Cambodian Service-Learning - White Lotus

White Lotus is a very special ministry.  It is run by two American lady missionaries, Sherry Lile and Debbie Tetsch.   They reach out to abused girls, many of whom are young girls forced to become sex workers.   They set up a place for the girls to live, teach them practical skills, and set up businesses so that they can make a proper living.  It is very challenging work, with a not-insignificant amount of risk.  They demonstrate tremendous courage, enduring dedication, infinite patience, and abundant love.

Out team tried to help them with some computer work, and taught the girls some crafts.  The girls are very smart, and learn fast.  The organization can also use some help in making use of the Internet.  To promote their cause and events, and to distribute the handicrafts made by the girls, for example.

A side story.  On Sunday, 4th July, we were on a 6-hour bus ride returning from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.  Two of our students have gotten sick, running fevers, with diarrhea.  The girl was vomiting, very weak, and seemed to be getting worse.   By 6 PM, and still 2 hours away from Phnom Penh, we felt we need to take them to see a doctor.  But we were really not sure where to go, not being familiar with the Cambodia medical system, and at such a late hour on a Sunday.  

I called Sherry.  She referred us to the SOS, a clinic run by Americans, which happens to be just 2 blocks away from our hotel.  So I took the 2 students to the clinic as soon as we arrived at Phnom Penh at 8 PM, with help from 3 other students, and sent the other students to have dinner.  The clinic was clean and tidy, and very well-equipped.  The doctor was very professional.  He felt, as we did, that the students had food-poisoning.  He  ordered a series of tests, and prescribed anti-biotic for both of them.  The girl had to be re-hydrated through intravenous drip.   Later that evening, my colleague V came with 3 other students to take our place, so that we can go back to the hotel to rest.  Eventually, after about 5 hours, we all came back to the hotel.   Both students recovered and came back to Hong Kong safely. 

We are all very grateful to Sherry and Debbie for the much needed and just-in-time help.  And we told them so.  Our next task is to figure out how we can support their work.