What a day! We went to the most famous area for sex trafficking in the world, Svay Pak. Thankfully, the area is on its decline. A few Christian ministries have moved in and are changing the way people do life there. I will post a video on Facebook about it soon. While I was there, I was told to be extremely careful with where I pointed my video camera. Many pimps were there watching us. In 2004, IJM raided the area, and rescued many girls. I met some of them today.
We went to an aftercare facility and had lunch, played games with them. One girl in particular was featured 2 weeks ago on an ABC Nightline episode. I got to eat lunch with her, and play volleyball with her.
It was very overwhelming when we first arrived. I saw many girls around 6 years old...little bitty things. There were a total of 54 girls there, and everyone of them had been sexually assaulted in some way, some of them brutally. We first had lunch, and then we sang songs, then played games. Eventually we had to go. I did not want to leave. It was so much fun. They are just normal girls who have not had a fair childhood, but now they are getting something that much more than they could have imagined. I am excited though, because tomorrow we will get to see some of them again. We are going back to Svay Pak to teach, and help do things out there. I think I will be hanging out with some girls interested in photography. Can't wait.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cambodia Trip Day 6
Tuesday | Sept 29th
What a full day of info. We met so many different, important people that are so integral in the rescuing of the victims of sex trafficking. I cannot go into details, but we sat with some very high ranking officials who greeted us like old friends. It is cool to see that God is really connecting the right people, in the right place.
Tonight we are meeting a couple that has an aftercare home for girls. I look forward to meeting them and encouraging them. We have met a few others, and these are extremely special people that have left their lives behind to live here and pour into such horrific situations. What these girls have gone through is the worst thing you can imagine. And for others to start a ministry or program that takes them in, counsels them, educates them, even pays for them to have there babies, etc. is amazing. We heard one story where a girl was rescued, and she was pregnant. The aftercare hosts took her to the hospital to have the baby, and the doctors asked them to do most of the work. Even help give her an IV....incredible! They said at one time the doctor came into the room with the pregnant girl, and said "I cannot promise this baby will live." Can you imagine being a teenager, already been raped many times, now finding yourself in a hospital with strange people saying they want to care for you, and a doctor telling you that! They also told us that some of these girls fear going into the aftercare programs because their pimps told them that they will be beaten, and put in jail. So there takes a lot of trust.
Other than that....last night we got one hour foot massages...for $8 bucks! That was nice. But also, weird. It seemed like it was set up like a brothel type influence. But an IJM staffer told us it was a legit, respectable place. Will we go again tonight....probably!
Please pray for the many girls that will be raped, or sexually abused tonight. The time zone here is exactly 12 hours from the time zone in Texas. So while you are eating lunch everyday at 12pm, here it is 12am, and there are many, many girls being picked up, and driven to a dark, scary place to be assaulted.
What a full day of info. We met so many different, important people that are so integral in the rescuing of the victims of sex trafficking. I cannot go into details, but we sat with some very high ranking officials who greeted us like old friends. It is cool to see that God is really connecting the right people, in the right place.
Tonight we are meeting a couple that has an aftercare home for girls. I look forward to meeting them and encouraging them. We have met a few others, and these are extremely special people that have left their lives behind to live here and pour into such horrific situations. What these girls have gone through is the worst thing you can imagine. And for others to start a ministry or program that takes them in, counsels them, educates them, even pays for them to have there babies, etc. is amazing. We heard one story where a girl was rescued, and she was pregnant. The aftercare hosts took her to the hospital to have the baby, and the doctors asked them to do most of the work. Even help give her an IV....incredible! They said at one time the doctor came into the room with the pregnant girl, and said "I cannot promise this baby will live." Can you imagine being a teenager, already been raped many times, now finding yourself in a hospital with strange people saying they want to care for you, and a doctor telling you that! They also told us that some of these girls fear going into the aftercare programs because their pimps told them that they will be beaten, and put in jail. So there takes a lot of trust.
Other than that....last night we got one hour foot massages...for $8 bucks! That was nice. But also, weird. It seemed like it was set up like a brothel type influence. But an IJM staffer told us it was a legit, respectable place. Will we go again tonight....probably!
