Well I'm sitting here at LAX Airport waiting for the last leg of our flight in a little over 2 hours. Our team is exhausted.
This probably won't be a good time to be reflective or anything. Let's just suffice to say ... It's good to be back in the States. Thank you for your prayers. We will see you soon.
Ronnie
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Rat Pack Update
For all of you "mom types" I thought I'd bring you up to speed on the physical and mental condition of the Rat Pack.
1) Both Jennifer and Haleigh are official members.
2) All Rat Pack members are well and feeling great!
3) The hotel restaurant is treating us all to FREE pineapple juice tonight!!
We can't wait!!!!
Ronnie
1) Both Jennifer and Haleigh are official members.
2) All Rat Pack members are well and feeling great!
3) The hotel restaurant is treating us all to FREE pineapple juice tonight!!
We can't wait!!!!
Ronnie
Scott's Thoughts
In Gary Haugen's book "Just Courage", Haugen recounts an essay written in the 1800s where the author observed that "Christians have the amazing ability to say the most wonderful things without actually believing them." WOW? That is hypocrisy in a nutshell!
While in Cambodia, that statement, among many others, has been constantly on my mind and heavy on my heart!! The western Christianity is just that...but the Christianity I found here in Cambodia is truly that of the New Testament, I felt as though I was walking in the book of Acts! They are not merely Christians, rather they are genuine Christ Followers!
There were several people who were there at the conference who said they were members of one church but were spreading the Gospel in a completely different area...helping out other churches! Not growing a church, rather building a kingdom!!! We have so much to learn from them, but we are the one's doing the teaching...
During the day, the Bible school that we led with the local kids from the orphanage and the village was so much fun! These kids are just like any other kids...hungry for adventure, looking for laughter (Farting (Pouem) is a universal joke!!!), thirsting for genuine love and affection! But these kids were a beautiful example of patience!! When it was time to color, there was not a peep out of their mouth waiting ever so patiently for their colors to come! When it came to language, there was an obvious language barrier that was always relieved with a smile and our secret handshake! Everyday, the local village kids would run home with a color sheet of a story about Jesus Christ with a smile on their face!! The orphans proudly displayed their artwork all over their house!!
This same patience was evident among all the Khmer people there! There desire to learn was more important than the distractions that the kids made during the day (and we were plenty distracting! Aggie yells, noodle fights, and our beautiful singing and dancing!!) Pens were feverishly writing down everything they could so that they can remember and use everything they learned! The hair school provided more smiles of accomplishment than I have seen in a long time!! The water purification conference (with their fearless leader) listened as if their life depended on it...and in actuality, it does depend on it! The pastors and church leaders followed every single verse and every illustration...wanting this to help them reach more people for God's Kingdom...for OUR FAMILY!!
Prayer time with the kids was my favorite time of the day! Not as a group, but with the kids! The first time, I prayed for the kids...but never again! As I prayed, I was overcome with emotion hearing the prayers and petitions of these precious kids as they spoke to our God!! From that time on, we had kids from the orphanage voicing the prayer, calling on God! I cannot help but think that God gets chills up and down his arms as He hears the prayers and petitions of His little kids!
I have learned here in Cambodia, that Christians, genuine Christ-followers here in Cambodia really do believe everything that they preach!! And are praying that the whole country does the exact same thing!! If only we could have them come and teach us a thing or two!!
(I love to use the exclamation point! thanks for your understanding!!!)
While in Cambodia, that statement, among many others, has been constantly on my mind and heavy on my heart!! The western Christianity is just that...but the Christianity I found here in Cambodia is truly that of the New Testament, I felt as though I was walking in the book of Acts! They are not merely Christians, rather they are genuine Christ Followers!
There were several people who were there at the conference who said they were members of one church but were spreading the Gospel in a completely different area...helping out other churches! Not growing a church, rather building a kingdom!!! We have so much to learn from them, but we are the one's doing the teaching...
During the day, the Bible school that we led with the local kids from the orphanage and the village was so much fun! These kids are just like any other kids...hungry for adventure, looking for laughter (Farting (Pouem) is a universal joke!!!), thirsting for genuine love and affection! But these kids were a beautiful example of patience!! When it was time to color, there was not a peep out of their mouth waiting ever so patiently for their colors to come! When it came to language, there was an obvious language barrier that was always relieved with a smile and our secret handshake! Everyday, the local village kids would run home with a color sheet of a story about Jesus Christ with a smile on their face!! The orphans proudly displayed their artwork all over their house!!
