10 days in Cambodia was an experience of extreme contrasts. We felt the hustle of Phnom Pehn, the horror of 'The Killing Fields', the tranquility of village life in Chambok, the warm waters of Sihanoukville and the surreal splendor of the temples around Siem Reap. It is hard to identify a single experience because there were just too many, as 500+ photos will later testify.
The people of Cambodia are genuinely very friendly and have an amazing disposition given the horrendous nature of their recent history under the Khmer rouge. Some of our tour guides shared very personal stories of their experience during those days including the forced evacuation of their homes and the death of family members. It was very sobering to visit the S-21 detention/torture centre and the infamous 'Killing Fields'. They clearly showcased the very worst of human capabilities and reinforced the fact that men make crappy gods.
Adding another interesting dimension to our journey has been the opportunity to share a little of our faith with the people around us. Some members of our tour group have been particularly open, honest and willing to engage in conversations about God, spurred on by the fact that practically everywhere you look there is a shrine, a Buddha, a temple or some other religious talking point. As it turned out, our Cambodian guide is currently stuck somewhere between his traditional Buddhist beliefs and his brief conversion to Christianity while working as an interpreter at a Baptist church. It was interesting to listen to him describe his difficulty in dealing with his positive experiences of Christian prayer coupled with the pressure and expectation of his family, friends and heritage. God is certainly at work stirring the hearts of His people regardless of their current geographical location. It is awesome to watch! Keep praying!
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