What Have We Been Up To?

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Words cannot express all of my experiences here in Cambodia. To say it’s been amazing, stretching, and life changing would be an understatement. In just a short time I feel like my whole world has been flipped upside down and now I can’t even imagine living anywhere else. And how could you? Seeing what we see here: poverty, injustice, pain, abuse, and exploitation… how can you go back to “ life as usual” knowing that you can make a difference just by being here?

I want to share some of the beautiful things that have happened since being here, more than anything I want you to see how God is moving here, and to show you the hoping rising up from the ashes in Cambodia.

Everyday our team goes on either one or two outreaches to slum communities in our area. A “slum” is an illegal community of “squatters” which is essentially a group of people who don’t have anywhere else to go. Most of the people here cannot read or write, many don’t have and cannot afford a birth certificate so they cannot get a job. This results in a group of people who are very at risk. Without a proper job or source of income they have no choice but to choose a very lowly job like collecting garbage and selling it to a recycling company or resort to some type of corruption like prostitution.  This is where a lot of crime, gambling, drinking, and drugs occur and also where traffickers try to take advantage of these families by buying or kidnapping their children. XP Missions feels extremely called to these communities and has a heart to show these people that there is a hope and future found through Jesus Christ. Everything in these slums, from the location to the people who live there, is very different and God has a special plan for each one.

Ward and I have had the opportunity to go on many outreaches and to help in these communities. Every outreach is different, our goals change on each visit. Some outreaches are based on women who are working in prostitution and living in the slums. We will come in, do their hair and paint their fingernails for them, and tell them that they are valuable and loved. It’s all about building long-term relationships with them and sharing the love of God. A lot of outreaches are based around children who are at risk. We come and play games with them, tell them a Bible story, and then have a practical teaching like “good touch bad touch” or even on hygiene. During these times we are also talking to the kids, looking for signs of abuse or exploitation, and building relationships with them.  Kids are very open and it is a wonderful way to find out what is going on in the community and to make sure all of the kids are safe.

On one outreach I was able to go on, we led the children through a few songs, and then taught them the story of Jesus saying “let the children come to me”. We got to tell them about how much Jesus loves children, and that He loves each and every one of them. We also have an opportunity to play games with all the children. They love playing with Ward, they think he is so funny because he is so big and strong. They love to climb all over him and want to swing on his arms. He has a blast with them, and is totally exhausted by the end of outreach!

Little girl Ward was playing with on an outreach.

After games we did a teaching on “good touch bad touch”. This is an important message where the kids learn the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching, and that they need to tell an adult if they are being touched inappropriately. After this teaching we gave opportunity for the children to share if anyone had been abused in this way. One little girl, about four years old, came forward and shared that she was being inappropriately touched by a boy in the community who was about fourteen or fifteen years old. This may not seem like a big deal, but it was huge that she was willing to step forward and trust us with this information. We were then able to give her some practical tools to tell the boy to stop. In cases like this our team will take notes and a picture of the child, then create a file for them. We will then be able to check in with the child every week at our outreach. By doing this we will compile evidence and in the circumstance where we need to get investigators involved we will be able to show them all of our compiled information. Small victories like this young girls story and essential teachings like our lesson really make a difference, because many people just don’t understand that this is wrong. The young boy in this situation was probably abused in the same way when he was young and is just acting out of his own pain.

Beautiful brave little girl that we ministered to in the slum.

Another amazing project XP Missions has just recently started is Everlasting Love. Everlasting Love is a program that pulls women out of prostitution and gives them a job sewing 100% silk handbags and other products as well. This program has worship and teachings in the mornings and then girls are able to work on the products. By sewing on silk, and making high quality items we are hoping to communicate to them that they are valuable and that we trust them. Currently there are about six women working in the program. It is amazing to see how much they have grown! In addition to coming out of prostitution, some are coming out of drug addiction as well. Through the love of Christ, teaching, counseling, and inner healing we are looking forward to seeing these women completely set free! The Everlasting Love product line will be launched very soon! Be sure you keep checking back for my update so you can buy your very own handbag, clutch wallet, or placemats and coaster set made right here by the wonderful women in our program.

