Phnom Penh

Cambodia.  How do I put down in words the impact my trip had on me?  I can't.  I can only share little bits and pieces of the joy, heartache, love, friends, and memories I experienced.  It was exhausting, rewarding, and I can't wait to go back.

                                                                     Our Crew

                                        Alli Mellon, founder of The Hard Places Community

Punlok Thmey is the first prevention and restoration center in Cambodia for boys.  It is located right in the middle of the community rumored to be the worst for selling boys for sex.  There are around 25 Khmer staff members that devote their time to 80 street-living or street-working children, all of which  are at risk of being sold to a pedophile for sex. Their main objective is to build relationships with the boys, and by doing so, they can teach them about decision making, love, hope and our Savior.

 In the mornings, we helped the staff with teaching English, computer classes, play room therapy, and crafts.  In the afternoon, the we split up into two groups, one to go to Wat Phnom and the other to the river front.  Both of these public places known for its sex trafficking and prostitution of women and girls.  Here each day, we played with children, did a VBS type skit and craft.  These were different children than one from the center.  Once again, it was all about helping build relationships.  Many of these children also lived on the street, park, or in the slums.

The children love the Punlok Thmey staff.  They are outside every morning and afternoon, waiting excitedly to come in.  Here they find love and safety.  These children are so precious.  Many of them stole each of our hearts.   If I could, one or two would have come home with me.

This country needs prayer.  It is dark and needs healing.  I believe that HPC is planting seeds for the next generation.