their opinions.



Tuesday night the ladies are dressed in their best Khmer dresses. They are so graceful when they dance and their smiles are truly from within. They show off the crafts they've made today and the quilt squares that will become the Cambodia Methodist Women's quilt.



Wednesday is viewed with some trepidation. We are going to leave these ladies!! The closing message is delivered by me. I tried to stress that they are blessed children of God. The presentation of the krama's was tearful and the hugs came from everywhere!! The ladies presented each of the team members with a gift and the tears increased.



I told Elaine that I kept thinking of the song, Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this place. I did feel his power and grace. I did hear angel wings and saw glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in Cambodia.

Today we will visit the orphanage and the dump. The dump is where the city's trash is taken. There are families and children that live there, scavenging for food, clothing and items to sell. The orphanage is nearby. The kids from the orphanage performed at the opening ceremony of the seminar. Always the children are beautiful.

We will get the chance to do some shopping and see sights today also.