By the time you read this the team from Ballyhenry Presbyterian will be back home and daycare, Mark and I will be missing them.
They were amazing, the huge amount of work and impact they had in such a short time! From looking after the children in daycare, to painting murals on the stairs, giving away food parcels to those in poverty, doing kids clubs, and resealing the roof, we thank you so much for your hearts for Cambodia and our children!!!
The team told me when doing kids club, that the children as very well behaved, that makes me happy, navigating 80+ children can be challenging.
The team took our children to an indoor playground, the staff played like the children, I saw them going down the slides, playing in the ball pit, it was so good to see them enjoying it. One of the signs going into the playpark was a little disconcerting, the picture will tell you why.
We laughed, cried and everything in-between as we shared their experiences with them. We are looking forward to having them back again for Mission Trip No 4.
Here are some of their reflections on their time with us:
First timer in Cambodia – Angela Megarry.
Before we left Northern Ireland, one of the team had chosen the theme song for the trip “Joy” by Martin Smith.
The word joy sums up the staff and children going to the Eggshell Cambodia Daycare.
As soon as the doors opened to the daycare we were met with smiles, laughter, joy and hugs.
It is very evident that the daycare is a light of God’s goodness and love to all who live in the village.
Lastly, I have been overwhelmed by the deep love of God that shines out of Mark and Liz as they practically care for the people they serve in daycare and the village.
First Impressions – Raymond Hanna
I expected the village to be outside the boundary of the city, in a country environment, I was surprised that daycare is in the middle of a growing community which is seamlessly attached to the city.
The daycare is well supported within the community with a great number of kids having an association from past/present pupils and their families. The building stands out like a tall lighthouse in the centre of the village, shining light throughout the entire area – giving such joy and support to the children.
They are so happy, constantly smiling and so full of life, it is quite infectious to see the fun, support and love that the staff give to these kids who have very little. God is clearly at work within this community.
My last memory on this visit will be the kids singing Hallelujah with such enthusiasm. God bless the great work and commitment of Eggshell Cambodia with these people.
Team Lead – Martin Graham
I am just returning from my 3rd team in Cambodia.
Before I came on my first team, I had a picture of mission team members who were this super spiritual group of Christians, all relatively young, excellent at a range of tasks particularly speaking to groups. But that is not the reality of any team I’ve been on. we are all very ordinary people from various jobs aging from late teens to 70’s. ordinary people with a heart for sharing the Good News of Christ. we are not special in and of ourselves but just have a humble desire to serve. I think the role was summed up best by Mother Theresa. “we cant all do great things but we can all do small things with great love”. if you are an adult with a love for to see people, particularly children come to faith why not think of coming on a team. You won’t regret it.
We are just about to have Water Festival and 3 days off which we are looking forward to, time to recharge and relax – no boat racing in Phnom Penh this year but hopefully next year.
A good friend Sophie from Northern Ireland got married on 31st October, we wish her and her new husband Sarun, many happy years of marriage and that God will bless them as they continue to follow His calling over their lives.
Mark and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary with the team, which was lovely and friends sent flowers, we have never felt so loved…
While I was in Scotland recently, I had a little old-aged moment and got Craig to give me another tattoo and Sarah pierced my nose! I was very pleased – you can check out their Facebook page for the work they are doing – It’s called “Ink Haven (Ink Haven)”. I am very proud to say that my son did my tattoo, the colours are beautiful and I just love my nose stud! I wanted a dragonfly as when I worked in Clandeboye they were everywhere and a turtle because they are cute. I know I am mad!!!!
30 families in the village have been told that the land they live on has been sold and that they need to find someone else to live. Please pray for them as most cannot afford to pay rent.
This month we started 3 new children and graduated 3, pray for the new starts that they settle well and also for our 3 children who will start school soon.
The Lord is our salvation; we pray that the people in Cambodia will come to know that.
Until next time, blessings
Liz and Mark…
