VWAP Cambodia Day 4 (24 November 2008)

It was back to Phnom Penh today. We checked out of the hotel and travelled the 2 1/2 hour journey back, once again using the ferry to cross the Mekong River. Like in Prey Veng, locals were knocking on the windows, trying to get us to buy stuff while we waited for the ferry. I felt sorry for them. They were begging us to buy from them, to give them a little lifeline, some money to survive another day. Unfortunately, fried spider is not my cup of tea.

When we were nearing the hotel, I noticed that the schools still had dirt grounds instead of cemented grounds. Also, none of the students wore school shoes. The slightly richer ones wore slippers.


At the same time, I spotted a truck driving past. There were locals seated on the roof of the truck or any other spot they could find, clinging on desperately. That was THEIR version of public transport!




Our new hotel in Phnom Penh was named Asia Hotel, and it was much grander than the hotel in Prey Veng. We checked in, then had lunch at KFC, which was just downstairs.

After lunch, we travelled to Pastor Chhinho's Church, where we held the Children's Party. The Church was even smaller than my living room at home! However, there were 40-50 children squeezed into it! Everyone was sitting on the floor and it was hot and stuffy inside.

In Singapore, we have air-con for church service. The moment the air-con temperature rises a little, we hear a chorus of grumbling. We insist on sitting on chairs and refuse to be squashed in tiny rooms. We could definitely learn a lesson or two from these kids.

The Children's Party comprised of: The Prodigal Son Skit, Art and Craft, Games and Balloon Sculpting. I could tell that the children were enjoying every moment of the Party. The look on the faces of the children as they received the prizes and gift packs was worth all the effort we had put in every Sunday after church.

We had dinner at Thmorda restaurant with Pastor Chhinho's church group. The meal was the most scrumptious and filling meal I had ever tasted. They served various dishes such as Tom Yum Soup, chicken, fish, fried beancurd, string beans and so on.

We had devotion and worship again to reflect on God's blessings earlier that day. I was thankful that the kids had enjoyed the Party and that the journey to Phnom Penh had been smooth and uneventful.