Day 2: Performance at Maple Ridge

The day began with something exciting: a swim at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. There was a slight complication, as the park outside the leisure centre was being prepared for a concert, meaning that the lanes leading to the leisure centre were closed. I had to stand outside and wave the billets down as they approached, and then walk the kids towards the pool.

My initial concerns that the pool would be boring for the kids (it was a rec center pool, not a waterpark) were quickly put to rest as everyone greatly enjoyed swimming. Several lifeguards asked me the ages of the kids, as several of them look younger than 10 years. I also had to relay the lifeguards' instructions through pantomime, as the kids routinely found new rules to bend or break. Thankfully nobody got themselves hurt.

Blaine acted as a supervisor while Sokthon, Andet, Thavin and myself all swam with the kids. This worked out well, as Blaine was able to talk to a few different lifeguards and swimmers about what we were up to, which the people enjoyed. This even led to an impromptu phone call to a local swimmer's Cambodian friend who later attended the night's performance with her husband!

The funniest moment came at the end of our time at the pool. We introduced the kids to the hot tub, which some of them took to quite well, while others opted to stay in the main pool. As we were telling the kids that it was time to go, Blaine went over to retrieve two boys who were still in the hot tub. When he approached, he saw that they were watching the side pool rather intently. Looking over, Blaine saw that a water aerobics course for the elderly was taking place in the side pool, which the two boys were watching with good-natured curiosity. They were not giggling or pointing fingers, but quietly observing.

(Sorry, no pool photos.)

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While Blaine and I were taking the team swimming, Trakuan stayed at Maple Ridge Alliance Church along with Shelly, Ardie, and several other extremely helpful volunteers. They worked tirelessly to prepare the foyer for the night's performance, setting up the market booth, the sponsorship table, and the payment station that I would be running. When we got back from the pool, we quickly aided in their efforts. As we did so, the kids go to see the stereotypical B.C. weather, as rain came down outside, creating a somewhat sleepy atmosphere.

For lunch, we had a delicious chicken curry made by Trakuan. A blood-drive was happening in the gym, so we ate in the youth-room. After lunch we continued preparation before having supper, in which we ordered pizza. I was curious to see what the kids would think about pizza, and thankfully they greatly enjoyed it.

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The performance was a great success, especially when one considers that it was the first of the tour. We had a rather large turnout, with Blaine stating that it was definitely one of the highest attended tour dates that Rescue had ever experienced. A sizeable amount of people showed up rather early and began making donations before the performance even began!

I was incredibly impressed at how the children handled the first night. We were all concerned about first night jitters, but the kids showed no signs of stage fright. As I was operating behind the scenes, I got to see some rather funny moments, as the boys routinely ran into the lobby while in their costumes, so that they could watch the moments before the dances. I teased them and told them to get back to their places, but not before getting some photos. Even the church barista got involved with the fun! The girls were more reserved and stayed on standby the entire time, but were still happy enough to pose for photos.

In between dances were videos about the good work being done at the different Rescue Cambodia sites, as well as powerful testimonies from Andet and Thavin. The two of them have overcome so much in their lives, and are very inspirational figures to all, especially the children at Rescue. They embody how Rescue can help those it takes in. Sokthon also gave a great message about the progress he sees firsthand, which means a lot coming from someone who has spent 15+ years working alongside Marie.

All five dances were great, with the likely favorite being the "Stick Dance", which is better known to Filipinos as "Tinikling". The dance involves jumping over wooden planks, which are being rhythmically clapped together and on two smaller bases. The tension felt by the audience is always noticeable.

The performance ended with a message from Marie, Blaine and Shelly, thanking the audience for their patronage and hospitality. Sokthon then brought out all the children and led a call for donations and sponsorships. The audience was clearly moved, as 17 people signed up for sponsorships, a number that is higher than any previous performance across all tours! Several items were purchased from the shop, with many of the payments being significantly higher than what the asking price was, resulting in a very high amount of donation money.

The night ended with the team splitting up to their various billets. Maple Ridge has set the bar high. We are confident that the rest of the dates will be just as good.

Special thanks to all of the billets, including the wonderful Al and Sandie who graciously housed Blaine, Shelly and I. Special thanks as well to all those who generously gave their time and effort to help with the setting up and running the performance. All of your efforts are greatly appreciated.

God bless and Jesus saves.