This week went by so quickly for me! We stayed quite busy, with teaching classes, the girls teaching discipleship each day at White Doves (Mike and I even got to share yesterday about how the Bible shows us how men and women can interact with love), and working each day at the village ("slum" as they call it). We saw two girls from this village taken to the hospital, both with infections in the skin on their heads, once we spoke with the parents. It is really disheartening at times to think that the parents didn't really care enough to find a way to take their sick children to the free children's hospital right down the road (maybe 5 minutes by moto, 10 by bike) until we told them they should. But hopefully our help during our short time here will show help things begin to change.
Yesterday was UofN's (University of the Nations, the branch of YWAM that we are working with) first ever big Sports Festival, so we got to help out with that all afternoon. Hundreds of students from our classes showed up to play soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and recreational games like sack races and a water balloon toss. It was a blast, as most Khmer people love to play. We served essentially as "camp counselors," leading color teams in pairs. Some of us got pretty spirited, and we all dressed in our team's color :).
Today we're going swimming, then checking out Angkor Wat right before sunset tonight (it rained last weekend, so we didn't end up going). The weather has been considerably cooler than last year over the last few days! Most days have had a little bit of rain, and once the sun is done the temperature drops down to maybe 80ish. It's been nice to go out and ride our bikes somewhere without getting completely sweaty, though there are definitely still those times.
We've been blessed to make some good friends here, among the likes of Geoff, Jessica, and Grace, all college-aged Americans working here with various ministries. And of course the YWAM staff have been so wonderful and helpful. Only one more full week in Siem Reap, then 3 days of the week after that, then we head back to Phnom Penh and then Sihanoukville! It's going way too quickly.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Hooray for Saturday!
Hello everyone!
I'm not even sure where to start because it feels like this week was so full of stuff that it all flows together...
Our English classes have been going well--learning how to do lesson plans and adjusting to our students' needs along the way. Kim and I both had breakthrough days on Thursday and "actually felt like teachers" to use her words. The Village (what we have nicknamed the slums) has been a big blessing to us at different times. There are tons of kids who just want our attention and want to be loved...and by tons, I mean it. Their parents are off at work or off playing cards or somewhere unknown, and we get the privilege of stepping in to love on these kids when their parents cannot or aren't interested in doing so. That sounds bad, but we have literally watched parents sit and play cards while their kids run around The Village naked, doing whatever they please. I think most every team member has shared at some time this week that being at The Village had been the highlight of their day.
We've also had an amazing time doing Discipleship Classes at White Doves. Every day a group of one or two of our girls shared on a topic close to their hearts: beauty, purity, healing, friendship, and prayer. This was a great time for us to share what God is doing and has done with us as well as to hear some of the stories of the women at White Doves. Each woman who shared had a beautiful story of what God has done for them, and they encouraged each of us in our own walks with God.
Health-wise, the team is doing well. Kim may have a cold, but she is taking vitamin-C and trying to get rest when possible. Today is our day off, so we'll be taking things slower and probably going to the pool and then visiting Angkor Wat.
Team unity has also been really good! We have been able to have really honest conversations about what we are feeling and experiencing, and I am so thankful for this group. Please keep us in your prayers! We passed our half way point, but I am sure there is still a lot to come this week and next week.
I love you Mom, Dad, Stephen, Matthew, and Daniel! And I'm sorry I missed your bday mom!
love, katie
I'm not even sure where to start because it feels like this week was so full of stuff that it all flows together...
Our English classes have been going well--learning how to do lesson plans and adjusting to our students' needs along the way. Kim and I both had breakthrough days on Thursday and "actually felt like teachers" to use her words. The Village (what we have nicknamed the slums) has been a big blessing to us at different times. There are tons of kids who just want our attention and want to be loved...and by tons, I mean it. Their parents are off at work or off playing cards or somewhere unknown, and we get the privilege of stepping in to love on these kids when their parents cannot or aren't interested in doing so. That sounds bad, but we have literally watched parents sit and play cards while their kids run around The Village naked, doing whatever they please. I think most every team member has shared at some time this week that being at The Village had been the highlight of their day.
