Orphanos Foundation

I'm Back from Cambodia!

posted by Jennifer Ekedal — May 12th, 2010

I can't believe that three months could go by so quickly. And I can't believe that I am already back in Memphis...returning to "normal" life. Thank you all SO much for your prayers and support while I was gone. I really can't express how much of a difference that made. Your comments, emails, and letters were so fun to get and I loved that they reminded me of home. I have such amazing friends and family! And this trip has definitely reminded me of that.

I feel like the end of a trip naturally brings up a lot of reflection and as I am now back at home, I have been doing a lot of thinking. I have thought about the couple of months I was there, and am struck with how much still needs to be done. Not that I thought I would solve all of Cambodia’s problems, but I guess I figured living in a third world country would provide me with countless situations in which I could help people. What I have realized is that no matter where you are, even if people are starving a few blocks away, you only have opportunities if you make them opportunities. I thought situations would fall in my lap, but that wasn’t the case at all. As physically close as I am to true poverty, I can still turn the other way. And I found myself more naturally falling into the style of life and comfort I lead at home, rather than suddenly giving up all I own to help others. It has been the most challenging realization because I am discovering how little helping others has to do with my location and how much it has to do with my heart. As I still don’t have clear direction as to where I will live…I know that any city or country I am in will have more need than I can humanly help solve. The solution isn’t for me to go somewhere with greater need, but to break out of the comfortable life I seem to so easily set up and actually do something wherever I am. For Cambodia’s sake, I wish this realization could have come three months ago. :)

However, when I look back at what I HAVE done, it really has been a lot for the short time I have been here. It is crazy to think a shop is open right now and generating profits for Daughters…and I got to help. It is also crazy to think that there are flyers circulating Phnom Penh telling people about that shop…and I got to help with that too. And those are just two of the many things I have gotten to do. After opening the shop, I am even more confident, or rather thankful, for God’s perfect timing. All my hours of research last year for my senior project definitely came in handy. I didn’t realize it initially, but since I was so far away from home and without any of my books or design resources, it pretty much saved my life! And even though so many of my days were frustrating and tiring, I really couldn’t have picked a job I enjoy more.

All that being said, I know the main question that people will have for me as I am back is…”So what is next?” Honestly, I don’t know. I know that I am much more confident after this trip that this is the direction I want to head. I am hoping to gain some retail business experience to improve these micro-enterprises that others are starting. Most are started by people with psychology backgrounds which is perfect for the counseling side of the program. I just hope to be able to improve the other side...the business side...of what they do. I have learned so much about trafficking and aftercare solutions for the girls while in Cambodia. I really do see a great way that I can fit into what is already happening, but don’t know yet how that plays out specifically. God has given me an even bigger heart for this need and I am extremely excited for what is next…whatever that looks like!

I can't wait to see everyone in the next few weeks...and to share even more about my time there!

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