It was important for today that I arranged for us to visit Tuol Slang and the Killing Fields to get a better understanding of what people here have experienced and what lurks in their memories. For those of you not born yet in the mid-70's or for those who really didn't learn what had actually happened here, I will only briefly share now. Basically the Khmer Rouge, a group of Cambodian people aligning themselves with the Communists, attacked their own people killing 2 million of them in the worst possible ways. The educated, the professional, the wealthy, the leaders, and their families brutally murdered. The vision of the Khmer Rouge was to reduce Cambodia to a non-thinking group of slaves who did whatever the Regime told them to do. They set out to destroy Cambodia financially, socially, spiritually and physically. They wanted to destroy the culture and make pure, innocent, loving people into killers. Just about everyone you meet here has been directly effected by this event. Some lost their parents, some fled the country, some were taken into the military where they were taught to steal and kill. It was a great tragedy and still has its ugly evil fingers trying to grip the people of Cambodia.
After an emotionally heavy morning, we decided a visit to the Asia's Hope Christian School would be a great way to end the day and lift our spirits. We played with the children during their recess. Tim and Zac played vollyball using the tree branch as a net and a soccer ball. Then we visited the classrooms, Nathan, guitar in hand, and played some songs they knew in English ,and they sang some we knew. It was a great time of fellowship. [Please note that Pastor Daron will post pictures later]
Tomorrow we head up north to Siem Reap. Thank you so much for your prayers. Keep them flowing please! So please leave a comment of encouragement.
2 comments:
My eyes are welling up with tears as I read your blog posts. What a tremendous trip you have had so far in the lives of those around you and your own. We are praying for your impact in the lives of the children, the workers, and the people living in Cambodia and Thailand. They have experienced and felt the pains of many things we will never experience...only in our hearts that bleed and swell up with love for them. We pray your health will sustain you as you pour out your love on these precious, precious children/adults. May your lives be touched as you touch their lives. We miss you all but are praying everyday for your journey. Eating any bugs yet?
In Christ,
Jamie for the Imhoffs
My eyes are welling up with tears as I read your blog posts. I am praying for you everyday as you touch the precious, precious lives of the children/adults you come in contact with both in Cambodia and Thailand. We will never truly understand what it is like to endure or be impacted by the emotional, physical, and spiritual devastation that a lot of these people have had to endure or live with over the years...only in our hearts can we truly understand and catch a glimpse. We lift up prayers for you every day as you embark on your journey there. What precious, precious lives are being touched during your time there. God is using each one of you for his higher purpose. Some of which are visible and many of which are invisible. Look for those moments that are truly Heaven sent. We miss you all, but are so grateful for your service in this three weeks abroad. Take care and shine your light of hope and love. Have you eaten any bugs yet?
In Christ,
Jamie for the Imhoff's
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