We've also had an amazing time doing Discipleship Classes at White Doves. Every day a group of one or two of our girls shared on a topic close to their hearts: beauty, purity, healing, friendship, and prayer. This was a great time for us to share what God is doing and has done with us as well as to hear some of the stories of the women at White Doves. Each woman who shared had a beautiful story of what God has done for them, and they encouraged each of us in our own walks with God.
Health-wise, the team is doing well. Kim may have a cold, but she is taking vitamin-C and trying to get rest when possible. Today is our day off, so we'll be taking things slower and probably going to the pool and then visiting Angkor Wat.
Team unity has also been really good! We have been able to have really honest conversations about what we are feeling and experiencing, and I am so thankful for this group. Please keep us in your prayers! We passed our half way point, but I am sure there is still a lot to come this week and next week.
I love you Mom, Dad, Stephen, Matthew, and Daniel! And I'm sorry I missed your bday mom!
love, katie
Cambo-bo-land
Hello everyone!
People have probably been wondering if I have even made it to Cambodia because this is my first update! I hope you have been able to read some of the other amazing blogs my teammates have posted. Sorry this is going to be long- there is so much I want to tell but for now this is a general overview.
We're two weeks into our Cambodia trip and I definitely know it is long overdue for my update. So far the trip has been a roller coaster. Surprisingly the heat and humidity was the hardest adjustment in staying here. It was such a pestering distraction and was so draining for all of us but we have adjusted alright to it. We are in Siem Reap which is a part of the beautiful country-side of Cambodia. Its very colorful, quiet, and the main town still feels fairly small with outdoor markets and restaurants.
One of the struggles at the beginning of our trip was figuring out what our ministry was going to look like. However, we did sort it out and the past week or so has been so exciting for everyone as we are settling into our ministries. Everyday we get to talk about how much more we are filled with joy at our ministries, loving the people, loving the culture, and learning so much.
Everyday of the week, everyone has one English class that they teach. I teach and elementary English level- so learning basic grammar and conversation as well as increasing vocabulary. All my students are actually about 16 and older and so I have loved getting to know them as friends also. The other day in class we talked about our "dream job"and basically what their aspirations are and I felt so encouraged by hearing about their lives and their hopes.
Everyday, the whole team also spends a few hours in a village (sometimes they call it a slum, but I prefer village) doing activities, songs, crafts, and games and first aid with all the kids. Sometimes we have 60 kids and it is complete chaos and out of control but it has become some of our teams favorite times and stories. They are all really little too-aging a few months to about 9 or 10 years old. A lot of the kids parents do not have any concern for their health, education, or even just at all for them so we pray that by loving them, smiling, encouraging, touching, and playing with them that God would plant seeds of his love and presence into their lives and into the village. We find ourselves praying protection over them because this is the village where many of the girls we work with at White Doves came from. These are the types of places where parents will sell their daughters into prostitution for money, or even just unintentionally, not knowing where their daughters end up.
Which brings me to our other ministry- White Dove (women 18 and up), and Raffa house(girls under 18). These are the safe houses for women and girls brought out of sex trafficking, or intercepted before their parents sold them. We have been doing devotions with those at White Doves everyday, and many of them are also in our English classes. The devo time has been really sweet because they enjoy it, but also have had encouraging words for us, as well, in our stories and walks with the Lord. It has been beautiful to come together as sisters in Christ from different stories, backrounds, and cultures and all are reminded and encouraged in God's grace, healing, and to stay strong in Him as we keep moving forward.
Raffa house has been more of a challenge. It is a new house and so basic structure to the organization is really lacking. We are hoping to have an impact in helping them form a structure and routine for the girls- especially because they are so young. However, we also do devos, activities and games with the girls. We could use prayer for this ministry. The girls are hard to reach, they don't respond to structure, the translation there is really minimal, and they are not as responsive to some things that we are doing. We are pulling our brain power together to try some new things but this has proved as one of the difficulties for our team. I'll keep this blog updated for Raffa house for those who can pray for us in this area.
