The Road Less Traveled by Janelle Wilson

The last week of Vacation Bible School seemed to be more relaxed maybe because I was getting used to the heat or maybe due to the kids becoming more familiar with us.  Whatever the case our friendships grew stronger with each passing day.   My dear little friend and her sister that I grew so fond of will forever be in my heart and I hope to see them again someday.  As I sit here writing I can’t help but have great gratitude for all those who helped me get to Cambodia.  I know God had His hand on every part of this mission trip. 

We were able to provide many new items for the school, church, gym and foster care facility.  Some of them included a new suspension bar in the gym, soccer balls, reusable heavy duty water bottles and shirts for the children in the foster home.

My favorite part of our last day was when we realized the 25 plus kids in the temporary foster home had only 1 set of Duplo bricks for play.   As we had gone into this trip with intend to find needs in which we could help, I asked our Cambodian driver to take me to a toy shop.  For a couple hundred dollars I was able to purchase 2 wooden train sets, a kitchen set, several games, numerous books, 6 puzzles, 4 hand balls and 3 large ride-able rubber bouncy reindeer's (similar to the old school Hopper Ball with handle).  I was amazed at how many items I was able to get for the kids.  This was all paid for by the donations from so many of you!

We were sent this picture yesterday of some of the kids playing with the toys

Upon our final goodbye, we had the kids sit in a semi-circle of the foster care center.  The kids sat patiently as we brought in the pile of toys.   When they were able to dive in and pick a toy to play with, there was screams of joy and tons of laughter.  It was amazing to see the joy and excitement these toys brought to the room (children & helpers).  My eyes again filled and my heart was overflowed.  It felt like Christmas morning. 

As we climbed back into the van for the last time, I peered out the back window.  The sight of the dirt road, the moto’s, the villagers and the various smells will be greatly missed.  Again with tears in my eyes I realized that these people had blessed me far more than I could ever imagine.  I can say that these kids despite poverty and hardship, love Jesus with all their hearts.  And completely rely on Him for their salvation.