Week 1 - Cambodia
posted by Jennifer Ekedal — February 21st, 2010
So, most importantly, I made it!
I survived my 47 hours of traveling and was so relieved to step off my last flight. A little stiff, but glad I was so close to an actual bed. The last hurdle I had was making my way through a crowd of another 200 people that arrived at the same time I did. Surprising since it was almost midnight on Tuesday. We were all equally anxious to get past the numerous checkpoints before baggage. As I was carried along with the mass of people, headed down the stairs, I was instantly greeted with the heat...the heat of the city plus the heat from the crowd. Leaving behind snow in Memphis, this was quite extreme. But it woke me from my stupor of actually getting to sleep on my last flight. After quickly shedding some layers of clothing and with my new visa in hand, I searched for the family that I was going to be staying with when first arriving. After spotting them, and honestly sighing a deep sigh of relief, I headed into the next phase of my adventure.
The first impressions I had of Cambodia were a) it was quite different than Seoul where I had spent the previous day for a layover and b) it reminded me of the area I visited in the Philippines a few years ago. Hot. Dusty. Vibrant. These are the first words that came to my mind as I was riding back to their house. Although it was night, so really I confirmed these observations the next morning.
My first full day in Phnom Penh began with a trip to explore a Western market that was very close to the area I am staying in and working. Lucky Market. This is the place I will come when I am craving Oreos or cheese. Both of which I really can't afford considering they are triple the price I am used to paying. However, I am not even sure I will miss these things with the abundance of fruit here! Hopping on a moto (which is the main form of transportation here), I went to check out a possible apartment. I was rudely awakened to the prevalence of sex tourism here...the apartment I viewed was being used precisely for that. After leaving there, and confirming I would not be living there, I headed to Daughters' building. So excited to see this place and meet these people I have been corresponding with for so long now.
Arriving at the center, I was greeted by a rather large building just off the street behind a metal gate. The floors were divided into small rooms, each with a group of girls working on different things. Some sewing, some taking a break, some making jewelry. I entered through the nursery area with the sweetest Khmer children playing..well, actually they were screaming. I guess I should be more realistic in my description. After heading up stairs to the office and meeting briefly with Ruth (the director), I got experience one of the hardest parts of my job: pretending to be a client for the girls practicing to open a spa. I got a mani and pedi done in beautiful Cambodian style.
The next day I went shopping with Ruth for a few specific items needed for the store they are about to open. We looked for an awning and some storage and display pieces. I really could not be here at a more perfect time. Once again, God knew the details that I was not even aware of. They only recently received the funds to proceed with the store renovations. I am so excited to get to use my interior design background to help them develop and open this store! It was so fun to open a new sketchbook and start to create a design that will accomplish the idea they have for the space.
That day also, I was so relieved to find a place to live! I could not ask for a better place. I will be living with another volunteer who arrives in March and will be just upstairs from a volunteer arriving Monday. I am SO excited to have hot water for a shower also! My favorite part of the place is a roof area that has beautiful flowers on it. I can't wait to sit up there in the mornings and read. It will be an even better location than the Starbucks I went to at home.
On Friday, I got to spend some more time getting acquainted with the procedures for volunteers and was able to wander around the center a little bit. I was excited to have my first conversations with the girls at Daughters. I got to chat with three girls working on tshirts, and was pleasantly surprised that two of them could speak enough English to carry on a basic conversation. I learned that Niki* loves the cooking lessons they just started. Hopefully, after the store is open and running, I will get to help open the cafe section as well. Getting to eat trial food isn't such a bad job either. The hamburger and cookie I had were amazing! Anyways, all the girls were so sweet and I am so excited that with time, and a few lessons in Khmer, that I will be able to build friendships with them. Since the girls are so eager to learn English, I am hoping that will provide plenty of conversations over the next few weeks.
All in all, my first week has gone so well. I am so happy to be here and feel like I am adjusting quickly. Both Khmer and other foreigners have been so friendly and helpful to me. I have gotten all the necessities too: a motorcycle helmet, a local cell phone, and a map. The last of these is what I probably need the most. Between people, language, and street names, my brain is overloaded with things to remember. Thankfully, the family I am staying with has been more than helpful in getting me where I need to go or explaining to the moto driver where to go. It has been so fun to meet so many different people from all over the world this last week, and even get to talk to a few from home.
This week has been so foundational in understanding more of what Daughters does, more about Cambodian culture and beliefs, and more about trafficking. What I am realizing is that it is not enough to just rescue these girls out of the brothels. They need jobs...an income. I learned that most of the girls at Daughters are sold to the brothel owners by their families. They are not as much held there by physical force, but by the weight of family responsibility and their belief in karma. This can be just as debilitating to them. Without providing these girls an alternative income, their younger sisters would simply take their place once they were rescued out. It is so exciting to see what a difference Daughters is making here. The girls are now flocking to this place as they are looking for more than their life in the sex industry. Little do they know that this is not only providing them with the skills they need, but also with the opportunity to learn about a God that loves them just as they are. No amount of good or bad deeds will change this. I am so excited to see what this next week will bring...
*In order to protect the girls, I will not be able to publish any pictures of them or include their real names.
26 Comments Add your comment
Richard and Ximena Roseland — Feb 21
Hey Jennifer,
We just wanted to let you know that we are so excited for you and we are praying for you. Thank you for your amazing update! We look forward to continuing to hear about your experiences.
