Jedidiah thrives on being able to support partners such as World Vision and this week our CEO, Kevin Murray, has the incredible opportunity to be in Cambodia with legendary photographer Aaron Chang and World Vision’s business developing partner Keith Kall.

Going into the trip, Kevin put together the following list of thoughts and ideas of what he wanted to see happen and how we as a company can best support World Vision.

1. As a company, we need to walk in the same shoes as the advocates we support. The only way to feel the full extent of the work being done by our non-profit partners is to spend time with them in the field.

2. We want to fully understand the needs of World Vision when it comes to rescuing children out of exploitation.

3. Together with World Vision, we want to determine how best to utilize the revenue we will generate for them.

4. The trip will deepen our bonds with World Vision creating an unbreakable level of trust between us.

5. Traveling with someone as talented as Aaron Chang is nothing short of an honor.

6. We want to show love, appreciation and respect to the people who everyday serve the broken among us faithfully. (World Vision field staff)

We are happy to report that Kevin and Aaron made it safely and have sent us the following text and images from abroad. Enjoy following us as we update you on their surroundings and findings.

We landed in Phnom Penh at 9:15 am on Monday morning and we felt surprising good after a 19 hour flight, Aaron was a great traveling partner.

We were picked up by my friend, Keith Kall who will be our partner for the week. Keith works in the World Vision business development group and has become a
good friend and trusted partner.

Our first goal was to get our bearings and check out the local surroundings in this capitol city. The first thing you are hit with is how hot it really is, it feels like the
combination of the Phoenix sun in July and the Florida humidity in August. The city is bustling and busy, intersections are crowded, scooters and motorcycle taxis are weaving in and out of traffic like dance partners.

Markets are open but no one seems to be buying anything. There are smells that I am sure are somewhat unique to a big city in Southern Asia; some are good and some are not so good. Outside food vendors are everywhere and by now the locals are having their lunch. I thought it was best to not partake in the local faire, at least not on day one. There was definitely food being cooked that I did not recognize.

The overwhelming sense I felt during this initial exploration was an understanding of how hard life is here for the vast majority. With just a little perspective in looking back at the recent history of this country, it’s people just can’t catch a break. From the Killing Fields, to natural disasters, to government corruption, the local Cambodian people carry a heavy burden in their pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

It was now time to go meet some of the World Vision Cambodia staff. We were taxied to their offices across town, a very humble setting for sure. I was surprised though at the size as it was bigger than I expected. Three entire stories of offices with dozens of staff in different “sectors” of the organization. One of the things I have learned about World Vision over the past few years is that they go to places that no other non-profit organization goes. And by that, I don’t mean countries. I mean all the nooks and crannies within a country. World Vision travels the road less traveled, they seek out the poorest of the poor, the weakest of the weak.

The “sector” that Jedidiah is partnering on with World Vision is child protection. Southern Asia unfortunately has an epidemic of human trafficking, specifically sexual exploitation of children. But before you can judge these people, you have to realize that it is the western white male that funds this global industry. India, Thailand and Cambodia are the 3 countries in which World Vision is the most active regarding this issue. They have a network of safe houses, after care facilities and staff who pursue the rescue and rehabilitation of these exploited children. Jedidiah wants to walk along side these people. Our goal is to raise enough money for World Vision to build an assessment, care and protection facility that provides first refuge for children rescued from trafficking.

At the World Vision Cambodia offices, we met with a variety of staff including the national director who helped give an overview of all the things World Vision does in
Cambodia. But most of our time was spent with the director of communications, Haidy Ear-Dupuy (pronounced Heidi). In 1975, Haidy was 5 years old and was a “boat person”. This was the time of genocide in Cambodia known as “The Killing Fields”. Haidy and her family were part of the lucky ones who escaped the country and survived the boat journey to Indonesia. From there her family was granted entry into the United States where she grew up. She received degrees in economics, biology and communications from William and Mary College and the University of Wisconsin. Ten years ago, Haidy was called to come back to her homeland and serve the people of this nation. She is passionate, brilliant and compassionate. Great organizations are great because they have great people. Haidy was for sure a highlight from day one.

More to come from Jedidiah’s trip to Cambodia in the days to come. Stay tuned and find out more about how you can help our friends at World Vision.

UPDATE:

As Kevin’s trip throughout Cambodia continued, he posted more updates. Check out his posts from the days following this one below:

http://www.jedidiahusa.com/causes/jedidiah-in-cambodia-day-2

http://www.jedidiahusa.com/causes/jedidiah-in-cambodia-day-3

http://www.jedidiahusa.com/causes/jedidiah-in-cambodia-day-4

http://www.jedidiahusa.com/causes/jedidiah-in-cambodia-day-5