I apologize for the length and the vagueness of this message, but now that you all hopefully have a general overall of what a week looks like for us I will be able to share my experiences in a better light on this blog.
The heat and weather is not such a distraction as it used to be so thank you for those who were praying for that. The trip and our team feels much much smoother this week, but we could always use prayer! Prayer for our ministries- we are doing at least 3 ministries a day between all the places and it is easy for us to get burnt out sometimes, so prayer for strength and ability to be present and bring God's spirit with us as we are moving from ministry to ministry everyday. The spirit in this country is oppressive and dark. There is heavy Buddhism and idol worship, sex trafficking, and poverty everywhere. We pray that we would literally be shining with God's light and goodness to break holes in the dark blanket over this country. And then prayer for the women, students, and kids that we encounter everyday- that they would come to know God through our love and that He would be invited into their lives.
Thank you all so much for grace in this delayed update and vagueness of the letter but there will be more to come.
Grace and Peace,
Brooke Mazz
People have probably been wondering if I have even made it to Cambodia because this is my first update! I hope you have been able to read some of the other amazing blogs my teammates have posted. Sorry this is going to be long- there is so much I want to tell but for now this is a general overview.
We're two weeks into our Cambodia trip and I definitely know it is long overdue for my update. So far the trip has been a roller coaster. Surprisingly the heat and humidity was the hardest adjustment in staying here. It was such a pestering distraction and was so draining for all of us but we have adjusted alright to it. We are in Siem Reap which is a part of the beautiful country-side of Cambodia. Its very colorful, quiet, and the main town still feels fairly small with outdoor markets and restaurants.
One of the struggles at the beginning of our trip was figuring out what our ministry was going to look like. However, we did sort it out and the past week or so has been so exciting for everyone as we are settling into our ministries. Everyday we get to talk about how much more we are filled with joy at our ministries, loving the people, loving the culture, and learning so much.
Everyday of the week, everyone has one English class that they teach. I teach and elementary English level- so learning basic grammar and conversation as well as increasing vocabulary. All my students are actually about 16 and older and so I have loved getting to know them as friends also. The other day in class we talked about our "dream job"and basically what their aspirations are and I felt so encouraged by hearing about their lives and their hopes.
Everyday, the whole team also spends a few hours in a village (sometimes they call it a slum, but I prefer village) doing activities, songs, crafts, and games and first aid with all the kids. Sometimes we have 60 kids and it is complete chaos and out of control but it has become some of our teams favorite times and stories. They are all really little too-aging a few months to about 9 or 10 years old. A lot of the kids parents do not have any concern for their health, education, or even just at all for them so we pray that by loving them, smiling, encouraging, touching, and playing with them that God would plant seeds of his love and presence into their lives and into the village. We find ourselves praying protection over them because this is the village where many of the girls we work with at White Doves came from. These are the types of places where parents will sell their daughters into prostitution for money, or even just unintentionally, not knowing where their daughters end up.
Which brings me to our other ministry- White Dove (women 18 and up), and Raffa house(girls under 18). These are the safe houses for women and girls brought out of sex trafficking, or intercepted before their parents sold them. We have been doing devotions with those at White Doves everyday, and many of them are also in our English classes. The devo time has been really sweet because they enjoy it, but also have had encouraging words for us, as well, in our stories and walks with the Lord. It has been beautiful to come together as sisters in Christ from different stories, backrounds, and cultures and all are reminded and encouraged in God's grace, healing, and to stay strong in Him as we keep moving forward.
