Elephants and Garbage Dumps

[Blogger's note: Pastor Bob is very appreciative of your prayers and comments on the blog. Being as computer savvy as he is :), he thanked me for posting his updates here. His words were: "I need the 'I.T.' support in more ways than one!" Pretty clever, eh? I guess it is better to be an 'I.T.' than a P.I.T. Get it? Lame, I know. Today we are privileged to have pictures on Pastor Bob's post, courtesy of Kaillie Dravenstott (I guess PB took some of the pictures too, but Kaillie e-mailed them to me), a member of our church who is interning in Cambodia right now. You will see her in some of the pictures. To follow Kaillie's incredible journey, go to http://kailliedravenstott.blogspot.com/ . Thanks, Kaillie!]

Hi, again, everyone –

Greetings from my version of a “favorite watering hole”- the local Internet Café!

Here’s a riddle for you … Question: What do an elephant and a garbage dump both have in common? Answer: We saw both within the streets of Phnom Penh within the last 24 hours!

Last night, on the way to dinner at a local pizza place, we passed ON THE STREET a man leading an elephant (definitely under the “didn’t know you could do that” category!!). Unfortunately, I couldn’t grab my camera fast enough as we sped past at 15 km per hour, so you’ll just have to trust me on this one. I guess that was just a reminder that Amish buggies aren’t the only things

that move slow on the streets!

This morning we experienced perhaps the most moving moment of our trip so far.

We visited the PP garbage dump where thousands of people "live" and search for food or items to sell every day. As you can imagine, the stench in this tropical location was horrible.

But even more horrifying is the fact that adults, young people and children actually live in that disease-infested place. Some parents force their children to visit the dump every day just to find something of value to sell or use.

Following the garbage dump experience, we visited an NGO (non-government organization) called “PSE" (which stands "For the Smiling Children" in French). They are educating hundreds of students who would otherwise be living at the garbage dump. They’re doing a fine work, but I was reminded that it's possible to be well-educated and still be far from God. That's another reason why I thank God for the work of Asia's Hope. This ministry not only clothes, feeds and educates orphans, but most of all, the workers of AH are deeply committed Christians who offer children the eternal life only found in a relationship with Christ. This is the foundation for a life of meaning and significance.

Furthermore today we met with a Cambodian pastor who is starting a church here in PP and doing a great work of reaching young adults for Christ.

Right now we are stuck in the Internet cafe - because there is a DELUGE outside!! This doesn't slow down all the moto drivers one bit, however!

Please continue to pray for our health, safety, and impact throughout this trip. Tomorrow we head to Battambang where we'll meet the Kanes and participate Saturday in the dedication of "Grace Place," our orphanage here.

The rain is letting up...

In Him,

Pastor Bob