A Wounded Healer

“What was really special about the Emerald Women group is that it helped me to discover who I really am without comparing myself to others,” Phalyn said. Through Emerald Women, a year-long, interfaith cohort for women, Phalyn experienced healing through the lessons and fellowship. 

"Now I am using some of the knowledge and skills that I gained from the Emerald Women program to teach the women in my church," Phalyn added.

Thank you for supporting young women like Phalyn who are change makers in their churches  and communities! 

Here's Phalyn's story, in her own words:

"Hi! My name is Phalyn San, and I am 29 years old. I have 3 siblings, and I grew up in Battambang province (about 300 km northwest of Phnom Penh). In 2012, I finished high school and moved to Phnom Penh to continue my studies. That was a really difficult time for me because it was the first time in my life for me to leave my family and live alone. However, it was also an opportunity for me to continue studying and to improve myself. I had a chance to stay in a Christian dormitory in Phnom Penh, even though at that time I wasn’t a Christian. While I was staying in Phnom Penh, it was incredibly hard for me because everything was new for me, and I also had to work to support myself and my family too.

I was a female student who left home all by herself and had to face discrimination, disrespect, and a life full of fear. I was subjected to insults, mistreatment, and disrespect from one of the male leaders of the dorm where I was staying. At that time, I really didn’t want to stay there because I thought that Christians weren’t good people to be around. Later, I shared my experience with my friend and with another leader there, and then I felt some relief and decided to continue to stay there.

In 2013, I decided to put my faith in Jesus, and after that, I had the opportunity to lead the women’s dormitory and to help them in their studies and by sharing life experiences together. It was God’s plan. I also had the opportunity to leave to serve God for one year in Africa too. Additionally, I married a Christian man who attends the same church. All the things that I have happened in my life have taught me so much, and I keep on focusing on what God has in store for me.

Currently, I serve as the leader for the female youth group and the women’s group at Crossroads Church. I want to always continue learning and try to find new things to improve myself and the groups I lead. I heard about the Emerald Women program from one of my leaders who told me about the program and the purpose of this group. I was really interested in it, and I decided to join. It was my first time to step out of my church groups to learn from a new group and from new experiences like this. I received so much from the lessons and from the other members sharing their life experiences."

Tenth has stood alongside DOVE since 2007, as they work to raise up emotionally mature and humble leaders who can help bring healing to Cambodia.