Raffa house has been more of a challenge. It is a new house and so basic structure to the organization is really lacking. We are hoping to have an impact in helping them form a structure and routine for the girls- especially because they are so young. However, we also do devos, activities and games with the girls. We could use prayer for this ministry. The girls are hard to reach, they don't respond to structure, the translation there is really minimal, and they are not as responsive to some things that we are doing. We are pulling our brain power together to try some new things but this has proved as one of the difficulties for our team. I'll keep this blog updated for Raffa house for those who can pray for us in this area.
I apologize for the length and the vagueness of this message, but now that you all hopefully have a general overall of what a week looks like for us I will be able to share my experiences in a better light on this blog.
The heat and weather is not such a distraction as it used to be so thank you for those who were praying for that. The trip and our team feels much much smoother this week, but we could always use prayer! Prayer for our ministries- we are doing at least 3 ministries a day between all the places and it is easy for us to get burnt out sometimes, so prayer for strength and ability to be present and bring God's spirit with us as we are moving from ministry to ministry everyday. The spirit in this country is oppressive and dark. There is heavy Buddhism and idol worship, sex trafficking, and poverty everywhere. We pray that we would literally be shining with God's light and goodness to break holes in the dark blanket over this country. And then prayer for the women, students, and kids that we encounter everyday- that they would come to know God through our love and that He would be invited into their lives.
Thank you all so much for grace in this delayed update and vagueness of the letter but there will be more to come.
Grace and Peace,
Brooke Mazz
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Quick Update!
Hey Everyone!
Just a quick update on how the week has gone. It is Thursday, 12:40 PM. All week, we've had a busy schedule, and many of us return back to our NEW home rather exhausted.
Each day has become somewhat of a routine schedule. Monday began with many of the girls going to White Doves for their first time. This is the home that we had intended to work primarily with, but as God would have it, He is taking care of them. They now have several full-time staff members, as this is a great improvement from last year, and they now do not need as much help from visiting teams. We have agreed to do the following: Teach English; Discipleship; Devotion (two team member girls lead a devotion and discussion); and later this week, prayer & fasting. It is a wonderful experience to see how God is working in all these girls' lives!
Later on Monday, we went to a village which is known to many of the local staff as the "slums." This place was rather hard to take in at first. There is trash everywhere, homes are made out of whatever they can find, and the place is rather unsanitary. Be it far from our standards, God still loves these people, and we see it. We work with the children for an hour, doing crafts, games and songs. We also preform basic first aid, as many of the children love to get a band-aid, though there are many who need serious attention. The parents here have difficulty finding work, or are not interested in working. They are also not aware of how serious some of their children's injuries are. There is a free children's hospital, just minutes away, but the parents do not think about taking their child there. We have to encourage them to do so, and though they do go after we talk to them, it is still sad that the child's condition can get so bad. Please pray for this village as God leads you.
All throughout the days, each team member teaches a class, mostly English classes at the U of N. I have begun two computer classes - photoshop and powerpoint. It is great to interact with the Khmer people in this facet.
Yesterday was Christian Values day at the U of N. As this is a school, approved by the government, we cannot require the students to attend this day, but we may encourage them that this day is important to their education. Every Wednesday is Christian Values day. I taught some basic techniques in each class and spoke about my faith. My photoshop class heard how God has redeemed me from a life that was very far wayward, and I believe that God has touched some of their hearts. Please pray that myself and all the team members would be attentive to God's prompting, as there are times where students wish to talk more, but do not know how to ask.
Also, I am asking for specific prayer for one of my students, Mony. He is very open to talking to me about his problems in life. Once he heard that I studied psychology, he wanted to talk to me about his insomnia. I believe that this is a great opportunity for God's love to be shown. We have begun meeting twice a week for 1/2 an hour, and today will be the 2nd time we meet. I have already told him about God's love and how it has impacted me. As a buddhist, Mony is very receptive, and I know God is planting a seed.
Thanks for reading, Love you all!!
-Michael
Just a quick update on how the week has gone. It is Thursday, 12:40 PM. All week, we've had a busy schedule, and many of us return back to our NEW home rather exhausted.
