Today we visited the other orphanage in Phenom Penh, They call it PP1 and yesterdays was PP2. It is a much larger orphanage and is 5 stories high.
When we first arrived the children's Choir which is coming to the USA later this week was practicing. They are very very good. I cannot wait to see them at the Church on Sunday the 4th of August. A young boy of 15 came and sat next to me and instantly we made a connection. It was wonderful. His name is Moun Sauda. And we got along great. Of course then other boys and girls came over to see and they love the tablet so I got some nice pictures to send you.
Also you can see the city from the top floor of the orphanage in two pictures below.
I took the older children 14+ aside and we talked about my story. I talked to them about the choices they will need to make. It is a rough city and the bad choices are everywhere. We talked about God and about how they need to keep him as the center of their life. We talked about how they need to look out for each other and nobody is perfect. I gave the eldest one of my eagles and you can see a picture of him below. The children really respond to my talk. I think it is encouraging to them and they so rarely have an older male visit who focuses on them to try to connect. I know now this is what God had in mind for me. To focus on this specific group of children.
We sang songs and did Tie dye T-shirts. The children were wonderful. Many of them are in the choir and Kept asking if they would see me and Wendy, Rachael and Matthew next week as I told them all about them.
Of course when time came to go, A boy and girl around 10 years old came to me and were stuck to me. We hugged and many kisses on the head an more hugs. They just don't let go and I don't want them to. As you can see by the picture of Oudom (one of our translators) sleeping, this trip has been exhausting. Non-stop and many many long days.
I have come to love these children. They are a completely open book. An open heart and so giving. Its very hard to explain the emotional bond. I have always been fond of children, but these precious boys and girls are so very special.
As I sit here at the airport preparing to come home, I reflect upon the week. I reflect upon all these precious boys and girls and all I have seen. My heart is full but I am sad. At the same time I look forward to going home to my family and home. It is a strange combination.
I will likely post on the blog when the Choir performs and then a final wrap up. I have more than 500 photos so may post some miscellaneous information along the way.
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