“Some may think after Rescue the process is done; but actually, it’s just starting.”
—Monea Chhay, Co-Director of Restoration
Last month, AIM’s Restoration Homes (ARH) hosted two unforgettable retreats for the survivors in our care. These getaways offered a chance for the girls to take a breather from daily routines, connect with nature, and embrace the beauty of community and worship.
A total of 74 girls participated in one of the two retreats, held at a beautiful mountainside lake in a new province. For many, it was their first journey so far from home—a new adventure filled with discovery, bonding, and growth. Over the course of three days and two nights, these young women shared meaningful moments with AIM staff and each other, creating lasting memories and renewal.
ARH Retreat Highlights
Moments of Exploration and Fun
For some girls, riding in tuk-tuks and traveling to new places was a first-time experience and full of adventures. Despite rainy weather, the girls enjoyed a 2 1/2-hour boat ride, filled with dancing and laughter alongside house moms and staff. The groups also visited a special resort with a giant water slide that they convinced members of the staff to brave with them. Hearing their laughter and singing is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face – is there anything more beautiful in this world?
Back at the hotel, the fun continued. Pool time turned into hours of play, impromptu dance parties, and moments of self-expression as the girls dressed up and celebrated their beauty in a safe, welcoming space.
And the food? Let’s just say the fresh seafood and delicious meals were nothing short of a feast fit for these deserving queens—a chance to spoil these incredible girls and see the joy light up their faces.
Community and Worship
Each morning began with heartfelt worship. Wearing matching t-shirts symbolizing unity, the girls held hands with each other and staff to pray and sing together. Throughout the schedule were dedicated times of prayer and discussions focused on hope and healing.
Each retreat carried a unique lesson designed to inspire and empower.
- Hope: The first group focused on the power of hope and dreaming big. The girls shared heartfelt aspirations such as traveling on an airplane, opening a salon, or one day being able to work and purchase a small, safe home for their family to live in—testaments to their resilience and courage.
- Growth: The second group learned about the role of personal growth and attitude in achieving success. Themes of patience, commitment, and determination helped the girls recognize their potential to thrive in both professional and personal relationships.
These lessons reminded everyone that each girl’s story is so much more than the trauma they have endured. To close the retreats, both groups journeyed to the top of a mountain with breathtaking views above the clouds. Here, they reflected on all they had learned, leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
Join Us in Prayer
For AIM, these retreats embody our mission to restore dignity and joy to survivors. Witnessing the girls embrace hope and healing strengthens our commitment to lasting transformation.
Restoration is a long process. It’s not easy to go from one step to another. We hope you will join us in praying over these needs that our incredible Co-Directors, Monea Chaay and Leakena Ny, shared below:
- For the girls: That they would open their hearts to the healing process, finding the strength and courage to face the hard work of restoration.
- For the staff: That they would have wisdom, endurance, and blessings as they walk alongside the girls through their pain and triumphs.
- For future retreats: These experiences were transformational, and we pray for more opportunities in the coming year to create moments like these for even more survivors.