Trip to Siem Riep & the Cultural Village

Shane was a hoot on the trip and got picked to be in a show.

One of the shows.

Andy and I at the Cultural Village. The scenery was very pretty.

Wednesday, Aug. 6
We loaded up and drove 1st thing to Siem Riep which was about a 3 hour drive. The purpose of this overnight trip was to provide a holiday opportunity for the girls at Hagar. We were honored to treat the girls and house mothers to this mini vacation and they were very appreciative. On our way we stopped at a roadside cafe for breakfast. I wish I had a picture because I can't possibly describe it. Let's just say it was an interesting cultural experience. The girls ate a hearty breakfast and a few of us brave Americans had a few bites of omelet, rice or bread.
Once we arrived in Siem Riep we took the girls to the Cultural Village, which is a park with a variety of outdoor performances highlighting the different cultural beliefs and people groups in Cambodia. It was very educational and interesting. The girls really enjoyed it. At the end of the day it confirmed in me the void we all have as humans for something bigger - for Jesus. Watching these performances and the effort being put in to worshipping false gods really made my heart break for those who haven't heard about Jesus, for those people who truly worship gods of fire, water, etc. As Americans and Christians, it's hard to wrap our minds around that fact but it's true because I've met those people. Although this is "deep thinking" on my part, the mood of the day was fun and playful with the girls.
For dinner we went to a nice restaurant where there were more traditional dances being performed while we ate. Then it was time for bed as we were all exhausted.