Last Day in Phnom Penh

Entry 11: Last Day

I had a less than restful night – my cold is not better today. Breathing makes me cough and my voice is so far gone that I really shouldn’t be trying to talk. I got up early because it was better than lying in bed trying to be comfortable. But I’m not so bad that I’m out of the picture on our last day.  We had some places to go and decided to pack our things before heading out in case time was short later on. My suitcase that held all the vitamins and water bottles on the way over is now full of items for gifts and resale. 

We hopped in the van this time for a ride out to Prek Eng to see the school that most of the kids attend. They have moved to this building just recently – the old building was frequently flooded and not a good choice for them. We toured and photographed. I was finally able to speak with the lady who does their health teaching and acts as the nurse for Asia’s Hope. Her name is Sarom and she had been asking about the vitamins and lice combs and wanted to make sure I didn’t leave before getting them to her. We hugged and exchanged e-mail addresses. She was in the middle of giving health lessons to a whole room full of students.  School closed for the day while we were there and after our tour we walked around the corner to the new Prek Eng 4 house. 

If you recall, Prek Eng 4 was the very small, crowded house we visited on Monday. At that time Mike and Trish had told the house father that they could make plans to move into this new house since most of the funding was in place.  Since then more money has come from Cornerstone Church to completely cover the remaining repairs and remodeling for the children to live there. All the kids came over to the house from school (that being one of the big advantages of this location – so close to the school) and met us as we took another tour.  This time, sanding and paint prep was already taking place inside and some things had been started to clean up the yard. They don’t have a lot of red tape and inspections to go through here and lots of the work had already been contracted. I took a lot of pictures so I can compare someday when it is all beautiful and lived in. It is a blessing all are thankful for and we can certainly see God’s hand in making it happen.

Lunch was once more at the Kentucky Fried Chicken by the Russian market.  Thank you Lord for familiar things like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.  At the Russian market Tyler picked up his finished suit from the tailor and although it might be a little snug across the back it looked very well done and attractive. I think I can let out the back a little for him when we get home since there isn’t time for it to be done here.

Our tuk tuk man Long took us next to see Quenie’s school that she administrates and teaches at. It’s called ABC-123 and is situated in the building that the church used to be in. This is a building that floods, which is why the church moved out, but in dry weather it is an attractive and suitable building. At least now it is only a school and not shared with the church.  It sounded to me like they could use books and teaching materials and I might be able to help with things like that in the future.

The last stop of the day was at Tuol Sleng, the genocide museum. It had been a high school before being taken over by the Khmer Rouge and turned into a prison and torture facility. What horrible things human beings are capable of doing to each other.  We saw pictures of thousands of Cambodian men, women and children who were tortured and killed. We did not go to the killing field but saw pictures of them. Mike has been there and told us what it was like. It was a very somber end to our sightseeing in this city of Phnom Penh. I would like to do some reading about that time in their history.  It has been during my lifetime and how little I knew or heard about it while it was going on!

Our plan is to wash off the dust of the city, rest up a bit and have dinner at Samaritan House before we go to the airport tonight.  I’ve heard that all the children come to the airport to say goodbye so it might be a somewhat drawn out affair.  I am not looking forward to suppressing my cough during 24 hours of flying – the tickle gets so bad I have to cough and end up sounding really sick. I don’t know how I’m going to communicate with people with my voice barely audible…  It’s been years since I’ve been sick like this but I do remember what it’s like.  I should not anticipate difficulties that haven’t happened though, it only produces anxiety.

I'm having trouble getting pics up on the blog today but I have so many good ones I want you all to see! I'll have to try again when I get home. All for now.