Our guide, Theara, wore a shirt that was popular in the markets of Cambodia with a phrase she used often during our 9 days there – “Same same, but different”. I believe that could be said of each of us who are now home after this grand adventure. We’ve returned to our same homes, same church, same jobs, and in many ways we are the same people – but we are different. The experience has changed us. We are more aware – aware of the poverty much of the world lives in. Aware of how good we have it and how grateful we should be. More aware of the factors that contribute to human trafficking and more aware of the evil that it is. Forevermore when we hear stories on the news of children in Cambodia, or India, or Haiti being sold, or kidnapped, or tricked into sexual slavery, we will see the faces of the young girls of Rapha House and our hearts will be freshly broken. We are more aware of the power of prayer and the power of love and the power of laughter to bring healing to those who’ve suffered unspeakable abuse. More aware of how unimportant are many of the things we obsess on daily in the US and more focused on the things that break God’s heart and our responsibility to be a part of the solution. We are same same – but different.
As we said goodbye to the girls of Rapha House they told us “I love you. God bless you. Please come back.” And then they said the words that brought tears to our eyes: “Please don’t forget me.” How could we? Your names and faces are forever written our hearts.
Randy
Praise God that you all are home safe and sound. Many prayers have been lifted up for your mission and your safety. I for one am so touched and blessed to hear and see what God has done through you all! The sweet faces I saw this morning on the screen brought tears and smiles to my face…..how beautiful they are, and so precious to see the love in their eyes for their new dolls!!
Welcome home!