Each day has become somewhat of a routine schedule. Monday began with many of the girls going to White Doves for their first time. This is the home that we had intended to work primarily with, but as God would have it, He is taking care of them. They now have several full-time staff members, as this is a great improvement from last year, and they now do not need as much help from visiting teams. We have agreed to do the following: Teach English; Discipleship; Devotion (two team member girls lead a devotion and discussion); and later this week, prayer & fasting. It is a wonderful experience to see how God is working in all these girls' lives!
Later on Monday, we went to a village which is known to many of the local staff as the "slums." This place was rather hard to take in at first. There is trash everywhere, homes are made out of whatever they can find, and the place is rather unsanitary. Be it far from our standards, God still loves these people, and we see it. We work with the children for an hour, doing crafts, games and songs. We also preform basic first aid, as many of the children love to get a band-aid, though there are many who need serious attention. The parents here have difficulty finding work, or are not interested in working. They are also not aware of how serious some of their children's injuries are. There is a free children's hospital, just minutes away, but the parents do not think about taking their child there. We have to encourage them to do so, and though they do go after we talk to them, it is still sad that the child's condition can get so bad. Please pray for this village as God leads you.
All throughout the days, each team member teaches a class, mostly English classes at the U of N. I have begun two computer classes - photoshop and powerpoint. It is great to interact with the Khmer people in this facet.
Yesterday was Christian Values day at the U of N. As this is a school, approved by the government, we cannot require the students to attend this day, but we may encourage them that this day is important to their education. Every Wednesday is Christian Values day. I taught some basic techniques in each class and spoke about my faith. My photoshop class heard how God has redeemed me from a life that was very far wayward, and I believe that God has touched some of their hearts. Please pray that myself and all the team members would be attentive to God's prompting, as there are times where students wish to talk more, but do not know how to ask.
Also, I am asking for specific prayer for one of my students, Mony. He is very open to talking to me about his problems in life. Once he heard that I studied psychology, he wanted to talk to me about his insomnia. I believe that this is a great opportunity for God's love to be shown. We have begun meeting twice a week for 1/2 an hour, and today will be the 2nd time we meet. I have already told him about God's love and how it has impacted me. As a buddhist, Mony is very receptive, and I know God is planting a seed.
Thanks for reading, Love you all!!
-Michael
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Back Blogging 2
Hey F&F!! (Friends & Family)
Michael here. I hope you are all doing well, I know I am doing great out here! It's about 12:30 PM which means that it is 10:30 PM your time, my yesterday. O.o
Well, I hope that this blog can catch you up on most of what's been going on as we've been here one week!!
Since we've been at Siem Reap, my team and I have been getting adjusted to life here. We've been trying to get a schedule down for our ministry(s) and as of now, it looks like we are making progress. (Khmer culture is very different, and their agendas are rather unorganized from what we are used to). Many of the mornings have left some of us free to do what we like. Some of the activities have been going to the market and shopping, enjoying cold beverages in different cafes, and just hanging out.
But all of us have different schedules. I now teach a photoshop class at 5pm, while three other team members teach an English class - all varying in their skill level from very basic to advanced.
A few days ago, we all went prayer walking through a part of the city, and walked past a park. At the park were various buddhist alter where we saw people offering their prayers. God spoke to many of us as we walked. He gave me four words to continously pray for the Khmer people: Peace, Grace, Love and Joy. I believe that much of the healing that must come for them (from the recent genocide) can come from showing them these things. Please continue to pray for them in this light!
Last week we worked with Justin, a member of the YWAM staff and our "house father" (or just the guy who stays in the same guest house for maintenance and safety). He took us to a village he ministers to, which is about 1/2 an hour out of Siem Reap. We got the chance to play with all the children (about 12 or so) and just interact with the women, as the men are all out working.