A lot of these women also have children so we have created a day care for them while their mom’s are working in our program.  I have the privilege of working with the children several times a week. All of the children are absolutely beautiful. They greet me with “chombreupsour” when they come in and when they leave. (this is a greeting with a high form of honor accompanied by a bow). They are so filled with joy! I absolutely love playing, singing songs, and laughing with them. There is also a two-month-old baby girl at the center who is absolutely precious (she is actually asleep in my arms as I write this). Her mom shared with our team that she probably would have sold her baby girl into a trafficking ring had it not been for this program. Every time I hold this sweet baby and rock her to sleep I am reminded of the life she might have had and my heart is blessed by the goodness of God that she is safe and in our care everyday.

Our XP Team loving on our precious baby girl in the women's center.

Each day we are reminded of the goodness of God. It’s not until you are surrounded by darkness that you see how bright His light shines. Cambodia is a field ripe for harvest. Everywhere you turn there is an opportunity to share the love of our God with someone who is lost and hurting. Our God is so big, and He deeply cares for the people of Cambodia.

**PRAYER REQUESTS**

There are many other projects in the works and in the heart of XP Missions.

Please be in prayer for us as deadlines approach for many of our projects. We need grace, strength and wisdom to get everything accomplished. Pray for the continued prevention and rescue of children and women in our outreaches. Also please pray for additional long term XP Missions volunteers to help carry out the vision that God has given us, as well as additional Khmer staff to help with projects and translation

Thank you. 

Love Always, 

Hillary Farrior

40 Things You Never Knew About Cambodia

There is so much of Cambodian culture that is new and amusing to us. I am finding that there is a really thin line between being amused/interested in a new culture, and being offensive to people because of our cultural differences. We are in the process of learning about the customs, beliefs, greetings, and manners of Cambodia. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to travel to five different countries in my life, but I have to say that Asian culture by far varies the most from the American culture I'm used to.

From the moment you arrive in Cambodia you are submerged in a culture that's as foreign to you as living on Mars. We know that not everyone will have the opportunity to travel to Cambodia so I wanted to take some time to list the top forty differences that we have experienced since arriving in Phnom Penh.

1. The main mode of transportation is tuk-tuk (motorbike taxi) or a moto (motorbike).

2. When you hop in a tuk-tuk you suddenly become acutely aware of the cloud of dust that covers every inch of earth in Cambodia, about half of the people wear doctors face masks in an attempt to keep from breathing in the dust and pollution.

3. Moto's zoom past with two, three, four, even five people on board.

4. The concept of "driving in the lines" means nothing in Cambodia

5. Upon arriving at a home and also at some small businesses you are expected to remove your shoes and leave them outside the home before entering.

6. Crickets, spiders, and other insects are a delicacy.

7. Brushing teeth, and drinking cannot be done with tap water.

8. Food is based around noodles, rice, and fish.

9. Children, friends, teachers, elders, and monks all require a different greeting.

10. Monks dressed head to toe in bright orange and carrying umbrellas can be seen throughout the streets blessing and praying for homes and businesses.

11. The religion in Cambodia is listed as Bhuddist but in reality is a combination of Bhuddism, Taoism, Hinduism, Ancestor Worship, and Witchcraft.

12. Instead of statues of Jesus, crosses, and the saints you see statues of gods, Bhudda, and the king of Cambodia.

Statue of Buddha being protected by a "naga" or seven headed snake/dragon that gives him revelation. 

13. The weather is always hot. The winter is around 80°F.

14. Grocery store foods are often shrimp or fish flavored. Also dehydrated seafood is readily available.

15. There is always two prices for everything, one for a local and one for a foreigner. Depending on your bargaining skills of course.

