We arrived at the second slum village after lunch on our first day in Phnom Penh. My emotions were already on edge after our introduction to the slum world earlier that day.
Upon our arrival at the second village, we were immediately swarmed by children looking for candy. I pulled out my stash of lollipops and Starburst and did my best to evenly distribute the treasures. I don’t have any pictures of myself, but here’s a couple of my teammates:
As we got further into the village, the conditions got worse and i felt myself shut down any emotional response. Families living over a river of sewage. . .not just an inch or two of sewage, but a river that we guessed to be about 3 feet deep, flowing beneath their homes. The sights, sounds, and smells were simply too much to process and I began to focus simply on getting out of there as soon as possible. I am not one bit proud of that response, by the way. I would rather tell you that I was Christ-like enough to embrace these people and offer them a warm smile and a helpful solution. But I wasn’t. I desperately wanted out of there.
Did you notice the precarious walkway? We gauged every step, just hoping we didn’t pick a weak spot in the boards for our next step. The kids amazed us with their abiility to run across that walkway uninhibited by the rotting boards, huge holes, and the thought of falling through.
Agony. That’s what thay day was for me. So, so difficult to see human beings living in conditions unacceptable for animals. We headed back to our hotel where I showered, desperately hoping to scrub away the images as well as the filth that lingered all around me. It didn’t work. My clothes have been washed and the smells are just a memory, but those images are forever burned into my mind.
And here’s where I present a brilliant solution to this overwhelming problem. Ha. If only it were so simple. That’s all I’ve got for now. I’m working on another post that addresses prostitution. I’m editing and editing that one and am hoping to have it ready for you soon. Thanks for reading.
Oh, God oh God oh God.
Wow… These stories and images really help make us, as spoiled Americans, understand how fortunate we really are. When we complain that our car is too old, our house is too small, our income not as much as we’d like it to be, this brings me back to reality. What these people would give to even own a car, any car! To own or rent a house with a roof and four walls that aren’t leaking or crumbling, to have a job instead of waiting for handouts. We get spoiled and I wish everyone could have the opportunity to serve in this, or a similar ministry at least once in their lifetime. I know it would be a life changing event for me. Thank you for sharing, Vicki!
i don’t have any words.
thanks God for pushing & stretching us! thanks vicki!