I can't believe that tomorrow begins my one week countdown to my departure. I have tried not to think about how quickly the time has gone, but my students are all aware of when I leave, and each on today asked repeatedly as to when I would be coming back. It was heartbreaking to say, I don't know, and then watch their faces as they understood.
My plan for the week is to catch up with the medical missions team on wednesday to spend a couple of days on the boat traveling up the Mekong river to visit some of the remote provinces that have little to no access to medical help. The team who runs it is amazing, and I am thankful to be able to spend sometime with them. They are in desperate need of a doctor, so if anyone knows of someone who is looking for a big adventure....
As soon as I get back from the boat I have one more class with my students, then I'm off to Siem Reap to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. I couldn't find anyone who hadn't been, or who wanted to go again so I hired a guide to show me around. First thing on my agenda when I get there is to ride an elephant around the temples. Too cool!
My time in Cambodia has been amazing. I'm still trying to comprehend all that I've seen, done and learned. I know that I came here to 'teach' english and to share God's love. But truthfully, I think I've learned more here than I could have ever have hope to teach.
This will probably be my last post until I"m back on US soil. Please keep me in your prayers this last week. Pray that the seeds planted here will take deep root. Not just in the students, but myself as well.
Chomm reap lea! (Khmer phonics to say 'fairwell")
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Vietnam or Bust!
I made it to and from Vietnam.
And I busted. Literally. From food poisoning.
Warning: The story below is not for the squeamish.
I'll start from the beginning.
Despite the intro of this blog, the trip was great fun! My traveling companions, who are two fellow teachers (side note: both teachers are in their mature years. One being the wise age of almost 83. She is a hoot, who, if it came down to her and I in a street fight, I'd put my money on her) Anyway, we loaded a bus Saturday morning for the 6 hour bus ride into Hochimin City (or to you baby boomers Saigon) The bus ride was a great way to see the country side. It is still the considered the dry season, so not many of the rice fields were in bloom, but the 'cows' here have just had their calves and it was fun to see all of them roaming around. It was also another opportunity to see how deplorable housing is here.
We stopped mid way through the trip at a roadside restaurant to take a lunch break. I had been warned previously to pack my own lunch, which I am SO GLAD I took that advice. It was very ethnic to say the least. While at the lunch stop, I learned one of MANY lessons that would be taught during my 2 day journey. ALWAYS ALWAYS bring your own TP when traveling through the countryside of a third world country. The drip dry method does not make for pleasant travel! Also, practice the length of time you can hold your breath while actually using the "toilet". I estimate your going to need about 45-50 seconds of lung capacity, if you have your routine down.
The rest of the miles past by with ease and by 3:30 we were rolling into the bus station. We grab our bags, took a taxi to the hotel, checked in and were off to walk about town. Hochimin is very clean compared to Phnom Penh. I guess that's what a little communism gets you these days - clean streets and gutters. That night we ate at a great Vietnamese restaurant on the recommendation of the hotel desk clerk. I didn't get to crazy, I just ordered Yellow noodles with steamed veggies. Pretty tasty.
We went to bed early Saturday as we had a big day planned for Sunday. (Okay, actually I had my own room and I was excited to watch TV. So I wanted to go lay in bed. I haven't turned on a television since I've been here and people -they had HBO!)
Sunday we woke up early to find and attend the Christian church that meets in the city (more on that below) After eating breakfast at the hotel we walked couple of blocks to another hotel where church service was. After lunch we decided to a visit a few museums. While I was strolling through the war remnant museum learning a new version of the "American War", my stomach began to feel a little, shall we say, unwell? I thought maybe just the heat was getting to me and asked my traveling companions if they would mind me heading back to the hotel for a rest. Always up for a nap, they both quickly agreed to come too.
This is where the weak stomachs may want to stop reading....
