A Lesson in Humility

I'm taking you all the way back to our team's arrival on July 12 at around 11pm in Phnom Penh. CGI's awesome Director of Operations, Theary (pronunced like we say 'Terry'), met us at the airport along with Chris Alexander. Theary is also our translator from Khmer to English and vice versa. Her husband is (or was?) a French amabassador and so we received the royal treatment! We were ushered right through customs without having to stop and wait in any lines. This was a big deal, especially when you are tired from 28+ hours of travel.

After we all found our luggage (and YES, it was all there - even with 3 plane changes - thank you, Lord), we headed for the van which would take us to our hotel. As we walked outside, we were bombarded by 13 beautiful, smiling "Daughters" who greeted us with huge hugs and beautiful flowers - much like Hawaiian leis. Not only this, but they quickly grabbed our luggage from us - and it was clear that it would be an insult to deny them this "privilege". Keep in mind - most of these girls are 12-16 years old!! Talk about a lesson in humility.

On the walk to the van, the girls practiced their English skills by asking, "What is your name?" And then answering the same with, "My name is.." It was a sweet sound in my ears to hear them saying, "Linda? Linda?" (Think Leenda..)And then all of us get very excited when we pronounce each others' name right - or at least close enough!

I can't fully describe what it's like to spend time with these precious girls, after all they have been through in their young lives, and they are so incredibly happy and open and loving. God is truly Jehovah-Rapha; our Healer. Praise you, Lord. There is none like you.