Rob Naish, a Mission Direct volunteer and a builder in Nottinghamshire, returned from Cambodia in February. He was joined by his wife, Liz and daughter Kate and together they stepped out in faith knowing the experience of seeing, feeling and living some of the hidden parts of Phnom Penh would be emotionally so very hard.

 

He wrote, “I cannot begin to describe how the trip has impacted on each of us.  Without a doubt a life changing experience which exposes the massive imbalance between the rich and the poor.  How can we sit back in the comfort of our wealthy society and ignore the poor, needy and helpless as they scratch and scrape to find their daily bread or even the smallest glimmer of hope that may free themselves from the wretched circumstances in which they live.

 

The people of the slums, the lowest of low huddled in tiny shacks shared with vermin and flies, no dignity or hope, just a fight for survival.  Drugs, alcohol and gambling offering the only escapism, corrupt and destroy their daily lives.  Of those spending day after day on the dumps of  Phnom Penh groveling amongst the tones of rubbish discarded by the many.  Or the street kids sent out every morning to the market place to scavenge like vultures all night long, trying to make an income for their families.

 

But despite all this poverty and squalor, we found that God is there in the midst of it all, shining through his people like an odd ray of sunshine as Mission Direct and its partners offer such hope.

 

The main project of our venture was to build a home for a destitute family in a village.  The work was enjoyed by all.  A chance to be involved in village life, to meet people, build relationships and share our love with people in desperate situations.  Indeed, by the end of the fortnight the house was virtually complete.

 

                             

 

One of the most encouraging things about our experience is that despite everything, there is no smile like that of a Cambodian.  The majority have nothing compared to us yet the warmth of their smile and the desire for love and friendship is overwhelming.   A smile is as good as a thousand words and in the depth of their struggles, their desperation and hopelessness, their smiles blessed me many times – to the point of tears – how much we have to learn.”

 

Liz Naish added, “visiting Cambodia has been an amazing time.  Something I so wanted to do. In just a fortnight I have witnessed situations never before experienced and have learnt much about the country, its history, its culture and its poverty.  As I return to the west.  I think the lasting impression on me will be the visits to the slums. Words are inadequate for they fail to indicate the stench and squalor.

 

“On one day we visited and some of the team cleared away rubbish to make a play area for the children whilst others walked through.  The rubbish everywhere was one thing, the filthy faces and grubbiness of everything in sight, another, but the sheer hopelessness of the place was my overriding impression.  We had to walk round a drunk lady sprawled out on the floor, flies gathered around her mouth and she lay in the dirt.  A mentally ill woman bombarded us with words we could not understand and little ones flocked around for love and attention.  I thought of the Lords days on earth thinking how He would have been amongst such people…”

 

 

Each house in Cambodia costs £2,750 for materials and local labour.  We hope to build at least 5 houses in 2008. So far two have been completed and the third is nearly finished.