No sooner had I laid down in the hotel room, I was making an Olympic pace dash to the bathroom where I proceeded to expel what felt like everything I have eaten since 1999. What didn't come up, went, shall we say, down? I have never, in all of my life been so sick. At one point I thought it would be easier if I just reached down my throat, pulled out my stomach and threw IT in the toilet. When I finally did make it back it to bed, I pleaded, begged God for some small drop of mercy. And seriously, miraculously, around 4 am I began to feel better. In fact, by 8 am I felt okay enough to shower and walk down to the corner store to purchase some ritz crackers and soda. Not wanting to miss anymore of my trip, I forced myself to go ahead with my day. A few dizzy spells and waves of nausea aside I felt mostly human and enjoyed my day. We visited the Independence Palace, the Cathedral and the Post Office (I know. The Post Office?. But the architecture is amazing.) We ended with a nice dinner at the Rex Hotel. I say nice, because what the ladies ordered looked nice. I ate a few dry french fries.
Monday, we woke up and shopped the Ben Thrangh market. It was pretty similar to the markets here in PP, except the merchants in Vietnam are much more aggressive is their selling approach. They actually reach out and grab your arm to pull you into their both. It was a little unsettleing. Around 3 pm we called it a trip and headed to the airport to fly back to Phnom Penh. It was good times for sure. I'm glad I went.
(Yes, I do know the exact meal which gave me the food poisoning. It was the eggs at the free continental breakfast in the hotel)
On a serious note. I want to write a little about the church in Vietnam. What they do is highly illegal. Meeting freely to discuss Christ in a communist country. It will get you thrown in jail for years. Yet these faithful people, have such a love and devotion to the Lord and one another, the meet once a week in a small hotel room to praise and worship. Sometimes more that 100 people cram into a room with little room to move and no A/C. They all know the risks. Some have even been arrested and jailed. Yet they meet.
Tears came to my eyes as I sat among these brave Christians. I was moved at the thought of how heaven must be rejoicing at the sound of our voices lifted in praise. My voice singing in english, the small boy sitting next to me singing his heart out in Vietnamese. Yet both with the same language of love. How the angles must have joined in and rejoiced! Their message that day was simple. Trust and obey. These people trust in His goodness and faithfulness in a way that I've never had to. The message that I took home is while these fellow christians have little to no income, education, or worldly goods, the knowledge, and strength they posses is so great and they truly live what it means be in Kingdom of God here on earth. I left Sunday feeling inspiried, humble, and knowing that God is so good! I look forward to someday singing again next to my little friend. Only next time I hope we are both bathed in God's glory and his little hungry tummy is full forever by God's grace.
And I busted. Literally. From food poisoning.
Warning: The story below is not for the squeamish.
I'll start from the beginning.
Despite the intro of this blog, the trip was great fun! My traveling companions, who are two fellow teachers (side note: both teachers are in their mature years. One being the wise age of almost 83. She is a hoot, who, if it came down to her and I in a street fight, I'd put my money on her) Anyway, we loaded a bus Saturday morning for the 6 hour bus ride into Hochimin City (or to you baby boomers Saigon) The bus ride was a great way to see the country side. It is still the considered the dry season, so not many of the rice fields were in bloom, but the 'cows' here have just had their calves and it was fun to see all of them roaming around. It was also another opportunity to see how deplorable housing is here.
We stopped mid way through the trip at a roadside restaurant to take a lunch break. I had been warned previously to pack my own lunch, which I am SO GLAD I took that advice. It was very ethnic to say the least. While at the lunch stop, I learned one of MANY lessons that would be taught during my 2 day journey. ALWAYS ALWAYS bring your own TP when traveling through the countryside of a third world country. The drip dry method does not make for pleasant travel! Also, practice the length of time you can hold your breath while actually using the "toilet". I estimate your going to need about 45-50 seconds of lung capacity, if you have your routine down.
The rest of the miles past by with ease and by 3:30 we were rolling into the bus station. We grab our bags, took a taxi to the hotel, checked in and were off to walk about town. Hochimin is very clean compared to Phnom Penh. I guess that's what a little communism gets you these days - clean streets and gutters. That night we ate at a great Vietnamese restaurant on the recommendation of the hotel desk clerk. I didn't get to crazy, I just ordered Yellow noodles with steamed veggies. Pretty tasty.
