Thursday, June 19, 2008

We've arrived!

Hey everybody! We've arrived safe and sound in Cambodia :) As you heard from Libbie's last post, getting here was a little shaky, (and comical) but God pulled us through. Overall we are feeling pretty good, but I think our bodies (namely stomachs and sleep cycles) are totally confused...lol. It will take a few days to adjust.

Ruth, the director of Daughters, picked us up at the airport. She is absolutely wonderful! I think culture shock hit all of us as soon as we stepped out of the airport though. Namely, we passed a few brothels on our way to the Daughters center, and it was pretty heart-wrenching. If Ruth hadn't of said anything, we would have never known the difference. But just becoming aware of their existence made us all pretty sick to our stomachs. We've been preparing for this trip for months, but nothing can prepare you for that. Nothing.

Ruth is absolutely amazing though. She has been working tirelessly to get so many details worked out for us. It turns out she rented an apartment flat for us for the month, which is right next to the Daughters center (complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a kitchen). We feel so spoiled, as we will have our own cook (so cool) and a personal driver that will take us wherever we need to go. Ruth also arranged for a male staff person to accompany us home every night and on any excursions we make. In the mornings at the center we will also have a staff person, to show us around and direct us for whatever needs to be done. Ruth has also worked out a detailed schedule for us, I'm sure loaded with things to do around the center. Tonight we are going to sit down with her and share what we have prepared, and then work with what she has in mind to come up with a ministry plan, of sorts. We've only been here a few hours and yet we feel welcomed into this amazing ministry. Such a blessing!

On saturday two volunteers from the UK will be joining the Daughters ministry, and will be living in one of the other rooms in our apartment. We are excited to get to know them and have some more housemates!

Well, I think that's it for now. Thank you for your prayers for safe travel and logistical details to be worked out. God was definitely working on it all from this side :) Continue to pray for discernment and the Holy Spirit's leading. Also as a team leader I ask that you pray for my girls! :) They have already seen and experienced a lot just in the short time we've been here. So pray for healthy processing and comfort from God's truth and spirit. We love you all and thank you for your unending support and love. We'll post again soon!

In His Grip, Cassie

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear you've all made it safely. Remember that though what we do is a small small piece of the puzzle, it is still a piece.

Blessings, you'll be in my prayers.

<3
Meridith

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear you've all made it safely. Remember that though what we do is a small small piece of the puzzle, it is still a piece.

Hang onto him.

Blessings, you'll be in my prayers.

<3
Meridith

Emily Brianne said...

wow, that sounds incredible. You ladies are in for a heartbreaking experience, but one that will be full of hope. I will pray that as God continues to break your hearts for the women and children you meet, that He will also, out of his unfathomable mercy, show you how He is redeeming this broken world, person by person. Remember that you cannot 'fix' everyone of everything,(or for that matter anyone or anything) but that you can be a willing vessel for the Lord to use on His terms, not your own. I love you guys and am praying for you!!! I hope that you grow to love the Khmer people like I have!
Love, Emily

"I can do no great things, only small things with great love." -Mother Teresa

Dealish said...

jum reap suah ladies! I am thinking about you ladies and praying for you ladies. May God be ever present this month while you are in my favorite country! Preah Ong kong jea muy.

Peace,
Sudea

Jenna's mom said...

Hi girls!
So glad to hear you arrived safely without too much more excitement after "Mr.Toad's wild ride" to the airport! And you finally got to meet Ruth! Isn't she so precious? Please give her a hug from me! She'll take great care of you.
K....know I'm praying without ceasing...
And remember:
What the girls most need is to see in you a reflection of what God is like.
Love,
Jenna's mom

Alexandra Michel said...

JENNA!!
okay, I as well, am glad to hear that you made it.. Love you and am thinking of you and your team often!!!
alex

Meghan said...

hey jenna and team! we prayed for you on Wednesday night (and missed your glorious presence). I'm sooooo excited that you made it there. I looked up Daughter's website, it looks like you will have an amazing time and be able to connect with precious women and girls. Thanks for the updates!
Love you & praying for you!
Meg, Kristena, Rachel, Emily, Leah, Kalyn, Sarah, Kassy, Danielle, Ashley

The Trip