16. Drawers don't exist here. Not in kitchen cabinets, not in dressers. There are no drawers!!!

17. Of course an obvious one.. everyone speaks Khmer instead of English.

18. Cats and dogs are not viewed as pets, and should not be "patted" or given attention.

19. Dress is conservative, covering shoulders and at least to the knee. Even in 115°F temperatures.

20. Being pale/white is a coveted goal. Most lotions found in stores contain "whitening agents" and many women even bleach their skin to become more fair. Even in extremely hot temperatures locals often wear long pants, turtle necks, and socks in order to protect their skin from the sun. (Which means I've finally put my "beautiful white skin" to good use here! Everyone loves my "white white" skin.)

Here is an ad for skin whitener. It's actually extremely dangerous but women want to look beautiful. We always want what we can't have don't we.

21. The sound of cat's mating has become our nightly lullabye

22. There are no "noise ordinances" and construction may stop or start at any time of day or not.

23. Ants become your new house pet. Always around, in every nook and cranny, ants are constantly invading counter tops, cabinets, and linens.

24. Raw meat and fish can be left out all day in the heat and locals don't  think twice about buying and eating it.

25. Oven's are not a normal kitchen appliance, meaning they are not found in Khmer homes and are not included in a "fully furnished" home.

26. "Cupping", and "combing" are believed to help cure sickness and illnesses.

27. Nothing is too heavy or too big to be carried by a moto or tuk-tuk. I mean nothing! These mopeds make American trucks look like wimps. .

Yes, this is four or five full size wardrobes. Loads like this is a normal sighting on Cambodian streets. 

28. An average day's wage is around $2 - $5.

29. There is no Wal-mart... this is both a positive and a negative. Buying items is done mostly at the markets.

30. Rice and soup are a normal breakfast item.

It may be easy to look at this list and think of these as negatives, as "less than" our culture, customs, and preferences. I have been on a journey to find the beauty in these differences, to embrace them and appreciate that these differences are what make up the culture of this country. Yes, some of these seem strange, weird, or outdated to us but they are all part of what makes this country beautiful. What is even more important is that there are some differences that are clearly an improvement on American culture. I'll list a few of these below:

31. People are community oriented, often times you see a broken down tuk-tuk or moto and immediately people come around to help out. In fact in every day language there is no use of the words "he" and "she" but instead use words like "brother" and "sister" to refer to people they've never even met. It's amazing to see this expression of family on such a large scale.

32. Cambodian people are hospitable. No matter how poor a person is, they will ALWAYS invite you into their home, they will share their food and whatever you need even if it's all that they have.

33. There are some extremely quality items in Cambodia. From real genuine pearls, handmade 100% silk, to beautifully ornate hand carved wood furniture.

34. Food, especially fruit and vegetables, is extremely fresh and usually brought from the farm to the market on the same day. Fish in the market are still alive. It's nice to know where food comes from and know that it is fresh.

35. Cambodian people are passionate about their country. They pray for and honor their country.

36. It's hot... yes I know I listed that above already but I HATE cold weather so this is a double bonus for me.

37. Khmer people are extremely honoring. Not only to one another but even to foreigners. They would never wish to confront someone, correct someone, or cause conflict.

38. EVERY SINGLE CHILD IN CAMBODIA IS STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL...

39. Because it's always hot, fresh fruit and vegetables are available year around. This means we can get local fruit and veggies anytime we want (including my very favorite, passion fruit).

40. The Christian Cambodian population is passionate to see their country radically transformed for Jesus. They are hungry for heaven to invade earth in Cambodia and to see justice brought about in their country.

We are so excited to be able to experience and learn this new culture. Although it is very different for us in many ways and sometimes uncomfortable we are looking forward to embracing and understanding it better. It challenges our perspective of life to be able to get outside our box and shift what we understand and know to be normal. We are brought up somewhere that everyone thinks the same, and when we come to a new place we expect people to think and act like us. It is a big learning curve for us and is very difficult at times but it is exciting and a great adventure. Thank you for supporting us along the way.

We love you all.

Blessings and Love,
Hillary Farrior

We Made It!