We went to bed early Saturday as we had a big day planned for Sunday. (Okay, actually I had my own room and I was excited to watch TV. So I wanted to go lay in bed. I haven't turned on a television since I've been here and people -they had HBO!)
Sunday we woke up early to find and attend the Christian church that meets in the city (more on that below) After eating breakfast at the hotel we walked couple of blocks to another hotel where church service was. After lunch we decided to a visit a few museums. While I was strolling through the war remnant museum learning a new version of the "American War", my stomach began to feel a little, shall we say, unwell? I thought maybe just the heat was getting to me and asked my traveling companions if they would mind me heading back to the hotel for a rest. Always up for a nap, they both quickly agreed to come too.
This is where the weak stomachs may want to stop reading....
No sooner had I laid down in the hotel room, I was making an Olympic pace dash to the bathroom where I proceeded to expel what felt like everything I have eaten since 1999. What didn't come up, went, shall we say, down? I have never, in all of my life been so sick. At one point I thought it would be easier if I just reached down my throat, pulled out my stomach and threw IT in the toilet. When I finally did make it back it to bed, I pleaded, begged God for some small drop of mercy. And seriously, miraculously, around 4 am I began to feel better. In fact, by 8 am I felt okay enough to shower and walk down to the corner store to purchase some ritz crackers and soda. Not wanting to miss anymore of my trip, I forced myself to go ahead with my day. A few dizzy spells and waves of nausea aside I felt mostly human and enjoyed my day. We visited the Independence Palace, the Cathedral and the Post Office (I know. The Post Office?. But the architecture is amazing.) We ended with a nice dinner at the Rex Hotel. I say nice, because what the ladies ordered looked nice. I ate a few dry french fries.
Monday, we woke up and shopped the Ben Thrangh market. It was pretty similar to the markets here in PP, except the merchants in Vietnam are much more aggressive is their selling approach. They actually reach out and grab your arm to pull you into their both. It was a little unsettleing. Around 3 pm we called it a trip and headed to the airport to fly back to Phnom Penh. It was good times for sure. I'm glad I went.
(Yes, I do know the exact meal which gave me the food poisoning. It was the eggs at the free continental breakfast in the hotel)
On a serious note. I want to write a little about the church in Vietnam. What they do is highly illegal. Meeting freely to discuss Christ in a communist country. It will get you thrown in jail for years. Yet these faithful people, have such a love and devotion to the Lord and one another, the meet once a week in a small hotel room to praise and worship. Sometimes more that 100 people cram into a room with little room to move and no A/C. They all know the risks. Some have even been arrested and jailed. Yet they meet.
Tears came to my eyes as I sat among these brave Christians. I was moved at the thought of how heaven must be rejoicing at the sound of our voices lifted in praise. My voice singing in english, the small boy sitting next to me singing his heart out in Vietnamese. Yet both with the same language of love. How the angles must have joined in and rejoiced! Their message that day was simple. Trust and obey. These people trust in His goodness and faithfulness in a way that I've never had to. The message that I took home is while these fellow christians have little to no income, education, or worldly goods, the knowledge, and strength they posses is so great and they truly live what it means be in Kingdom of God here on earth. I left Sunday feeling inspiried, humble, and knowing that God is so good! I look forward to someday singing again next to my little friend. Only next time I hope we are both bathed in God's glory and his little hungry tummy is full forever by God's grace.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
'Nam '08 Man!
Whew! These days are flying by!
The trip to the provinces was not really what I was expecting. I have to somewhat shamelessly admit that I went the attitude and expectation of having some sort of Feed the Children infomercial experience. I expected to leave there in tears at what I saw.
Yes, what I saw was truly the most deplorable living conditions I've ever laid my eyes on. Garbage remains where it lands, which means everywhere. The smell in some of the places is no like no odor I can even begin to name. There is no access to running, or even fresh water is some places. Most homes are built with minimal lumber, instead using palm prawns to complete siding or roofs. None give relief from the incessant heat.
