It was ten years ago, in year 2006 that I left to go Hope Village Prey Veng in Cambodia to serve in an orphanage that housed more than a hundred children and 16 staff.
A particular girl caught my attention on the first day that I landed there. We were playing captain's ball and the girl's charisma and sporty flaire resembled me when I was her age. The zeal, excitement and skilful hands at the game were so much of mine when I was in my teens. She has no parents, only an aunty. Over the two years that I was there, I remember vividly in one of the Khmer New Year, when more than half the children were brought home By their family members to celebrate Khmer New Year, she was waiting patiently for her aunty to come and fetch her. When her aunty arrived, I could see her beaming smile, the overwhelming joy and relief that she was going to go home and celebrate this festive season, even though it was only for half a day.
She has been a good learner and obedient and she has since grown to be a sweet young lady. It was never in my wildest dream that some of the children could come and visit Singapore with all expenses covered by sponsors. It was an official trip where they had to follow the program of attending intensive learning to speak English lessons daily and for her, learning to bake lessons as well and this program lasted for two months. And it so happened I was back in Singapore between my teaching commitment in India, divine bestowment!
She had since started working for about a year and it was a stunningly pleasant surprise she and another girl came to Singapore last April for a week for their Khmer New Year break! It was such deep joy to know both of them are still walking closely with The Lord and she is leading worship in church almost every Sunday.
On top of these, besides visiting Sentosa with them, they came and visited my home after dinner at West Coz cafe. It was never in my wildest imagination that I could have them step into my house! It was terrific time together with them and with two other sisters (co-workers before) chatting and updating one another of God's goodnesses.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
