This month here in Cambodia has flown by. It seems like yesterday we walked into the slums filed with shock and sorrow. Now three weeks later those emotions are still there but now the overwhelming feeling is thankfulness. I am humbled and thankful to be here. I knew these places existed but I did not let the depth of it affect me. I would change the channel before I had to see another starving child. I would support charities but not know the child. Now I see their faces. I hold their hands. I want more of that for this nation. Since being here I have been challenged, encouraged, and loved by so many.

One afternoon we went to meet and play with the children at the orphanage that Sarith runs and we were blown away even before we made it in the door. The children came running up to us to telling us they loved us and showering us with hugs and affection. We sang songs, played games, and just loved on them. But more so they loved on us. They have hearts bigger than any other children I know. When we left they chased after our tuk-tuk screaming goodbye and I love you, we knew we had to see them again. So one Saturday night we went to hang out with them as they practiced singing, praying, and ate together. The children sang with more passion and desire than I have ever seen before. It broke me to see this, It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Sandy is a nurse practitioner from Australia who runs a clinic in the slums. She has been here for 3 years and has a true heart for the people. She has shown the people that they can trust her and now they love her. Her clinic is full every Saturday with people waiting to be treated. She goes above and beyond what you would expect from her. She takes the people to the eye doctor when needed. She serves them without a second’s thought. Her heart broke for a lady who had sewage water as the floor in her house. Sandy offered to find her somewhere else to live, but fear controls this lady so she declined the offer. So Sandy bought her a real bed…probably the first she has ever had. Sandy’s heart is connected to the people. She pulled an HIV baby out of the slums that would have probably been dead by now otherwise. She cared for and loved this child as her own for 7 months. Now she is trying to adopt this baby and take her home to Australia in a few months. Sandy’s compassion and mercy has inspired me.