But..... the kids, these small little beings of constant movement, are some of the happiest children I've met in a long time. They all had bright smiles, and once each got to all touch my blonde hair and check out my blue eyes, were so much fun to play with! As they all patiently lined up for lunch, the older siblings automatically paired with the younger to help. Each child put their hands together and politely bowed, looked me in the eyes and said "Akon" (thank you) No one grabbed, no one complained, no whined that someone else got a bigger piece. All smiled, ate, and after were ready to sing songs, play, or make fun of my language skills! It was a great day. My heart breaks for their living conditions, my heart longs to stay and help them find a better way to live, but no where in my heart did I feel pity. For they are happy. I feel that if I pity them, it would be an insult as to how they live life. They live with a content happy attitude. I can't say that is the feeling across all of Cambodia. In fact, I'm sure its not. I'm sure there parents are worn out from a life of hardships and naught. But, these kids, these babies, don't know that life yet, and for last Tuesday, I'm glad I got to experience life through their eyes.
Along with that feeling, I'm finding it hard to take pictures of people here. I feel like I'm say 'Hey let me document your poverty to show my friends and family when I get back to my rich life.' I have taken a few, when I' feel that it is not inappropriate, but its hard to do.
I'm off to Vietnam tomorrow. The bus ride to Ho Chi Min is around six hours and cost a whopping $12. I'm traveling with two of the other teachers from the school. One, being the mature age of 83, but I think in a street fight she could take me! We plan to stay 2 nights and fly home Monday.
I'm very excited to go. Wish me safe and exciting travels!
The trip to the provinces was not really what I was expecting. I have to somewhat shamelessly admit that I went the attitude and expectation of having some sort of Feed the Children infomercial experience. I expected to leave there in tears at what I saw.
Yes, what I saw was truly the most deplorable living conditions I've ever laid my eyes on. Garbage remains where it lands, which means everywhere. The smell in some of the places is no like no odor I can even begin to name. There is no access to running, or even fresh water is some places. Most homes are built with minimal lumber, instead using palm prawns to complete siding or roofs. None give relief from the incessant heat.
But..... the kids, these small little beings of constant movement, are some of the happiest children I've met in a long time. They all had bright smiles, and once each got to all touch my blonde hair and check out my blue eyes, were so much fun to play with! As they all patiently lined up for lunch, the older siblings automatically paired with the younger to help. Each child put their hands together and politely bowed, looked me in the eyes and said "Akon" (thank you) No one grabbed, no one complained, no whined that someone else got a bigger piece. All smiled, ate, and after were ready to sing songs, play, or make fun of my language skills! It was a great day. My heart breaks for their living conditions, my heart longs to stay and help them find a better way to live, but no where in my heart did I feel pity. For they are happy. I feel that if I pity them, it would be an insult as to how they live life. They live with a content happy attitude. I can't say that is the feeling across all of Cambodia. In fact, I'm sure its not. I'm sure there parents are worn out from a life of hardships and naught. But, these kids, these babies, don't know that life yet, and for last Tuesday, I'm glad I got to experience life through their eyes.
Along with that feeling, I'm finding it hard to take pictures of people here. I feel like I'm say 'Hey let me document your poverty to show my friends and family when I get back to my rich life.' I have taken a few, when I' feel that it is not inappropriate, but its hard to do.
I'm off to Vietnam tomorrow. The bus ride to Ho Chi Min is around six hours and cost a whopping $12. I'm traveling with two of the other teachers from the school. One, being the mature age of 83, but I think in a street fight she could take me! We plan to stay 2 nights and fly home Monday.
I'm very excited to go. Wish me safe and exciting travels!