This same patience was evident among all the Khmer people there! There desire to learn was more important than the distractions that the kids made during the day (and we were plenty distracting! Aggie yells, noodle fights, and our beautiful singing and dancing!!) Pens were feverishly writing down everything they could so that they can remember and use everything they learned! The hair school provided more smiles of accomplishment than I have seen in a long time!! The water purification conference (with their fearless leader) listened as if their life depended on it...and in actuality, it does depend on it! The pastors and church leaders followed every single verse and every illustration...wanting this to help them reach more people for God's Kingdom...for OUR FAMILY!!
Prayer time with the kids was my favorite time of the day! Not as a group, but with the kids! The first time, I prayed for the kids...but never again! As I prayed, I was overcome with emotion hearing the prayers and petitions of these precious kids as they spoke to our God!! From that time on, we had kids from the orphanage voicing the prayer, calling on God! I cannot help but think that God gets chills up and down his arms as He hears the prayers and petitions of His little kids!
I have learned here in Cambodia, that Christians, genuine Christ-followers here in Cambodia really do believe everything that they preach!! And are praying that the whole country does the exact same thing!! If only we could have them come and teach us a thing or two!!
(I love to use the exclamation point! thanks for your understanding!!!)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
It has been a wonderful week!
Today Scott and I are skipping the wedding and going to bum around Phnom Phen. Most of our group has chosen to do the same. We are all tired and needed a day off to sleep late and have some down time.
We have been on a pretty tight schedule ever since we got here.
The week at the orphanage has been awesome!!!
We had more kids than we anticipated, including the village kids, every morning. We probably had around 110 to 115.
We did songs, stories, color sheets and games everyday with all the children. It was great seeing the village kids go home with their color sheets, hopefully their families will read the Bible stories on the back that are written in Khmer.
We would tell the kids from the village that our Bible school was over in the early afternoon so we could spend time with our orphans and do some bigger craft with them.
The girls at the orphanage love Haleigh! Haleigh taught all of our orphans to make friendship bracelets. They loved making those and they caught on very fast!
We also made picture frames to put their American family picture in. Like always they are so proud of those pictures!
They have them hanging on their walls right now!
Yesterday, our last day, we did our story and color sheet and told the village kids that they could take the cut piece of cardboard(what they used to color on everyday) home with them along with the little package of colors and we said good-bye to them. They were so excited that they got to keep the cardboard and colors!!
Then our orphans performed at the pastor's conference. They acted out the story of the birth of Jesus and they sang "This is the Day" in both English and Khmer. They were so cute!! The pastors really enjoyed it...especially when Michael flew the angels in!! Everyone was laughing!
The hardest thing was leaving. This year the kids walked with us to the ferry landing and waved to us as we pulled out. Their were lots of tears shed.
It has been a wonderful week. The ties we have here are so strong.
But I'm ready now to come home.
Jan
We have been on a pretty tight schedule ever since we got here.
The week at the orphanage has been awesome!!!
We had more kids than we anticipated, including the village kids, every morning. We probably had around 110 to 115.
We did songs, stories, color sheets and games everyday with all the children. It was great seeing the village kids go home with their color sheets, hopefully their families will read the Bible stories on the back that are written in Khmer.
We would tell the kids from the village that our Bible school was over in the early afternoon so we could spend time with our orphans and do some bigger craft with them.
The girls at the orphanage love Haleigh! Haleigh taught all of our orphans to make friendship bracelets. They loved making those and they caught on very fast!
We also made picture frames to put their American family picture in. Like always they are so proud of those pictures!
They have them hanging on their walls right now!
Yesterday, our last day, we did our story and color sheet and told the village kids that they could take the cut piece of cardboard(what they used to color on everyday) home with them along with the little package of colors and we said good-bye to them. They were so excited that they got to keep the cardboard and colors!!
Then our orphans performed at the pastor's conference. They acted out the story of the birth of Jesus and they sang "This is the Day" in both English and Khmer. They were so cute!! The pastors really enjoyed it...especially when Michael flew the angels in!! Everyone was laughing!
The hardest thing was leaving. This year the kids walked with us to the ferry landing and waved to us as we pulled out. Their were lots of tears shed.
It has been a wonderful week. The ties we have here are so strong.
But I'm ready now to come home.
Jan
Email from Steve on Wednesday morning (I think!)
