Joyous!!

We arrived late last night to our hotel in Phnom Penh, tired but incredibly excited about what was in store for Saturday. We started the day as a team with some breakfast, and the liquid glory know as Cambodian coffee with sweet milk. Think incredibly strong coffee with condensed milk…yum! From there we loaded all three globalX teams on a bus and headed to see New Life Church. It was such a blessing to see Pastor Vek and hear about how God’s shaped and grown their church. 20 years ago they started in a house, then to a small church at held about 100 people, then to a bigger sanctuary that held about 250 people, and now in a church that holds up to 650 people, and they fill it to capacity every week. His prayer is that the congregation grows, but more that than, for the congregation to grown in their relationship with the Lord. It was amazing to be able to pray for the church with Pastor Vek on the top floor of the church. From there, we headed to Tuol Sleng, or S21. This was a concentration camp during the Khmer Rogue regime. It is always a sobering experience to see how evil humans can be in the absence of God. As hard as it is to see the atrocities, it is important for us to see it and understand the history of Cambodia and how New Life Missions rose from the rubble. We grabbed a quick bite to eat, then headed to the orphanage in Phnom Penh to see the kids. All three orphanages sent all their kids to Phnom Penh so we could head to the beach together tomorrow. What an experience to drive down that long and narrow road to see the kids for the first time. Hearts were pounding as we saw them all running out to greet us at the bus. First timers didn’t feel new for long, as the kids in their vast and unconditional love immediately grabbed the hands of the closest person and we heard the familiar “God Bless You.” We just hung around the orphanage, soaking in every moment of being with the kids. There were hilarious jokes and games that we were a part of that we were clueless to the rules or puns, but laughed and participated all the same. The American men tried to play volleyball with the kids, and they took mercy on our “old” bodies then gave a clinic after we left the court. We sang, talked, sat, read, and just enjoyed each other. It was incredible, the joy that comes from being with these kids is beyond words. They are gifts from God, and we love them so much. After tearing every person away from the loving arms of the kids, we loaded back up and headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower and a dinner complete with pineapple fried rice in a hollowed out pineapple. Thoroughly tired from travel and the emotions of the day, we quickly debriefed and are headed to bed. We have such an amazing team and get along so well, it has been so much fun. We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Please pray for a safe trip tomorrow to the beach. About 4 hours of driving after church, then fun in the sun and sand. We love you all and miss all our friends and family immensely. God bless, we will update again soon.