Written by Tracy Arntzen
There is one word that describes our Christmas trip to Cambodia - UNEXPECTED. I’m convinced God placed the desire in my heart years ago to celebrate the birth of Christ with our friends and students in Cambodia. And wow, God met us there through unplanned circumstances. As I looked forward to this trip, there were also people, traditions, and comforts I chose to lay aside for Christmas 2026. And, if I’m being honest, just prior to our departure I was longing for all of what we were leaving behind.
Unfortunately, a few days into our extended stay, a war broke out. Through the harsh attacks of F-16 bombings and a heavy military power, Thailand began invading a helpless Cambodia. The country, 95% Buddhist and with a limited military, felt frightened, oppressed and even hopeless. I have never been in a war-torn country during escalation, and to say it was frightening was an understatement. Imparting Smiles Children’s Home was forced to evacuate and relocate twice because of heavy bombing. As someone who values security, calm surroundings, and peace, I’ll confess on more than one occasion I was checking in with the US Embassy, State Department, and airlines, considering an early departure. Sleep eluded me for several consecutive days as I tossed and turned in the decision to stay or return home early. I am embarrassed to even speak that now.
Like a gentle spring breeze, I sensed God’s leading us to stay. It was like an invitation to live out what we believe about the Lord. Did I truly trust Him with our circumstances and the timing of us being in Cambodia? I could not shake the feeling of staying, despite what may happen. I could not imagine telling our loved ones we were leaving them early. So, we stayed and asked friends and family back home to pray with us. Staying was not about us being brave or courageous. Instead it was about working through the tension of fear and obedience. It was about standing firm with God by our side when our security felt threatened. God had placed us there and entrusted us for such a time.
Despite the unrest we enjoyed incredible fellowship and precious times of service. We also sensed the deep realization of the impact Saving Susan Ministry and all our champions are making. I often recall a friend sharing that John 15:16 reminds him of the Saving Susan Ministry mission.
So without further ado, here are some of our trip highlights:
Day 1 - We rose early, after our 1am bedtime, and joined Pastor Sihok at his dumpsite church. Jay shared a message of love. Gifts and treats were sponsored for the church members, as this was their Christmas celebration. It was a time filled with beautiful music and lots of children's smiles. What a beautiful welcome to Cambodia.
Days 2-4 We were blessed to share our days with the children we partner and of course, the Next Steps Students would jump in when their schedules allowed. We hung out, shared meals, went swimming, and we even took a private exercise class that included a boxing lesson. Maybe a boxing bag is needed in the future at the boys’ dorm! So many laughs and also times of important life conversations.
Days 5-9 Bunny transported us to Bileg and it was wonderful to visit the place where Saving Susan Ministry was born. We treated the Solid Rock Academy teachers to a Christmas luncheon and sweet time of fellowship, there were 60+ present. We took the kids to visit the 2nd oldest temple in Cambodia, even older than Angkor Wat! Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk was a wonder, and we loved sharing this with the students. Sunday worship was in the beautiful church that Dr. Jack Baskin helped plant with Dr. Felipe and Joy Castro so many years ago.
Days 10-12 We began preparing for Christmas - shopping, decorating, cooking, and attended a sweet Christmas Eve church service in English with many of the Next Steps students. Christmas day was so much fun. Jay even drove a moto and took some of the students for coffee and talk, while I was in the kitchen with some helpers. We ended the day with Christmas carols and hot chocolate, which was a novelty for the students.
Days 13-17 As our trip began to wind down, a cease fire was agreed upon. Although nearly 600k Cambodians were displaced from their homes and villages living in refugee camps, the country saw some relief from the attacks. We were introduced to a Cambodian Pastor and his wife who run a children's home and were invited to visit. Please pray with us as we explore conversations about working together in the future.
This trip will forever be special in so many ways. I'm certain there are still parts of it to process and discern where God is leading.
I ask, if you are a Parent Partner reading this, would you please consider joining one of our trips in 2026? The children continue to grow and build resilience, as we have learned…
“Although the world is full of suffering it is also full of overcoming it.”
