My daughter and I had the pleasure of accompanying the Entrust team to Cambodia where we visited partners and projects that Entrust supports. Neither of us really knew what to expect and experienced many emotions as we travelled. The commitment and dedication of the local staff who impact the lives of people from such disadvantaged backgrounds was inspiring. We also loved hearing the faith stories of the staff members and were amazed how God had provided for them in so many ways. All the projects we visited impacted children.
The first visit was to a school where Entrusts’ partners had built a toilet block and provided water filters to supply clean drinking water for the students and staff. We loved watching the kids learning in their classrooms. Some of the kids smiled and giggled at us, some gave a nervous wave, and others danced like they were rockstars. We spent time chatting to the staff, hearing their stories and accomplishments under often very challenging circumstances. We were also inspired by the paths they had chosen. Having worked hard to gain qualifications, they then used these qualifications to work in a charity organisation to help lift kids out of poverty. Such big hearts to make a big difference.
Another project focussed on protecting vulnerable street and slum kids from being enticed into situations where they were abused by foreign travellers. We loved playing with the kids along the riverside in the kids’ program. We were sickened by the number of foreign men walking the seedy bar lined streets. It was hard not to think that they were all there for the wrong reasons. The staff at this project were dedicated to trying to protect these kids and bring the perpetrators to justice. The local justice system is not always on their side, and this makes getting convictions difficult. One of the staff members told us how he and his brother grew up as street kids and now they are working to help the next generation of kids who live on the streets or in the slum area. Having grown up in the same situation as these kids helps them connect with and gain the trust of the kids they are now working with. The problems and challenges feel overwhelming, but it was encouraging to witness the positive impact being made in the lives of the kids fortunate enough to be part of these projects.
We felt many emotions from guilt to humility to hopelessness and a desire to do what we can to try to make some small difference. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to go and visit these amazing people and the work that is being done. It was a privilege.
Fiona & Hannah – Melbourne