Back home everyone around me was dropping like flies with the flu and I was quite proud of myself for escaping the flu season unscathed... or so I thought. Within 24 hours of landing In Cambodia I was seized by chills, high temperature, and cold sweats. The flu. So if you have been wondering why I haven't posted anything about our trip, no we didn't fall off the planet, I've been trying to sleep off an unbearable virus that wreaks havoc even half way around the world.

With that being said since we have only been here five days and I have spent four of those five days in bed there isn't a whole lot to update you on.
Except.....

Three planes, two cars, thirty some hours of travel time, and a twelve hour time difference, but we have made it safe and sound... and with all of our luggage I might add!



We have moved into our little apartment and are beginning to settle in. Our apartment is not huge but it is SUCH an incredible blessing. It is on a side street which helps reduce some road noise (if you ever visit Cambodia you will know why this is important). It is very safe, with bars on all the windows and doors, and 24/7 security guard downstairs. The apartment is considered to be very western, which means that the windows actually have glass in them instead of being "open-air" and it also has a "full kitchen" which means it has a sink and a counter top gas burner for a stove instead of just a garden tub in the corner of the room. The bathroom also has a glass panel separating the shower from the toilet, which may not seem like a lot to you but in Cambodia most showers and toilets are in the same area so essentially when you shower the toilet also gets soaked. The owner, Mr. Keith, is incredibly kind and even bought us two little chairs for our porch. The security guard, Ty, is so sweet and he and Ward are really hitting it off.

(This is a picture of a typical upscale bathroom in Cambodia, it's NOT our bathroom. The spray handle on the wall is the shower.  Do you see how it is basically impossible not to get the toilet completely soaked? We are so thankful our bathroom is set up differently!)















We have spent our time trying to find local stores that sell normal household goods for the apartment, and since there isn't a Walmart to run to this is somewhat more difficult than I had expected. We did find a few things at the local mall. But, like all malls, prices are a bit high there. So, Ward then went to the market, but then you have to deal with trying to haggle prices. Although I am glad there are some places in this world left uncorrupted by modern shopping systems, I did for a split second wish there was a Walmart up the street to get all of my needs in one quick, cheap, swoop. After we finish unpacking and get our apartment set up a bit better I will have to post some pictures.

We have had a few chances to meet with Andrea and the team briefly and they seem really excited to have us here. Monday evening we met with Andrea and had a chance to talk about some different projects that they are focusing on, as well as some areas for us to pray about working in. We are really excited about everything that XP Missions is doing here, they are a very small team but you would not believe the amount of lives that they impact by being here. It completely blew me away to hear about every educational program, rehabilitation program, feeding program, slum outreach, and so many more that they have initiated. It's truly amazing what they accomplish. I can't wait to be able to get involved with the incredible things God is doing through this ministry. I am hoping that tomorrow morning I will feel well enough to be able to go on outreach with the team, I can't wait to jump in and see what great things lay ahead.

Until next time, "lea-sen-hauy"!
(which is good-bye in Khmer)

Love and Blessings,
Hillary Farrior

Thank You

It's come to be quite a cliche but the saying "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" is most definitely true. Over the past two years we hadn't realized what an incredible community of people we have been surrounded by. It wasn't until we started making a list of all the friends and family to say goodbye to that we realized what a gift we have had all along.

When going to a new country there is nothing more important or valuable than having a support group of family and friends cheering you on, encouraging you, helping you work through the problems, and partnering with you in prayer. I know now without a shadow of a doubt that we have that. From an over abundance of texts, phone calls, and going away parties and sharing hugs, laughs, and tears we know that we are loved and supported, no matter the distance.

We have struggled to wrap our minds around the amount of support we have been given, and for awhile it left us speechless. All we can do is say thank you, knowing that those two words will never be enough to express the gratitude in our hearts.


Please take a moment to watch this video:





We love all of you, and wish we could have packed you in our luggage to come along for this journey but we know that "distance makes the heart grow fonder" and that this is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our relationship with you. Please know that you are loved, appreciated, and missed greatly. But as thankful as we are personally, we know that God has sent us here for a reason and that through all of your love, support, prayers and finances God's children are going to be brought into the Kingdom of Heaven. In all the ways that you have been supporting us it will be a ripple effect into eternity and one day in heaven we may hear those words "Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am here because you gave".

