Teaching Jewelery Making

Ratanak Team Member: Sarah A


After the rest of the Ratanak missions team left, I stayed in Phnom Penh to teach jewelry making for a week at Ratanak's Transitions Life Skills Program, Daughters Cambodia. 

I've taught the girls 2 necklace styles in the past 3 days, teaching the first one twice so that they really get it down pat. The girls are already excellent jewelry makers, so it's easy to train them. And I have had an interpreter for the 1st and the 3rd days, so that really makes things run smoothly. There is one girl in particular, who really learns things quickly and pays so much attention to detail, so I'm confident that so long as she knows how to do it, when I leave, they can still carry it on without my direction. She's so cute - she calls me "teacher..." just adorable.

Being here, God has been increasing my heart for these girls, and I feel like His love is being reciprocated to me through them. We just have such a great time together. They are all so beautiful, and so gentle.  And they really care for one another and I don't sense any sort of dissension or bickering between them - just a sisterly comraderie. They are so nice to be around.

Every day I have lunch in the Sugar & Spice cafe which is located on the second level above the Daughter's store. The food is just fantastic. And I often go back for a brownie after 4:30 when the baked goods are half price! They serve them heated, and melted chocolate comes oozing out of them. So good. I've also had the opportunity to take advantage of the Women's Only Spa by indulging in a few massages and a pedicure in the name of 'ministry.' There is no better way to give to a good cause!!! hahaha!!! :) For $3 you can get a manicure or pedicure, and $4 gets you a shoulder and neck or foot and leg massage. I was thinking yesterday morning, when I was having a shoulder and neck massage by one of the girls who I have a huge heart for.  What a blessing it was to receive that from her. And what a blessing for her to do something for me, something that I could not do for myself, and that I'm sure she WANTED to do because she delights in her work, and now knowing me, she loves to bless me with it. And how dignifying that is for her.


In her past life she experienced much abuse but now she has a new life. Her job at Daughters has given her dignity and confidence in her work, and she's working in a place where she is surrounded by love. It's so safe. Yes, I must say that SAFE is definately a word that describes the feeling at Daughters. But not 'safe' in terms of thinking that you're not in danger - though of course that is true - but emotionally safe, at ease, not on guard.  It's a culture that God creates in that place through His Spirit and His people. And it's so lovely.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe. 
Proverbs 18:10