Today's note is from Anou; one of the success stories coming out of our homes in Cambodia. As always I will forward any words of encouragement you may email me. A little insight into the life of so many in SE Asia.
My New Life in GIBTK.
Hello my name is Heng Heiknou. I was born on 1st, July 1991. Battambang is my hometown. I have 8 members in my family. My family are farmers. Among my sibling, there was only me who were able to attend and receive bachelor degree. After primary school, my new school was 5 kilometers from home. It may seem like that's not so far, but it was because of the road conditions.
I went to school cautiously because it was very dangerous for all of the girls going to school and back home. We went to school together so as to feel safe. I went to school in the morning and back in the evening. We packed the rice for our lunch.
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| "My new family, that loves me" |
My first day in school, I was embarrassed by my schoolmate because of my old uniform and during that time I had pocks all over my body that I. They laughed at me. Many called me "The girl who has HIV". I was so embarrassed. I felt so down and I did not want to go to school. However, I thought about my dream that I want to be a teacher so I decided to continue my study. I studied for a year then my friend quit school. I am began thinking of dropping school too. My mom told me to stop because of circumstances of my family and my safety. But I did not agree with her.
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| "We always celebrate our birthdays!" |
I asked my father and my uncle to convince her to let me go to school, and she agreed. I picked morning glory and made Khmer cake to sell for money for school. Doing this till I finished my secondary school. In High school my mom decided I had to drop out of school. Saying it is very far; no safety and it cost a lot. Now I felt troubled, I still wanted to continue school. I cried and begged her to let me go to school. Then I asked my dad again and a worker from an NGO to explain to her about the importance of studying. She agreed again. I felt so blessed.
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| "I found sisters who loved each other" |
My mom told me "This is your last chance of studying, I only allowed you to study for high school only". I moved to Battambang staying with my aunt staying 5 kilometers from my school. After I finish high school my neighbors and relatives tried to convince my parents that study is nothing. Saying once she finishes school, she will come back and fed the pig too. There is nothing more than this.
I felt upset, my heart broken into pieces because of those words. However, my parents borrowed money to let me keep up with my study and my dream. There were many problems and obstacles that continued to happen with me and my family. My mom got sick when I finished my first year. She asked me to stop again. I stayed still not replying to her words. I was thinking that if I quit, I will forever regret it. I had an opportunity to study Bible class at LOHI center. My teacher Mary Jane was kind. She spent most of her time after class talking to me. I shared my story with her. She encouraged me. She prays with me. Then she introduced me to Pastor Sam. So I could stay at Marlene's gibtk home.
My first day in Marlene's home I felt so scared because I saw all the girls in the home. I was afraid that they would sell me as a prostitute. Soon, these feelings faded away. I trust in God and pray. I never thought that the place that I felt so badly about turned into the amazing place that changed my future. Marlene's Home was an amazing place for me which gave me and other girls hope, sharing love and the most safe place ever.
I felt so loved during the time I stayed in the home. I had sisters, beautiful clothes. Moreover, I had food that I never had before. I went to the place that I never dreamed possible. I remember eating 8 mangos at one times when I first came to the home. Pizza is a food that makes me remember about Father Robert. It was the first Pizza I had ever eaten.
Through the support of gibtk I completed my University in 2015. I found a job. I was recruited for a job in Siem Reap. Thank God for this chance. I got to be a team leader of education in 2017 to 2019 at my work place. In 2019, I moved and began work in new place. I got married in 2016. Now I have 6 month old baby boy.
On the other hand, I thank God for having me here in the beautiful home called Marlene's Thank God or sending Pastor Sam and Teacher Mary Jane that lead me there. I loved mother Dorothea and Father Robert so much. They let me taste the feeling of love from parents. I felt so warm and loved by them. They made me laugh every time I saw them. They surprised me a lot. Thank for making my dream come true.
I personally thank Father Bruce and Mother Camella for building this beautiful place. I am so thankful for bringing the real love here in the home. It warms my heart until today. I believe that Hope will change everything in your life. The time that you never give up, you will never lose it.
As Father Robert and Bruce said "Life is Hope". "Don't give up, keep going on". This sentence has built my home and life stronger than I ever dare dimage. Lastly, I thank GIBTK for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Thank for leading me to my dream. Thank for giving a safe home. GIBTK gives me a new life.
Sincerely with LOVE; Nou
><((((º> BBlessed