Monday, March 17, 2008
My Own March Madness
Well, I just wrapped up my first week of teaching! It was awesome! I love, love, love my students! Most are at a 3rd grade reading and vocabulary level. ( I have to give a special shout out to Tiffany, without whom, there is no way on heaven or earth, the lesson plans would be nearly as effective. You left quite the legacy Tiffany!) So my job is not too difficult. Most often explaining confusing words or tricky pronunciations. (Example: The farmer produced produce. or The man deserted his dessert in the desert)
They are all eager to learn English and challenge me every day with their well thought out questions. Today, when reading the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, the student asked why when God performed the final plague of the death of the firstborn, is it not a sin when God kills. It is also so special to look into the eyes of a student when they finally understand that our great Creator, the God who made the sun, moon, and stars, still cares about every detail of our lives too! I now truly understand the meaning of "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few". There is such a need for SO many things in Cambodia. Yet, the people still remain so gentle and loving. I don't know how I'm going to be able to walk away knowing what a need for help they have here!
I spent Saturday exploring the city. I went to both major markets and did an overall journey about town. I now feel pretty acclimated and can find my way home from most places. Hopefully now I can to explore a little more by foot or tuk tuk.
Tomorrow I will join up with the nutrition team and head out to the villages around Phnom Penh. The plan so far is to not only feed the kids but to try and measure an estimated 1,000 kids in the morning for shoes, then by afternoon be at the local orphanage to help out there! Wish us luck!
There is of course so much more to tell and say, but it is hard to find enough words to try and describe how wonderful it is here. Also, I'm sitting outside at the internet cafe and I'm starting to really get mauled by the bugs! So that's it for tonight!
My heart is for these people. Please keep them in your prayers! oxoxo
They are all eager to learn English and challenge me every day with their well thought out questions. Today, when reading the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, the student asked why when God performed the final plague of the death of the firstborn, is it not a sin when God kills. It is also so special to look into the eyes of a student when they finally understand that our great Creator, the God who made the sun, moon, and stars, still cares about every detail of our lives too! I now truly understand the meaning of "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few". There is such a need for SO many things in Cambodia. Yet, the people still remain so gentle and loving. I don't know how I'm going to be able to walk away knowing what a need for help they have here!
I spent Saturday exploring the city. I went to both major markets and did an overall journey about town. I now feel pretty acclimated and can find my way home from most places. Hopefully now I can to explore a little more by foot or tuk tuk.
Tomorrow I will join up with the nutrition team and head out to the villages around Phnom Penh. The plan so far is to not only feed the kids but to try and measure an estimated 1,000 kids in the morning for shoes, then by afternoon be at the local orphanage to help out there! Wish us luck!
There is of course so much more to tell and say, but it is hard to find enough words to try and describe how wonderful it is here. Also, I'm sitting outside at the internet cafe and I'm starting to really get mauled by the bugs! So that's it for tonight!
My heart is for these people. Please keep them in your prayers! oxoxo
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Answers
Friday, March 14, 2008
Why am I here? Why Cambodia?
To run away? To prove something to someone? To prove something to myself? To do the work that God has asked me to do? Probably a little bit of all of those.
Mostly, I came to Cambodia hoping to escape my long-term heartache. To come to grips with the fact that I really am getting divorced. That despite all of my desperate efforts, it is going to happen. That I need to let it happen. I got on the plane hoping that something magical happens here to make everything I left at home better. But, unfortunately, the same emptiness I feel in my heart has followed me here and still calls my name at night to wake me from my sleep. My mind still cannot let go of the worries. I cannot stop playing over and over in my head – what if? What if things could work out like I want, what if I go home and all is forgiven and fixed. What if the past year has really just been a nightmare? What if when I leave to go home I really am all-alone.
My constant prayer here is to just let go. Let go of it all. Let go of my hopes, fears, anger, resentment, sadness, heartbreak, insecurities, wants, needs. I pray so strongly that God will provide me with some great answer as to how to actually lay it all down. I do faithfully trust in God. My favorite verse in the bible is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I truly believe this with all my heart. I read and say it to myself everyday, but still, I just cannot seem to let go.
