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.

Remembering

Two individuals that played a significant role in my life, passed away in the last couple of days.  Both Rebecca "Becba"Hayes and Ben Puckett, will be missed by so many people.

Rebecca was my children's nanny for several years when I live in North Carolina.  She first came to help me when Dixon was three and Gwynn two.  It took them a little while to warm up to her, so she started bringing "special treats" everyday.  Little white donuts or a cookie were constant treats for them.  Then, Grace was born, and she became known as "Becba's Baby", and from then on, she held a special place in Becca's heart.  After a couple of years in Lenoir, my family decided to move up the mountain to Blowing Rock.  I hated telling her we were moving because she had become such a part of our lives.  When I told her, she said "I already knew it.  The Lord told me, and as Ruth said to Naomi 'I will go where you go' "  So, she would travel several days a week, up the mountain, even in the snow to be with us.  I loved Rebecca Hayes, and I look forward to seeing her again one day.  And I know I will.

Ben Puckett was one of my dad's best friends.  I've known him and his wife my whole life, but it wasn't until over six years ago, that he really made an impact in my life and the life of my family.  Ben was an integral part of my rescue, and for that, I will be forever thankful for his generosity and friendship to my parents.

So, this painting and post is dedicated to two special people that touched my life.

Studio View

The painting is a view from my studio.   Three walls of my studio are windows overlooking the lake in our back yard.  The view is breathtaking early in the morning and at sunset.  The lake is claimed to be one of the best fishing lakes in Madison County.  Today, I had 9 young men fishing from the pier.  I can not tell you the joy I have when I look outside and see so many precious friends of Dixon enjoying themselves at our home.  That is one of the main reasons I wanted this house, because it is a great place for young people to hang out.  I love having them around.

Emily

11x 14

Named for Gwynn's best friend who is a wonderful dancer.

                                   Dixon's home, and what can I say, except, I love my son!!!

Melissa

                                                                      36 x 36

This painting is named after my dear friend Melissa Davis McEachin for her encouraging words, her faith in Jesus Christ and her willingness to listen to The Holy Spirit.

That sums up everything I have to say tonight.

Waiting To Dance

This is another dancer painting for the Lafayette show on May 10th.  I love the texture of her tutu.  It reminds me of a big poof of feathers.  My girls would have loved playing dress-up in it years ago.

On another note, I want to update you on the progress of fundraising for our Cambodia trip.  This time last week, I was very discouraged as to if we were going to be able to raise enough money for all three of us to go.  I emailed an individual also going, telling him how my faith was wavering.  He encouraged me and reminded me that faith was the evidence of things not seen.  I shared with him how I know without a doubt that God wants us on this mission trip, and I was just going to stand firm and believe He would provide a way for us.  Well, just six days later, we have raised almost half of the cost.  Many friends have been very generous, I sold a large painting I forgot about, and Grace has been selling headbands she made to her friends.  I can't express enough my appreciation to my friends and I stand amazed at how awesome our God is.

Trois Danseurs

                                                                           30x24

The other day, I was talking to a friend, and we were discussing a house that a couple are building.  I made the comment "why do two people need a house that big?".  My friend looked at me and said, "why does it matter to you?  If they want it and can afford it, that's their business."  You know, he was right, and it made me think about what was behind my comment.  Envy and a judgmental attitude were two things that came to mind.  Then, it got me thinking how quick some of us (me) are to make negative comments or insinuations about others in our everyday conversations.  How eager are we to hear the latest "dirt" on someone, often even relishing in the facts, or share something about them out of "concern"?  Somehow it makes us feel better about ourselves.  But what if the tables were turned?  Would we want others to be doing the same to us?  I know I wouldn't.  Is it really a "Christ attitude" we are having? No.  Oh, how we love gossip!  It's something to think about, isn't it?