After playing games like Duck-Duck-Goose, and a Khmer version of tug-o-war, we got all the kids together and washed their hair. Some of them have lice, so we were able to use a special shampoo to help them.The weekend consisted of some relaxation time, laundry and minsitry. Saturday was our fun day and we started by eating at a great bakery for breakfast. We then dropped our laundry off at a laundry mat (more like a home that offers to wash clothes for a price). Afterwards, we had a treat as we took tuktuks to a small hotel resort and got to swim in their salt pool for free! It was beautiful and to bless us even more, IT RAINED as we swam! It was so fun. Dinner was at a restaurant called Le Tigre de pa Pier (I think they meant to say papier, which would make some sense as "the paper tiger"). We had pizzas, some were a little odd, but all were tasty!
Sunday we had church at the YWAM base. After lunch we went to the Rafa house, which is another house like White Doves for girls who've been caught up in the sex trafficking industry. The girls on the team got to hang out and have fun, painting nails, doing hair, dancing and playing games. It was a great time of establishing relationship as many of us have not been there before. The night consisted of us all preparing for the week to come - one that will be rather busy and hard.
Please continue to pray for us! We need prayer for strength, motivation, encouragement, and that God's truth will always shine through the lies that present themselves to us!
Love you all!
Michael
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day off
With no ministry commitments today, we went out for a delicious breakfast, then took our laundry to a laundromat. Now we're at an internet cafe, and I believe some swimming is on our agenda :). This evening we get to go check out Angkor Wat, which you should google image search if you don't know what it is. So beautiful.
Yesterday 7 of us went out to a village and played with kids, then washed their hair. We partnered with Justin, one of the YWAM staff guys here, who goes to this village at least once a week. Three of the girls, meanwhile, were able to scope out the Raffa House, a home for girls (mostly teens) rescued from brothels or high-risk situations. They have brainstormed some awesome activities to do with those girls, from teaching hygiene to dance, so they'll kick that off tomorrow.
That's all the big news for now! I bought a "Rolex" for $20 and Mike bought a nice watch too. Tonight we may swing back over to the night market for the "fish foot massage," where you put your feet in a tank of little fish that gently nibble all of your dead skin away.
Yesterday 7 of us went out to a village and played with kids, then washed their hair. We partnered with Justin, one of the YWAM staff guys here, who goes to this village at least once a week. Three of the girls, meanwhile, were able to scope out the Raffa House, a home for girls (mostly teens) rescued from brothels or high-risk situations. They have brainstormed some awesome activities to do with those girls, from teaching hygiene to dance, so they'll kick that off tomorrow.
That's all the big news for now! I bought a "Rolex" for $20 and Mike bought a nice watch too. Tonight we may swing back over to the night market for the "fish foot massage," where you put your feet in a tank of little fish that gently nibble all of your dead skin away.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Getting going
Things are still going well here in Siem Reap! We checked out the night market last night, which was a blast. A couple people have been feeling a little sick (only one puker so far!), but today everyone is doing much better. We're adjusting to a diet of Khmer food for 2 meals a day, which is harder for some than others ;). Today we are doing observations of the classes that we will be teaching for the next couple of weeks, starting tomorrow!
We just met with a girl named Grace who worked at the Raffa House, a home for girls out of the brothels similar to White Doves, and talked to her about what sort of work we could do there. Their director met with us the other day but we didn't get a lot of direction, so it was good to hear from Grace. We'll be teaching some hygiene, as well as doing some music/dance stuff with them mixed in with basic English and Bible.
My weird English has come out full force...the team gets a kick out of the way I speak slowly, clearly, and without contractions while I'm here, even with the team haha. That's all for now!
We just met with a girl named Grace who worked at the Raffa House, a home for girls out of the brothels similar to White Doves, and talked to her about what sort of work we could do there. Their director met with us the other day but we didn't get a lot of direction, so it was good to hear from Grace. We'll be teaching some hygiene, as well as doing some music/dance stuff with them mixed in with basic English and Bible.
My weird English has come out full force...the team gets a kick out of the way I speak slowly, clearly, and without contractions while I'm here, even with the team haha. That's all for now!
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