Break the cycle

On Monday evening if anyone had said to me, "Will you ever return to Poipet?" my answer, without any hesitation would have been, "No!" Today it is Wednesday and, while I was looking out across the city, I found myself weeping. Not tears of sorrow or despair but tears of thankfulness for how God has shown me the heart of these people.

Tom, when he sent a blog from New Delhi, spoke of his wonder at how the children could look so happy. Over the last few days I have been so privileged and humbled by a very similar experience. Maria spoke of some of challenges of working at Safe Haven and of the way in which the children are so keen to learn. It is as if they know and understand that if they can receive a good education then they can change their future. CHO works tirelessly to create an infrastructure which allows those it supports to build a better life for themselves – a life which does not rely on the generosity of others. Rescued children are 'fostered' in Safe Homes; they go to school at Safe Haven, they learn practical skills and eventually will be offered micro-loans enabling them to start their own businesses. There are also hopes to open a university.

As we leave Poipet this weekend, hundreds of cyclists, mainly from Canada and Australia, will cycle from Angkor Wat to Poipet – a distance of 144Km. Many of the CHO staff will join them and they hope to raise 200,000 USD. The fundraising event is called "Break the Cycle" and that is exactly what CHO hopes to do – break the cycle of poverty which provides opportunity for trafficking and abuse. (see breakthecycle.org.au for more information).

Will I ever return to Poipet? Ultimately the answer is in God's hands but the people and their wonderful spirit captures your heart and, who knows ....?   

Doug (26th October)