I love it here in Cambodia. Not for one second do I regret coming here. I hope I was called here to do something or for some reason. I trust that God has a plan for me. I KNOW all of these things. Yet…… I still hurt. I still feel alone. I still pray every hour for Jesus to fill my heart and stop the dark loneliness that seeps in. I hear and see God in so many ways. I see His spirit in the eyes of the students I teach, as they try to understand His word. I see His compassion, and love working in the other teachers. I even see His plan working in many others around me. Yet… I still feel His silence in my heart.
I also know that this trip could be just that. A trip. Nothing more than a wonderful adventure to tell.
I know too, that in Gods eyes this trip could be nothing about me. This could be about God using me for someone else. That my pain is just pain. A lesson as part of a larger plan for someone else.
But my heart wants it to be so much more. My heart wants it to be the beginning of a new path. A new life where I take deep breaths of love and exhale peace, not a life to breathe just to make it through the day. I want this heartache of hell I’ve been through to matter. I want to know that I’ve changed. Not just emotionally, because one cannot go through divorce without acquiring deep scars to wear. But, I want to know that this has changed me for the better. I need something dramatic to let me know that after I walk through this shadow, I have an action to prove that I changed.
I want it all to matter.
Why am I here? Why Cambodia?
To run away? To prove something to someone? To prove something to myself? To do the work that God has asked me to do? Probably a little bit of all of those.
Mostly, I came to Cambodia hoping to escape my long-term heartache. To come to grips with the fact that I really am getting divorced. That despite all of my desperate efforts, it is going to happen. That I need to let it happen. I got on the plane hoping that something magical happens here to make everything I left at home better. But, unfortunately, the same emptiness I feel in my heart has followed me here and still calls my name at night to wake me from my sleep. My mind still cannot let go of the worries. I cannot stop playing over and over in my head – what if? What if things could work out like I want, what if I go home and all is forgiven and fixed. What if the past year has really just been a nightmare? What if when I leave to go home I really am all-alone.
My constant prayer here is to just let go. Let go of it all. Let go of my hopes, fears, anger, resentment, sadness, heartbreak, insecurities, wants, needs. I pray so strongly that God will provide me with some great answer as to how to actually lay it all down. I do faithfully trust in God. My favorite verse in the bible is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I truly believe this with all my heart. I read and say it to myself everyday, but still, I just cannot seem to let go.
I love it here in Cambodia. Not for one second do I regret coming here. I hope I was called here to do something or for some reason. I trust that God has a plan for me. I KNOW all of these things. Yet…… I still hurt. I still feel alone. I still pray every hour for Jesus to fill my heart and stop the dark loneliness that seeps in. I hear and see God in so many ways. I see His spirit in the eyes of the students I teach, as they try to understand His word. I see His compassion, and love working in the other teachers. I even see His plan working in many others around me. Yet… I still feel His silence in my heart.
I also know that this trip could be just that. A trip. Nothing more than a wonderful adventure to tell.
I know too, that in Gods eyes this trip could be nothing about me. This could be about God using me for someone else. That my pain is just pain. A lesson as part of a larger plan for someone else.
But my heart wants it to be so much more. My heart wants it to be the beginning of a new path. A new life where I take deep breaths of love and exhale peace, not a life to breathe just to make it through the day. I want this heartache of hell I’ve been through to matter. I want to know that I’ve changed. Not just emotionally, because one cannot go through divorce without acquiring deep scars to wear. But, I want to know that this has changed me for the better. I need something dramatic to let me know that after I walk through this shadow, I have an action to prove that I changed.
I want it all to matter.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Safely here!
Well, I'm here safe and sound. I arrived Sunday at 11amish after almost 28hrs of travel. All connections and flights were fairly uneventful. Although on the leg from LAX to Taipei I sat in front of a toddler who seemed to get seizers in her legs every couple of hours where she felt she must make contact with the back of my seat. Other than that it was all smooth.