One Way Ticket

It's an interesting sensation to essentially leave one life to begin another, to leave your "stuff" and begin again. You find yourself standing in the living room trying to figure out what you really have of importance, asking yourself what really matters to you. Your whole life now must fit into two travel suitcases. What would you bring? 

We spend so much time buying things to make our homes cozy, organizing and re-organizing all our furniture to find the perfect look. But in the blink of an eye it can all change and suddenly the knick-knacks that make your house a home quickly become of little importance. 

Over the past few months and weeks we've done our best to prepare. We've gone through boxes, washed and packed clothes, sent brochures, met with friends and family, and have done our best to position our hearts for this transition. I sort of thought I had this whole moving thing figured out... that is until this past Saturday. What was so special about Saturday you ask? Saturday we bought tickets, one way tickets. I am pretty sure there is nothing in this world that can make a move feel more like a reality than purchasing a one way ticket to a foreign country. A sudden rush of emotions came over me like I was standing directly under Niagra Falls. 

The ball has picked up and is rolling faster and faster as every day passes. Laundry and luggage are scattered throughout the living room, to-do lists and packing lists cover my kitchen table, and the need to spend every chance we get with friends and family is pressing in. We have not only booked our one way ticket, but as of yesterday we have also secured our very own apartment in Phnom Penh!

In just thirteen days we will be moving to a new country and the very thought of it still blows me away. There are a lot of emotions to balance. On one hand it's very difficult to leave your comfort zone. Leaving behind your home, family and friends can be heartbreaking. And it's scary to move somewhere you are unfamiliar with, where you don't know the language, customs, people, or culture. However, there is excitement in doing something new and there is joy and peace in knowing that you are following God's lead and making a difference in other people's lives.

With all that is going on it's easy to become overwhelmed and to panic. I'm not going to lie, some days are really hard. Having your life's security blanket ripped off of you can feel a bit like this:

But in all of this, we have an amazing opportunity to press further into God. We are trying to lean into Him for comfort, grace, and for His unfailing love. He is good and He is faithful. We can see His hand bringing things together everywhere that we turn. We are pushing in and embracing the changes, challenges, and blessings.  God is good... all the time. This is just as much an emotional journey as it is anything else and I want to thank all of you for your kindness and your support during this season. Without friends and family encouraging us to listen to God's voice and pursue His will for our lives this journey would be so much more difficult. It brings us comfort and peace of mind knowing that no matter what we have a group of people praying for us, and loving us through it all. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this journey with us.

Thank you! 

Blessings and love, 

The Farrior's  

Not For Sale

This video is made by the two lovely ladies heading up XP Missions in Southeast Asia. Malina is currently based in Thailand, and Ward and I will be partnering with Andrea in Cambodia. This video is a great representation of what is going on in Southeast Asia, and what XP Missions is doing to help. 

Far Far Away

 Before God opened up this door for us I really knew nothing about Cambodia, and I feel it's safe to assume that few people in our community do. I wanted to take the time to tell you the in depth experience of our trip. Although we have had the opportunity to meet with some of you to talk about our experience, being able to meet with absolutely everyone in the short time we have left in the U.S. would be nearly impossible. We hope that you will enjoy hearing about our trip, and that it will be as life changing for you as it was for us. 

October 6th we departed from Raleigh, North Carolina with the intentions of visiting Cambodia, little did we know that it would hold our future. It was a short hour and a half flight from Raleigh to NYC. I had always wanted to see New York so I was excited to be able to gaze upon the skyline as we flew over the city. After landing we took a taxi to another airport in New York where we soon realized our flight had a five hour delay. Knowing phone service would not be available once we left the country, we took this time to say goodbye to our family and friends (again). Around midnight we were finally allowed to board our flight from NYC to Taipei Taiwan. As soon as we sat down on the plane I knew we were in trouble. It was an Asian airline, which wasn't designed with American people in mind. Ward and I could barely squeeze into our seats, his arm and shoulder hanging hazardously into the aisle way. We looked at each other as if to communicate "oh boy... this is going to be a long flight"....and it was. Seventeen hours later we landed in Taipei. Due to our plane's delay we were actually an hour late to our connecting flight. We soon found out they had held the plane for us, and we were quickly rushed from one side of the airport to the other trying to get us on the plane before it departed. We made it. Another three hour flight and we would arrive in Phnom Penh. 

