Final Thoughts...

Outside of the heart-wrenching realities of human-trafficking that we saw in Phnom Penh, probably the most impacting was the common thread that became very apparent throughout our time - the collaborative effort put forth by non-government organizations (NGO's), many faith-based, working together to solve the dilemma of human trafficking. Chab Dai Coalition (side picture), meaning "Helping Hands," involves 41 faith-based NGO's that work with child protection. This is critical to the success of eradicating this injustice at every level. It isn't enough to raid brothels and rescue victims, giving long-term aftercare. It is just as important to promote community awareness and work with the government in making changes to pass laws that more thoroughly define trafficking crimes, so that meaningful arrests and prosecution stop the crime from moving forward. There was an encouraging sense of hopefulness from faith-based leaders to government officials.

Due to security reasons, we were not allowed to take pictures of any of the girls housed in aftercare centers. I hope the pictures below give you a glimpse into our time in Cambodia with a few additional pictures of my time in Thailand.

Our team of five - (L to R) Wendy, Aidan, Julie, Me, Arlie

Our team with Kristin, WHI Director of Anti-trafficking

Riverkids Ministries reaches out to the vulnerable
children that live along the river.

The river in the background.

Children living in the poor conditions.

The river rises each year during the rainy season.
The boards to the right are used to build a makeshift
bridge as a pathway over the water.

Rahab's House - a formal brothel shut down by

the Int. Justice Mission in 1994 - now used as
a community center to minister to the young girls in the area.

Two little girls outside Rahab's House - young
girls just like these are often sold into sex slavery.


When Agape Ministries Int. renovated the former brothel
they kept one room to show it's former use... this room
was one of 20 on the main floor.


Looking out from the entrance of Rahab's House,
a garbage heap across the dirt street.


Getting foot massages and a manicure from girls at
an aftercare center (they allowed us to take pics here).
They are taught skills that will later
produce an income for them.

We were told that the biggest present that can be given to these young girls is Jesus. To withhold them of that in their brokenness would be wrong. A verse used at WH's Assessment Center to help with their literacy is Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future" - for 99% of the girls it is the first time they hear of a God that loves and values them.

To those who thought of us, prayed for us, and supported us.... thank you!! Many of the places we saw and the things we heard were so thought-provoking, but all necessary to truly understand all the dynamics of this evil violation to young girls. I am thankful to see organizations such as World Hope International be an agent of God's goodness and grace to a broken world.

UBON RATCHATHANI, THAILAND
Wendy and I detoured on the trip home to visit the
Bergman's, missionaries from SLWC. We enjoyed three
full days discovering their world.
The Bergman's - Owen, Bryce, Evy, and Joelle

Picking up Owen from preschool

We helped plant rice in the rice fields with the
gooey mud seeping between our toes :).

Feeding an elephant that happen to be walking in the street!

Thirty-six hours of flights on the trip home. I had three days to get adjusted to the time change and turn around to get ready to go again. Dennis and I leave tomorrow for CA meeting up with all our kids for a family vacation. Bon voyage!!