"It's like being a kid again," Mr. Thy says to me. Everyone is surprised to see that he dances with the enthusiasm and gracefulness of the students that surround him.
This past weekend, we have had the pleasure of sharing a weekend retreat with the students of the Susanna Wesley Dormitory in Phnom Penh. These students come from many provinces throughout the Cambodian countryside. The majority of them would otherwise have no means to continue their education beyond secondary school without the support of the United Methodist Church, but with the church's help they are becoming chefs, lawyers, doctors and community leaders. Our staff at the Global Ministries office first met them a week earlier when we had the opportunity to visit the dormitory.
After learning about their personal histories, it was such a blessing to be able to share hope, love, and laughter with them in Mondulkiri.
Through experiences of community service, site seeing, educational seminars, and spiritual devotions, we were able to connect with each student on a deeper level than simply an individual visit or meeting. It was wonderful to see the smiles on their faces as they were able to see, do, and experience life in a whole new way.
While each blessing was shared through a student's smile, each of us on staff were able to experience a revival of the youth we thought we had lost long ago.