Richard and Ximena Roseland
Karen Farley — Feb 22
Jennifer: Greetings from a Trinity church sister! Thanks so much for your representation of your trip over and your first week of experience. I will pray for you each day that your specific needs will be met so that you can be all that God wants you to be in your service. Take care - Karen F.
Robin G. — Feb 22
Hi Jennifer-thank you for that wonderful update of your first week there. I am looking forward to hearing more about the ministry and your adjustment to your new culture as time goes on. So much to be done for the Kingdom. Your last two sentences are the key!
Lesa — Feb 23
I am so confident that our Creator King will use you and grow you as you are dedicating this time to glorify Him. Thanks for the updates!
Bonita Kopf — Feb 23
Jennifer,
Thank you for the amazing update. I know that each day will bring a new adventure for you and a new way for God to use you. God Bless You.
Bonita Kopf — Feb 23
Jennifer,
Thank you for the amazing update. I know that each day will bring a new adventure for you and a new way for God to use you. God Bless You.
Julianne Rudzena — Feb 23
I loved reading your update, Jeannifer! Love you and am praying for you and all those girls.
Rose Mary Tilson — Feb 23
Praying for you!
Loretta Duncan — Feb 23
Hi Jennifer,
Enjoyed reading your update. You are such an amazing young lady - what a difference you will make in the lifes of these young women. God bless you.
Our prayeres will be with you.
Loretta
Miriam W. — Feb 23
Thoroughly enjoyed your first update and getting a glimpse of the beginning of this new adventure in God's purpose for you.
Take care. Love and prayers for you!
Linda Taylor — Feb 23
Oh Jennifer, it is sooo exciting to hear your mission adventures. Thank you so much for sharing your experience serving in Cambodia. It is just like we are there with you! I've been praying hard for you, I just know that is a dangerous place. I still think of you as Larry's little girl that I met at a wedding once. Please be very cautious and careful, but I know you are in the Lord's hands, and you are very courageous. I just love the missions field so much. I've been on two mission trips and I will never forget them. The Most spiritual time of my life. It is so amazing to see such a hunger for God's word. Push On Forward!!
Merri — Feb 23
:) So glad for all the women you're meeting. And thankful you got to eat a cookie.
Melissa — Feb 23
Jennifer- I have enjoyed reading about your journey thus far! You are doing such a wonderful thing, and I look forward to what a difference you're making in the lives of these girls. Best of luck on all your excursions :)
Christina Hall — Feb 24
So glad to hear you made it safe and sound and that you are adapting well. We already miss you here at the office, but know you are doing something more fullfilling with your life. I look forward to reading more about the weeks ahead. Take care, Christina
Auntie Jill — Feb 24
Jennifer, Your adventures reminded me of the pedicure that you gave me years ago at Grandpas house, I think my toes were the prettiest color ever!!!
You are in our prayers and have a wonderful time. Be safe and take care!
Love, Auntie Jill
Justin — Feb 24
how's the food and what's your favorite fruit from the market so far? what's it like riding around on a moto? i hope week two lays a stronger foundation than the first...
Alison — Feb 24
I am so excited to begin reading about your journey in Cambodia. I am positive that God will use this to draw you closer to Him and bring you to a more intimate understanding of what Christ did for us! Praise Jesus!!! Thanks for the update, I can't wait to hear more!!!!!!
grace fragoso — Feb 25
Hi Jennifer!
I just want to say that I am praying for you and that we are so glad to have you in the Orphanos Family!
As you serve the Lord by loving His people there, please know you are loved and covered in our prayers!
Be blessed
:)
Jeremiah 29:11
Mary Deal — Feb 25
Jenn-
I was so encouraged to hear bout your first week. I'm actually pretty jealous you get that time away by yourself, just you and God. I can't wait to hear more! I love you! You're in my prayers.
Rhonda & Mike Leckrone — Feb 27
Thank you for such a great update. You are an awesome writer who is able to make your experience come alive for us. You are in our prayers.
kristy sneed — Feb 27
O jenny we are so happy to hear how God is at work and how you are meeting needs ALREADY !! May God continue to bless you and keep you healthy as you serve Him there. LOVE and prayers -Kristy and GAs
Donna Vaughan — Feb 27
Wow, Jennifer! What an awesome journal report of your first week. I feel like I am riding that Moto with you. Anna was so sorry that she missed you in Seoul, but she said you were brave and explored the area anyway. You go, Girl!!!
Jordan Kaltwasser — Feb 28
hey jen!
I so enjoyed reading your update, I am glad that everything is getting off to a good start for you! I am so excited for this amazing adventure and I know you will make such a huge impact on these girls!!
Adam and I are both praying for you!
Love you!!
Jordan
Jessica — Mar 01
Jennifer, I am SO excited for whats ahead and very grateful to God for his faithfulness in bringing you to this point. He is so good! Find strength in that there are many people rooting for you and lifting you up in prayer, including me!
Carol Ragland — Mar 01
Dear Jennifer,
Praise the Lord that you arrived safe and sound and that things are going so well. The girls and the country are blessed to have someone like you who is so in tune to God's will for their life. Many prayers are being lifted up in your behalf. Remember Joshus1:9 "Be strong and courageous; be not afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
In Jesus' love,
Carol Ragland
Kathryn Walker — Mar 02
Thank you for the update Jennifer. Wow! I am praying for you and for those precious girls that you are working with. God is so good! He is going to do such awesome things in and through you.
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