Please pray for the many girls that will be raped, or sexually abused tonight. The time zone here is exactly 12 hours from the time zone in Texas. So while you are eating lunch everyday at 12pm, here it is 12am, and there are many, many girls being picked up, and driven to a dark, scary place to be assaulted.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Cambodia Trip Day 5
Monday | September 28th
Woke up around 4:30am. Off to a great start! Today we spent time with the IJM staff. Most of them where Cambodian, one Aussie, and about five Americans. They debriefed us on their strategies in investigations, trials, aftercare, and training other local police officials in the investigating and capturing.
Around lunch time, we went to a nice little place to relax and get to know each other better. We wrapped around 7pm. Overall, this team really has it together. It is amazing to see their passion and commitment for rescuing their victims. Tomorrow I will be shooting an interview with the lead investigator. I sat with him tonight and talked. He has some amazing stories, and has really lived a "cool" life. I will also drive around town with an an intern named Jeff. I will get more b-roll footage. Mostly of exteriors of brothels, and the hostile areas. More fun!
Woke up around 4:30am. Off to a great start! Today we spent time with the IJM staff. Most of them where Cambodian, one Aussie, and about five Americans. They debriefed us on their strategies in investigations, trials, aftercare, and training other local police officials in the investigating and capturing.
Around lunch time, we went to a nice little place to relax and get to know each other better. We wrapped around 7pm. Overall, this team really has it together. It is amazing to see their passion and commitment for rescuing their victims. Tomorrow I will be shooting an interview with the lead investigator. I sat with him tonight and talked. He has some amazing stories, and has really lived a "cool" life. I will also drive around town with an an intern named Jeff. I will get more b-roll footage. Mostly of exteriors of brothels, and the hostile areas. More fun!
Cambodia Trip Day 4
Sunday Sept 27
Ahhh. Refreshed. No more head or ear problems. Just stuffy nose and jet lag. Today we went to church, it was good until a weird Australian pastor was in town visiting and decided to give us a Joel Osteen hour. I was sitting next to Alf Evans, and he was constantly showing me scripture where this guy was a little off. But, besides him, it was a good experience. It was cool to see such a young crowd there. Even after learning about where this country has come from in the last 30 years. The worship music was just like our contemporary music. They even played Michael Farren's song Let It Rain.
After church we met with 2 ladies from the states that have been living here for 10 years. They started a home for young girls who have been in prostitution, or just in bad situations. We heard some really sad and cool stories.
From there, we went to visit the Tuol Sleng museum. It was a school that was turned into a torture/holding prison/execution facility during the Khamar Rouge. Millions of people were killed. This only happened in the 70's. There was a monk sitting on some of the steps to one of the buildings where people were tortured. I wanted to know his thoughts on the museum, so I sat and talked to him. He said he is disgusted for his country. He was a nice, friendly guy. Very good English. He told me that his grandparents where killed during those years. Even the woman giving us the tour had some family killed during the period....her siblings and parents. She escaped. She has been working there for 10 years. When she started, her job was to scrub the old blood off the floors. She said she cried for a few years when giving the tour. Click HERE to see pics.
After that we went to the Killing Fields. This is where most of the prisoners eventually ended up. Slaughtered and buried. From babies to adults. It was very hard emotionally to walk through the museum because they had hundreds and hundreds of photos of the prisoners that were killed. Click HERE to see pics.
After that we went to meet a woman that works very closely in the city with the children. In talking to her, she gave us details about how some of the girls get into the prostitution world, and what their home lives are like. We met her near the river at a restaurant where most of the prostitution goes on. We sat outside near the busy street, so we constantly saw older white men walking around with younger Cambodian girls. Sometimes literally as she was describing a situation, you could see it unfolded right behind us. At one time she talked about how the children are raised to sell things on the streets, training them for the prostitution world. As she was telling us, a 6 year old came up asking us if we wanted to buy some books. She encouraged us not to buy anything from the children because it only feeds into the problem.
More to come tomorrow.
Ahhh. Refreshed. No more head or ear problems. Just stuffy nose and jet lag. Today we went to church, it was good until a weird Australian pastor was in town visiting and decided to give us a Joel Osteen hour. I was sitting next to Alf Evans, and he was constantly showing me scripture where this guy was a little off. But, besides him, it was a good experience. It was cool to see such a young crowd there. Even after learning about where this country has come from in the last 30 years. The worship music was just like our contemporary music. They even played Michael Farren's song Let It Rain.