We arrived at the airport in Cambodia and were immediately herded into an area designated for filing out papers and buying passports. After a bit of confusion, we figured it out and with our paperwork in hand we headed out of the airport. The first thing I noticed was the blistering heat. I had dressed in my warmest of clothes in preparation for the flight because airplanes can be quite cold (ladies I know you know what I am talking about). So dressed in two layers of sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt we headed out into the 90°F weather. To my delight I spotted a young man holding a sign with our names on it (I'm not going to lie, I felt like a movie star. I have always wanted to try that). Since our plane had been delayed he had been standing there for five hours. I felt so bad, it was so hot! He showed us to his van and we loaded up. 

It was about an hour drive from the airport, and we rode the entire time in silence (which, if you know me, is a rare occasion). I had heard people talk about culture shock before, but I had never personally experienced it, until now. I sat in the car the full hour staring out of the window with my mouth hanging open in complete amazement! I've never experienced such an array of emotions, not to mention complete exhaustion. Cars, and mopeds zoomed by us as they wove in and out of traffic. It wasn't long before I realized that there was no apparent driving rules here at all! Everyone ebbs and flows the way a school of fish would in the ocean, paying no attention to stop lights, or lines on the road. I was in total disbelief. In addition to the incomprehensible traffic there were no side walks, or at least none that you could see. Every side walk and curb were covered in shops and businesses that people had started in front of their homes. Not an inch of sidewalk was available which means yes, if you want to walk down the street you really have to walk in the street with all the unpredictable traffic. 

When we arrived at our hotel I immediately noticed incense and offerings lining the stairs and the rooms. Cambodia is a predominately Buddhist country and offerings like these are quite common. Driving through the street you can find bright red structures looking similar to a large bird house, these are designed for families to give offerings to their ancestors every morning. I felt like I had landed on another planet. It took me about two days of hiding in the hotel before I was willing to try to walk down the street. Luckily, culture shock wears off, and soon I was meandering the streets and navigating traffic like a true tourist. 

For us this was not just a missions trip, for us this was a scouting trip because we knew the Lord was calling us to relocate to Cambodia. We wanted to come and see the country, as well as spend time with the XP Missions team to talk about partnering with them.

Our first day with our team we traveled to the Killing Fields. The Killing Fields is where millions of people were executed during the rule of the Khmer Rouge genocide. (If you would like more information about the Khmer Rouge or the Cambodian genocide I really encourage you to look to check out my post here: Genocide because it is vital to understanding the country). We also visited one of the main torture prisons that was in operation during the Khmer Rouge. This day was very heavy for me and it was very hard to see and listen to the stories of people who had been affected by this horrendous event. My heart was broken for what had happened to these people and their families. The more you think about it, thirty years was not that long ago. Almost everyone we met in Cambodia was affected by this event in one way or another. Either they themselves and their families survived it, or their family was killed in it. If you read my previous post about the Khmer Rouge you understand that the purpose of this genocide was to "purify" the country and return it to it's Asian roots. The leaders targeted doctors, teachers, anyone with an education, missionaries, businessmen  and all of their families. Imagine having a country of nothing but farmers, and anyone you know who was anything but a farmer is dead. That's what happened to Cambodia. 

Because of this horrible event the country has spent the last thirty years trying to rebuild. Imagine trying to rebuild a country from nothing. How do you create teachers if there is no one to teach? How do you create doctors if there are no doctors? How do you build your family if you never had one? These are the questions that the Cambodian people are having to face everyday. Because of this mass destruction of education and structure there is much corruption within the country and government. Poverty is very high and people are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. This is the reason that human trafficking, prostitution, and child slavery is so rampant in this area. People are willing to sell their children for a few dollars so that they can buy food. Women prostitute themselves just so they can feed their children. That's where organizations like XP Missions come in, making it their goal to rehabilitate the country and to give people hope found in Jesus Christ. 

