Cambodia....a Nation in Waiting

As I reflect on my past two months in Cambodia, I'm struck by one mental image....WAITING. Everywhere you go, people are waiting. 


-Tuk Tuk and moto drivers are waiting for the next Western tourist to step off the bus.

-Cambodians wait patiently for buses that are often late and expensive.

-Small corner shop owners sit outside waiting in hopes of a customer.

But I see the children (the future of Cambodia) waiting for much, much more.


-Young children are waiting for basic health care... A chance to grow up healthy and strong.  Many village children have NO health care available.  Simple wounds can become dangerous infections. Untreated diarrhea (usually due to unclean water) can lead to serious dehydration or even death. The death rate of children under 5 is one of the highest in the world.

Are you a health care worker?  Dental, medical, health education, nurse's aid, PA? Short term medical teams can truly save lives and make a real difference here.








-Cambodians are waiting for economic opportunities, and freedom from oppression of poverty. The demographics of this nation are staggering.  Over 80% of the population is under the age of 30, and 50% is under the age of 18.  Can this developing economy support this influx of millions of young workers?

Are you a businessperson?  Do you have IT skills? Looking for a place to invest?  Are you a Cambodian living outside of Cambodia?  Come back to Cambodia with your experience, skills, and English. Help build the "New Cambodia," and be highly successful in the process.












-Cambodian children are waiting for a solid education. The government schools pay only $50.00 per month which is NOT a livable wage in Cambodia. Many of the teachers have a limited education themselves.  Education is the ONLY chance for a better future for the 7 million children.

Are you an educator?  You can be of great help as Cambodia searches for models of education that are effective.  Do you speak English?  The country is NUTS about learning English.  If you can speak it, you can be useful.  Good English skills provide many opportunities for better jobs as the tourist industry continues to grow.  Come for three weeks, three months, three years!  Cambodia needs you.







-Young girls are waiting for a chance at a better future.  Women face many obstacles in obtaining an education here.  If they are fortunate enough to have the money, they are still limited by housing restrictions.  In order to leave their province and study in a larger city, they must have a safe and supervised housing situation.  Several NGO's are establishing dorms for girls, providing a safe and nurturing enviroment while they further their education.




Have a heart for women?  Facing empty nest syndrome?  Ready to retire?  You can be the answer to a young woman's prayer by setting up a girls dormitory.


Cambodia is a nation struggling to recover from 30 years of war and genocide.  The Khmer Rouge tried to destroy every system of society; commerce, religion, education, medical, family, etc. However, they did not succeed, and the resilient and patient Khmer people are rebuilding their lives and nation. 


The needs are endless, as are the opportunities to serve.  Make a difference with your life.


Consider Cambodia!  Cambodia is waiting.......for you!