A Week in Cambodia- Pt 2

Our days at the Center- Punok Thmey

Orientation: On Monday it was finally time to begin our work with the Hard Places Boy's Center. Allie the founder and director began with orientation. Since, in the past, people have posed as Christian workers in order to be near children and take advantage of them, we had to sign a commitment to seek the welfare of each child in our care. As workers we are not to post any photos of children on social media, since pedophiles can stream social media sites and find at risk children. The vision of Hard Place's Community is to bring restoration to child victims through running drop-in day centers, daily outreaches in the river districts, and offering English courses for the men in the brothels. Through play and trust children open up about their abuse. Once a child opens up the Hard Places staff are able to take action. It may take a long time to remove a child from a dangerous situation or begin working with a dysfunctional family, but at least the sin is exposed and the process of healing can begin.  We heard countless heart-wrenching stories of abuse and neglect. As we left orientation, eyes were filled with tears and hearts were emboldened to love these kids and the staff that serves them every day.

America Days: The staff of Hard Places Community wanted to do something special to commemorate their 17 American guests, so they created "America Days." Students were divided by ages into six classes. Each class rotated to a different station. It took two days for everyone to attend every station. The goal is to have fun and attract as many new students as possible; hoping that when new students come and feel safe they will attend the center after we leave.

Craft Station- Paint, Streamers, Pipe Cleaners were strewn all over the floor as students made red white and blue hand prints, streamer batons, silly red white and blue paper plate hats, and American flag art. The entire first floor of the center has exploded in red, white and blue. 

Food Station- Hot dogs, Kraft Macaroni n' Cheese, Doritos, Oreos and Cupcakes. The kids got to try different American foods, learn about when Americans eat them, and vote on whether they enjoyed them. Although Kraft Macaroni was not enjoyable for kids, hot dogs and cupcakes were a hit!

American Lesson Station- Many kids in Cambodia believe America is heaven. When you die, you pray to go to Cambodia. This station attempted to teach kids in a fun way about the real America with its own problems and beauty. They discussed past wars, slavery, and school shootings. They also displayed the beauty and diversity of America by showing pictures of the many different people groups who call America home.  

Games Station- A love for games among children is cross-cultural. The sillier the game the better. Kids lined up to participate in egg tosses, potato sack races, water balloon games, and so much more. This room's intensity escalated with each group leaving a little bit messier than the first. 

Sports Station- Cambodian kids love many of the same sports as American children like soccer, volleyball, and even occasionally basketball.  They are not familiar with a couple of America's favorite sports: baseball & football. Josh and Sam and led this group teaching rowdy kids how to play baseball and football. It turns out the rules of football have gotten a little too complicated to explain, especially with a language barrier.  

Ice Station- Cambodia has two seasons, rainy and dry. No matter if it is rainy or dry, it is hot. In this station two of the HPC staff from Michigan attempted to teach the kids about what its like to grow up in the cold. They had activities like chipping huge blocks of ice and using food coloring to let the color sink into the cracks, they made snow cones, and even had a real snow ball fight.  For some reason we decided to put this wild group on the top floor. On the last day, things got crazy, every single staff and student were completely drenched and laughing as water managed to drip four flights down. 

As America days wrapped up, everyone was smiling and laughing, staff included. The HPC staff constantly deal with the abuse of children and its effects. They feel the weight of a corrupt and slow moving government as the children they have grown to love are forced to stay in unsafe places, or when the men they know have harmed their kids continue to prowl the streets.  America days may seem small, but they brought both the Khmer and American staffs together. They were a time of reckless abandon and carefree fun, and for a moment they made the world seem a little less dark.