During our stay we were able to be a part of many of the outreaches that XP Missions has started. One of these outreaches we went to the slum communities. These communities house some of the most impoverished people in Cambodia. They are considered "at risk", which means they are a prime target for traffickers to come and buy children to sell into begging rings or prostitution. XP leads several outreaches here. One day we came and did children's ministry. We gathered up all the children and had them sit down. We started by singing several songs and then we told them the story about Jesus leaving the ninety-nine sheep to go and find the one. At the end we played games and had a water balloon toss. The kids loved every minute! XP is involved in this ministry on a weekly basis in several slums, this allows them to build relationship with the kids as well as monitor their safety. 

Later in the week we visited another slum where we set up a foot washing and shoe station. Many of the children and families here cannot afford shoes and daily walk the glass and trash covered slums with bare feet. It was a very humbling experience to wash the dirt away from these beautiful feet and be able to give them a brand new pair of shoes. You have never seen children so grateful for a pair of shoes in your whole life. The way their little faces lit up, and said "thank you, thank you" humbled me to a new level. Never again will I complain about not having the "right pair of shoes" to wear with my outfit. Then we went door to door to pray with families. We prayed with anyone and everyone that would allow us. It amazed me how little all of these people had, some not even clothes for their children, but how willing they were to give you what they had. As I left a house, a little boy ran up to me and handed me two pieces of paper. They were drawings that he and his sister had done. This was the greatest gift in all of Cambodia, and I will never forget their precious faces. When we loaded back up in the vans, two little boys ran down the street wearing their new shoes waving happily as we drove away. 

XP Missions also takes time every week to do individual women's and men's ministry within the slum communities. They do amazing things like wash the women's hair and give them hair cuts, minister the gospel, and build relationships. It is a beautiful thing seeing men and women in their communities growing in faith and in self confidence. 

I did save my favorite outreach for last. The most impactful experience to me was visiting the safe houses that XP Misssions runs. These houses are designed for children that they have rescued out of various forms of human trafficking. You can read more about some of these children and their individual stories of restoration here:  

Children's Testimonies





 

These wonderful children absolutely amazed me. When you hear their stories you would think it would be impossible for them to ever lead a normal life. However, when we got out of the vans we were greeted with warm hugs and smiles. The children were happy, healthy, and on the road to complete restoration. This is where our heart is. Ward and I are passionate to see children removed from these horrible situations and through the love of God, and a loving family environment see them totally transformed so they can walk in the destiny God has for them. This is where we realized that even if you can change just one life, everything is worth it. 

We ended our week with a group dinner on a boat that took us along the river. It was a great time to talk about the week and to say goodbye to all the friends you had made. People ask me a lot "Did you have fun on your trip?" To be honest I don't know how to answer that question. It was devastating, emotional, heartbreaking, exciting, scary, and inspirational all at the same time. It's not a vacation, it was a realization that there is more in this world than just me. There is more to this world than iPads, flat screen TV's, black friday or Christmas. I'm not saying those things are bad, but they can be bad if it is not in proper perspective. If we are upset because we can't afford the latest trend, or because we don't have the latest and greatest kitchen appliance, we need to look around and figure out what's really important in life. Before this trip I was consumed with having new clothes and I wanted my house to look like it came out of a magazine (even though it was no where close), but now I am just glad to have some clothes and a home to sleep in. Something changed in my heart when I was in Cambodia, and it's never been the same. I can no longer live my life knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life there. That's why I thank you, because our friends like you, believe in us. Without you believing in us we couldn't do this. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting us with your prayers and your financial support because you are allowing us to literally change lives. 

If you would like to support us financially or become a part of our prayer team please follow the directions on the link below. 

Prayer and Support

Thank You