Most Cambodians have their given name, which is their school name, and the name they've been called since they were babies. From what I understand, according to tradition, they're called their nickname immediately and they don't have a given name until their first birthday. Some nicknames are, "fat, black, big nose ..." whatever distinguishes them from average.
Back to Jrook. At first she said she had the nickname because she was fat as a baby. After talking about her sister, whose nickname is "lightning bug," because she has a bald spot on her head, Jrook told me the other reason she's called Jrook.
When she was little, she was always sick. For her family / village if someone is sick, it's because of an evil spirit. Therefore, they give the child a "bad" name so that the evil spirit won't want the child, or will leave the child alone (it may or may not be the same for the rest of Cambodia). And that's why she's called Jrook (pig).
Even to this day, at her house she's called Jrook (pig), and her sister is called lightning bug. She even said that if someone were to ask for her by her school name, her mom wouldn't know who they were talking about. (This is very common / normal in Cambodia)
Here's a picture of Jrook, her cousin, and her sister (lightning bug)!
Please pray for Jrook. She's a very smart young lady and is currently interested in the gospel. Pray that:
she would become more and more curious
she would continue to read the Bible
the LORD would open her heart (as He did with Lydia in Acts 16:14)
*Note: If you happen to know this young lady, please don't let it be know that you know her nickname, unless you ask her! None of her friends know her nickname.
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