Obtaining my visa and getting through customs was ridiculously easy. The visa cost me $25, and took less than 5 minutes after I smiled sweetly at the guy behind the counter. No questions asked. Same with customs. Although I was warned that all I really needed to do was smile, nod and keep walking through the customs area, as the agents could care less about a blonde round eye.
Bill and Marie-Claire, the directors of Partners In Progress were waiting at the airport as I arrived. We went directly to the PIP house, to meet and greet everyone, but I was informed that my room was not quite ready (there were still people staying in it for one more night) so I would be staying the night at the home of an american couple my age, Troy & Tabitha. They run the nutrition programs for the villages and were really sweet.
Jet lag hit me hard after that so I pretty much slept off and on for the rest of sunday. Monday morning TnT (as I nicknamed Troy and Tabby) dropped me off back at the PIP house where I met with Marie-Claire and had my teacher orentation, house and class room tour. After lunch I officially moved into my room and unpacked. While unpacking I thought I would lay down for a bit and rest. I woke up 9 hours later. Oops. So I just went back to bed and slept until morning.
Today, Tuesday, I had my first students. They all amazed me with their level of comprehension. Each one challenged me in different ways to explain the many difficult definitions of words that have double meaning in the English language. Ex: The farmer produced produce. I am humbled as I still cannot even properly say hello in Khmi.
As I write this I'm sitting at the Java cafe sipping on a Vanilla Soyachino paying a $1 an hour for internet and listening to a little Tom Petty play on the radio. Its a strange city. So desperate to catch up with the other large asian countries but still so ravaged by its history. I cannot wait to get out and explore more of Phnom Penh. I met another great couple from the states who teach at the actual Phnom Penh university and they offered to take me out Saturday and go to all the markets and see all the tourist sites. I can't wait. I was also invited to travel to Ho Ci Min City next weekend and overnight trip.
Sorry to ramble and be a bit vague, I'm still a bit foggy from trying to adjust to the time difference.
I'll try to post some pictures soon!
:)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane....
Don't know when I'll be back again.....Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!
xoxoxox,
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Cake and Church
My wonderful friends threw me a little Bon Voyage party last night. The theme of the night was centered around good ol' American grub! Burger, Hot dogs and French Fries were the main course, as well as some pulled pork BBQ! It was a ton of fun and I felt so honored to have my friends all together to wish me well on my up coming journey.
However, the BEST edible surprise came in the form of my most treasured possession!
That's right! A cake in the shape of Truman! It's was awesome! It tasted just as sweet as I expect the real Truman would!
To my girls in Jax, thanks for such a great night. It means a lot to me that you fully understand and support my extreme obsession with my dog! I love you all!
On to church this morning..... I'll make this brief, but I welcome your thoughts.
I worship at a fairly large, conservative (read: old) Church of Christ. While I don't necessarily agree/or disagree with all of the traditional CofC 'policies', and have visited multiple other churches in the area, I love the message from the pulpit minister and have found a great support group of women and surrogate mothers through this church family.
A few months ago the church's original pulpit minister (who was very fire & brimstone) retired, and the Youth & Family's preacher (who is awesome) filled that position, which leaves an opening for an associate minister.
All that to say, we had a 'guest' praise and worship leader today. (I'm assuming the elders are testing people out to fill the position. This guest, however, was a very energetic young fellow, who I can only describe as over-caffeinated. ) So after one of the elders led the congregation in a few opening songs (Dad, you would have approved they were very traditional) this guest praise leader gets before the congregation and proceeds to lead a few more songs. He steps in front of the church, briefly introduces himself, then literally cranked up his microphone and vocally jammed out to "What a Fellowship". He snapped his fingers at the church a few times to encourage us to speed up in our tempo, and walked up and down the aisle to sing-a-long with fellow parishioners. While most of us younger members were somewhat enjoying this unorthodox style of singing, it was clear on the faces of the older founding members of the church, this was appalling. It was so appalling in fact to the older couple to my right, the gentleman slammed down him hymnal, grabbed his wife's elbow and stormed out of the sanctuary mid verse!
