Update Number 2

Once again writing from a bus on our way even further north in Cambodia. I am halfway through this 5 hour bus ride. As I look out the windows I see swampy countryside, wandering cows, palm trees, bamboo scaffolding, and rows of huts on stilts. Buddhist temples are scattered among the homes, their ornate structures a striking contrast to the dire poverty.

Yesterday was a much lighter day which I desperately needed. We arrived in KamPongCham in time for lunch at the coffee shop owned by Destiny Rescue. As soon as we walked through the doors I knew that this little coffee shop was a truly special place. We were not allowed to take pictures of the staff and I have been asked not to publish any details here, but please take my word for it: Destiny Rescue is doing a beautiful work among some truly beautiful young women in that city.

I enjoyed an iced mocha with my lunch (a nice caffeine boost since I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to a nasty battle with jet-lag) then we were off to visit the six homes DR owns throughout the city. These homes are full of girls getting a second chance at life. The joy on their faces was a testament to the care they are receiving. We also got a chance to visit the sewing center where so many girls are learning this life skill. When we arrived several girls surrounded their teacher as they worked on a hand-embroidered dress. I was impressed by the skills displayed, and I was further blown-away when I realized they were not using a pattern. They simply looked at a fashion magazine then copied what they saw!

We wrapped up our tour of the city then headed back to our hotel to shower and get ready for dinner. I hurried through my shower, anxious for my Skype date with my family. I mentioned in my last post that I am on emotional shut-down. I’m taking that back. I had a 10 minute conversation with Conrad and the girls and for the rest of the evening I was an emotional train wreck. Train. Wreck. I think everything just caught up with me and I came crashing down. I ate a quick dinner with my team then excused myself and headed to my room in desperate need of a good cry. I did my crying, turned on my ipod then fell into a deep sleep. The alone time refueled me and despite the fact that I’ve been wide awake since 2:30 this morning, I’m feeling rested and re-energized.

I am looking forward to the days ahead. We have so much more to see and I’m anxious to learn about the work of DR in the next cities.

Side Note: As I am writing this, the little girl behind me is eating fried crickets and I can hear her crunching them like pretzels. Also, the buddhist monk next to me barfed.