VWAP Cambodia Day 5 (25 November 2008)

We got up extra early today and headed for Prey Sor Women's Prison. The process of entering the prison was very smooth, thanks to God's grace. However, only one camera was allowed so Uncle Wee Koon, the expert photographer, brought his camera in.

At first, the prisoners seemed hesitant and didn't smile. However, when we started to do worship with 4-year old Max singing endearingly into the mike, it broke the barrier and the prisoners quickly warmed up to us. Next, we performed the Prodigal Son Skit again. Most of the prisoners were laughing loudly by the end.

Pastor Mike preached about the message of the Prodigal Son after we were done. He had to alter the contents of his speech last minute. However, he did a great job and the prisoners seemed to be lapping up every word.

Joseph and I shared our testimonies to the prisoners after Pastor Mike had finished preaching. The prisoners listened attentively, like schoolchildren attending lessons.

I made my introduction in Khmer without the interpreter's help ( Jum Ream Suor, K'nyom Chmuo Janelle. K'nyom Ar Yuk Dorb Bpee: Greetings, my name is Janelle. I am 12 years old.) They were amazed and clapped loudly. I realised that to be effective in communication, you need to be able to speak the other person's language. That way, they will respect you more and listen to you more carefully.

I was a bag of nerves on stage. Fortunately, I managed to complete my testimony without stumbling. Thank God!

Upon leaving the prison, we visited the Women's Group Village. We rode a Bullock Cart to the village as it was too far from the main road and inaccessible by bus. The ride was bumpy and the road was not well-paved but it was a new experience nevertheless. I wondered how the villagers could stand taking the bullock cart every time they entered or left the village.

Lunch was provided by the Women's Village. When we had eaten, a small group of kids had arrived.

We were still waiting for the whole group of 80 kids, so we played outdoor games with the kids who were already there.

When everyone had arrived, we conducted the Children's Party, just as we had the day before. All of the VWAP children were helping except Max, who was sleeping in the hammock.

However, I noticed that this group of kids seemed less enthusiastic than the kids at the church the day before. They also seemed to hold an air of scorn and contempt for our efforts about them. It was a little odd but I figured it was because the kids here were older than the kids in the church.

We took the Bullock Cart back to the main road. This time, the cow kept whipping my head with its tail!

We were originally supposed to visit Michael House, a children's home, but there are no children there yet so we returned to the hotel early.

We had dinner at a La Mian Restaurant. It was delectable and very filling.

Here ends our mission work. The rest of the trip is for sightseeing.