Now, I can't say that I would enjoy having this young man leading me every Sunday, but I knew it was just for today, just for these two songs, and that a great message from the Word was on its way. My initial thought was to go after that man and ask him, who at that moment did he think had just won his heart. Jesus or Satan? (but who am I to ask that!)
To me, it was just a song, led by someone who is young, and drinks too many double shot venti espressos. To me worship time, as a whole, is about fellowship, a message, a time to rest my soul with other believers. I find it difficult to understand, why people get so distracted and overwhelmed by 'church stuff' instead of letting themselves be overwhelmed and distracted by the amazing Grace and Mercy so freely given by Jesus. I don't understand why background noise or human imposed rules outshine the beautiful words of our Savior! I don't understand how such a wide spread intolerance of "it must be this way, cause that's how it's always done" (not a direct quote by the way) can overshadowed the message of unconditional love.
That man who took his wife and left missed such a great message today! (Ironically 1 Corin 12:12-26)
I know there are too many opinions to count on this matter. But, I hope next time I come across something that is unconventional to me in terms of worship, instead of storming out, I hope I'll stop looking for it to be my way and check to see if its God's way.
However, the BEST edible surprise came in the form of my most treasured possession!
That's right! A cake in the shape of Truman! It's was awesome! It tasted just as sweet as I expect the real Truman would!
To my girls in Jax, thanks for such a great night. It means a lot to me that you fully understand and support my extreme obsession with my dog! I love you all!
On to church this morning..... I'll make this brief, but I welcome your thoughts.
I worship at a fairly large, conservative (read: old) Church of Christ. While I don't necessarily agree/or disagree with all of the traditional CofC 'policies', and have visited multiple other churches in the area, I love the message from the pulpit minister and have found a great support group of women and surrogate mothers through this church family.
A few months ago the church's original pulpit minister (who was very fire & brimstone) retired, and the Youth & Family's preacher (who is awesome) filled that position, which leaves an opening for an associate minister.
All that to say, we had a 'guest' praise and worship leader today. (I'm assuming the elders are testing people out to fill the position. This guest, however, was a very energetic young fellow, who I can only describe as over-caffeinated. ) So after one of the elders led the congregation in a few opening songs (Dad, you would have approved they were very traditional) this guest praise leader gets before the congregation and proceeds to lead a few more songs. He steps in front of the church, briefly introduces himself, then literally cranked up his microphone and vocally jammed out to "What a Fellowship". He snapped his fingers at the church a few times to encourage us to speed up in our tempo, and walked up and down the aisle to sing-a-long with fellow parishioners. While most of us younger members were somewhat enjoying this unorthodox style of singing, it was clear on the faces of the older founding members of the church, this was appalling. It was so appalling in fact to the older couple to my right, the gentleman slammed down him hymnal, grabbed his wife's elbow and stormed out of the sanctuary mid verse!
Now, I can't say that I would enjoy having this young man leading me every Sunday, but I knew it was just for today, just for these two songs, and that a great message from the Word was on its way. My initial thought was to go after that man and ask him, who at that moment did he think had just won his heart. Jesus or Satan? (but who am I to ask that!)
To me, it was just a song, led by someone who is young, and drinks too many double shot venti espressos. To me worship time, as a whole, is about fellowship, a message, a time to rest my soul with other believers. I find it difficult to understand, why people get so distracted and overwhelmed by 'church stuff' instead of letting themselves be overwhelmed and distracted by the amazing Grace and Mercy so freely given by Jesus. I don't understand why background noise or human imposed rules outshine the beautiful words of our Savior! I don't understand how such a wide spread intolerance of "it must be this way, cause that's how it's always done" (not a direct quote by the way) can overshadowed the message of unconditional love.
That man who took his wife and left missed such a great message today! (Ironically 1 Corin 12:12-26)
I know there are too many opinions to count on this matter. But, I hope next time I come across something that is unconventional to me in terms of worship, instead of storming out, I hope I'll stop looking for it to be my way and check to see if its God's way.
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