After church we met with 2 ladies from the states that have been living here for 10 years. They started a home for young girls who have been in prostitution, or just in bad situations. We heard some really sad and cool stories.
From there, we went to visit the Tuol Sleng museum. It was a school that was turned into a torture/holding prison/execution facility during the Khamar Rouge. Millions of people were killed. This only happened in the 70's. There was a monk sitting on some of the steps to one of the buildings where people were tortured. I wanted to know his thoughts on the museum, so I sat and talked to him. He said he is disgusted for his country. He was a nice, friendly guy. Very good English. He told me that his grandparents where killed during those years. Even the woman giving us the tour had some family killed during the period....her siblings and parents. She escaped. She has been working there for 10 years. When she started, her job was to scrub the old blood off the floors. She said she cried for a few years when giving the tour. Click HERE to see pics.
After that we went to the Killing Fields. This is where most of the prisoners eventually ended up. Slaughtered and buried. From babies to adults. It was very hard emotionally to walk through the museum because they had hundreds and hundreds of photos of the prisoners that were killed. Click HERE to see pics.
After that we went to meet a woman that works very closely in the city with the children. In talking to her, she gave us details about how some of the girls get into the prostitution world, and what their home lives are like. We met her near the river at a restaurant where most of the prostitution goes on. We sat outside near the busy street, so we constantly saw older white men walking around with younger Cambodian girls. Sometimes literally as she was describing a situation, you could see it unfolded right behind us. At one time she talked about how the children are raised to sell things on the streets, training them for the prostitution world. As she was telling us, a 6 year old came up asking us if we wanted to buy some books. She encouraged us not to buy anything from the children because it only feeds into the problem.
More to come tomorrow.
Cambodia Trip Day 3, Continued
So we arrived in Phnom Penh. We went to all the tourist stops. Got a good vibe of the city and it's people. Really nice friendly people. Scouters are everywhere. Like most other countries, there are no "real" traffic laws. You pretty much just go wherever you want, not matter how you get there. I actually saw a family of five on a small scouter. There was a mom and dad, with a teenage child, and two smaller kids. I found myself getting really mad about see a couple of teenage kids cruising around carrying a 2 or 3 years baby. It is ridicules how dangerous it is. They say there are really bad accidents every now and then. None so far.
We had lunch at an American type cafe. Then did some shopping here and there. Most places that we went where Christian owned, and most of the people working in them were younger boys and girls who have been through hard times, or are living in poverty.
Tonight we met with the group that we are partnering with. We went to eat at a local restaurant. Needless to say, I did not eat. I watched as most ate squid, and spiders. Well not just any spiders, Tarantula's!!! No thanks.
About 8:00pm, I was done. I was so tired, I just wanted to go back to the room and crash. So here I am. Finally in bed, 9:00pm.
We had lunch at an American type cafe. Then did some shopping here and there. Most places that we went where Christian owned, and most of the people working in them were younger boys and girls who have been through hard times, or are living in poverty.
Tonight we met with the group that we are partnering with. We went to eat at a local restaurant. Needless to say, I did not eat. I watched as most ate squid, and spiders. Well not just any spiders, Tarantula's!!! No thanks.
About 8:00pm, I was done. I was so tired, I just wanted to go back to the room and crash. So here I am. Finally in bed, 9:00pm.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Cambodia Trip Day 3
Friday...or, eh...Saturday?
Leg Two: Los Angeles to Taipei, Taiwan (12 hours)
Bigger plane.
Whew! 12 hour flight was so-so. It smelt like a locker room. After a while we got used to it. I actually slept about 7 hours. Some of the others didn't get much rest at all. We were all delighted to see that the movie selection was good. A few of us watched Terminator, Wolverine, The Proposal, and some others. Here it is already Saturday. We only stayed in Friday for about 10 hours. We went into the future! Pretty cool, yet I look older. I'll try to send some pics soon. It has been easy traveling with others from the church. We are getting along great.
When we arrived to the airport, I was feeling good. But now after being here an hour or so, I am feeling weird. I guess it is jet lag.
Everywhere I look, I see parents holding their kids. I miss Merrae and Matthis terribly. Kiss them for me Meredith! Love ya'll.
Leg Two: Los Angeles to Taipei, Taiwan (12 hours)
Bigger plane.
Whew! 12 hour flight was so-so. It smelt like a locker room. After a while we got used to it. I actually slept about 7 hours. Some of the others didn't get much rest at all. We were all delighted to see that the movie selection was good. A few of us watched Terminator, Wolverine, The Proposal, and some others. Here it is already Saturday. We only stayed in Friday for about 10 hours. We went into the future! Pretty cool, yet I look older. I'll try to send some pics soon. It has been easy traveling with others from the church. We are getting along great.
When we arrived to the airport, I was feeling good. But now after being here an hour or so, I am feeling weird. I guess it is jet lag.
Everywhere I look, I see parents holding their kids. I miss Merrae and Matthis terribly. Kiss them for me Meredith! Love ya'll.
Cambodia Trip Day 2
Leg One: Dallas to Los Angeles (2:45 minutes)
That was a somewhat nice flight. Take off was easy on the ear, but landed was a bit painful. May try putting some visine in the ear trick next leg. I watched a movie (State of Play, with Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck). Good flick. Would recommend it. So I started talking to the guy next to me. He asked me what I was going to do in Cambodia....boy was that a conversation killer. He actually looked the other way. Awkward. Eventually he warmed up to me though.
Anyway, it is 11:00pm LA, or 1:00am Texas. We finally got checked in. LAX airport is a mess!
That was a somewhat nice flight. Take off was easy on the ear, but landed was a bit painful. May try putting some visine in the ear trick next leg. I watched a movie (State of Play, with Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck). Good flick. Would recommend it. So I started talking to the guy next to me. He asked me what I was going to do in Cambodia....boy was that a conversation killer. He actually looked the other way. Awkward. Eventually he warmed up to me though.
Anyway, it is 11:00pm LA, or 1:00am Texas. We finally got checked in. LAX airport is a mess!
Cambodia Trip Day 1
Thursday Sept 24th
Cambodia Trip | Day One
(This is Matt's journaling of his 10 day mission trip to Cambodia with some people from our church and the International Justice Mission group).
What a week! Didn't think I was gonna be going on the trip. For the last week I have been wrestling with a bad sinus infection. Doc said right ear is looking ugly, not in the best condition for flying...too much liquid in there. Got a steroid shot, and lots of meds.
This morning we woke up at 6am to Merrae telling us she vomited in her bed, not a second later Meredith dashed for the toilet too. The morning wrapped up with Merrae vomiting 4 times, Meredith a couple plus....and Matthis twice. Me, clear and free, until we took the kids to the doctor, where she told me mine is coming. Thanks for that Doc.
6:30pm- So here I am sitting in the airport. Leg 1 of 3. We fly from Dallas to LAX to Taiwan and finally to Cambodia. Roughly 20 hours in flight. I have lots of reading and watching to do. And if I really want some excitement, I got some Hydrocodone for the lower back pain.
Overall, I am feeling a bit better. I do however feel sorry for whomever sits near me. I have gotten lots of tricks to avoid the painful ear pain. But I feel worse about leaving Mer and the kids in their condition. She told me to go. That was what I was waiting for. She is a trooper, always has been. Especially to be married to me! Love ya, Merry Poopins.
Cambodia Trip | Day One
(This is Matt's journaling of his 10 day mission trip to Cambodia with some people from our church and the International Justice Mission group).
What a week! Didn't think I was gonna be going on the trip. For the last week I have been wrestling with a bad sinus infection. Doc said right ear is looking ugly, not in the best condition for flying...too much liquid in there. Got a steroid shot, and lots of meds.
This morning we woke up at 6am to Merrae telling us she vomited in her bed, not a second later Meredith dashed for the toilet too. The morning wrapped up with Merrae vomiting 4 times, Meredith a couple plus....and Matthis twice. Me, clear and free, until we took the kids to the doctor, where she told me mine is coming. Thanks for that Doc.
6:30pm- So here I am sitting in the airport. Leg 1 of 3. We fly from Dallas to LAX to Taiwan and finally to Cambodia. Roughly 20 hours in flight. I have lots of reading and watching to do. And if I really want some excitement, I got some Hydrocodone for the lower back pain.
Overall, I am feeling a bit better. I do however feel sorry for whomever sits near me. I have gotten lots of tricks to avoid the painful ear pain. But I feel worse about leaving Mer and the kids in their condition. She told me to go. That was what I was waiting for. She is a trooper, always has been. Especially to be married to me! Love ya, Merry Poopins.
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