This email just came today - guess it got lost in cyber space for a day or two... Anyway, enjoy Steve's thoughts:
It has been frustrating that the days are so packed that I haven’t had a chance to write in the journal very much. All the time after we get back to the hotel is spent getting supper and catching up on sending pictures, emails, and trying to get something for the blog. By then we are totally wiped out and we head to bed. I’m writing much of this on the bumpy bus on the way to Lveasar. The week has had it’s ups & downs. I’ll never forget the feeling of shock when I learned that I was leading the “water purification class”. Since then my time has been spent figuring out what I’m going to do/say next. The good thing is that the people are very forgiving and appreciative. Now, I am excited that the people in the class are starting to teach each other.
It’s fun to watch the kids, especially with Scott. They are so happy with so little. The orphanage has almost nothing, but the kids love it there and are growing & learning. There is a baby @ the orphanage that is sick & needs medical care. Rothany’s dad is trying to get a doctor to come out today to check on the baby. The Culverhouses bought some good food for the baby yesterday. I’m finding that it doesn’t take very much to add something positive to their lives.
The water class became a health class today. We talked about e-coli and how it will make you sick. It is found in all water sources in Cambodia. So we spent time talking about washing food with chlorinated water to kill e-coli. We also talked about cross contamination, where dirty food or material is placed in clean water & the clean water becomes dirty. They were very interested & asked lots of questions. I think they got it.
If you get to spend much time talking to Sokhom you quickly learn how close he is with the kids. He so much wants the best for them and to make sure that they have the best chance at a successful life as possible. He gets very emotional about them when he talks about their struggles and problems. He told us about several of the orphan’s stories today. Each one pulled at your heart.
Random thoughts:
Things that are wild.
Traffic
personal hygiene (toilets)
living conditions
scooters
weddings
dogs
the gas is spiked with kerosene
the smells
Things that are good.
Food (I wish I felt safe to eat more things)
fresh fruit
people
prices
Maikong Louie (& Willy) - the ferry boat captain. He has a twitch, he has a hat, he collects money. We are going to write a movie & song (balad) about Louie. His boat is rigged to the max.
Hello from Rothany.
Rothany (aka Toody) said to tell everyone that she loves what she is doing, working with the kids, translating, and hanging out with the team. She also enjoys how close the team has become after just a few days. But she also misses Jim and wants to say hi to him and to her in-laws.
Steve
It has been frustrating that the days are so packed that I haven’t had a chance to write in the journal very much. All the time after we get back to the hotel is spent getting supper and catching up on sending pictures, emails, and trying to get something for the blog. By then we are totally wiped out and we head to bed. I’m writing much of this on the bumpy bus on the way to Lveasar. The week has had it’s ups & downs. I’ll never forget the feeling of shock when I learned that I was leading the “water purification class”. Since then my time has been spent figuring out what I’m going to do/say next. The good thing is that the people are very forgiving and appreciative. Now, I am excited that the people in the class are starting to teach each other.
It’s fun to watch the kids, especially with Scott. They are so happy with so little. The orphanage has almost nothing, but the kids love it there and are growing & learning. There is a baby @ the orphanage that is sick & needs medical care. Rothany’s dad is trying to get a doctor to come out today to check on the baby. The Culverhouses bought some good food for the baby yesterday. I’m finding that it doesn’t take very much to add something positive to their lives.
The water class became a health class today. We talked about e-coli and how it will make you sick. It is found in all water sources in Cambodia. So we spent time talking about washing food with chlorinated water to kill e-coli. We also talked about cross contamination, where dirty food or material is placed in clean water & the clean water becomes dirty. They were very interested & asked lots of questions. I think they got it.
If you get to spend much time talking to Sokhom you quickly learn how close he is with the kids. He so much wants the best for them and to make sure that they have the best chance at a successful life as possible. He gets very emotional about them when he talks about their struggles and problems. He told us about several of the orphan’s stories today. Each one pulled at your heart.
Random thoughts:
Things that are wild.
Traffic
personal hygiene (toilets)
living conditions
scooters
weddings
dogs
the gas is spiked with kerosene
the smells
Things that are good.
Food (I wish I felt safe to eat more things)
fresh fruit
people
prices
Maikong Louie (& Willy) - the ferry boat captain. He has a twitch, he has a hat, he collects money. We are going to write a movie & song (balad) about Louie. His boat is rigged to the max.
Hello from Rothany.
Rothany (aka Toody) said to tell everyone that she loves what she is doing, working with the kids, translating, and hanging out with the team. She also enjoys how close the team has become after just a few days. But she also misses Jim and wants to say hi to him and to her in-laws.
Steve
The last day came too soon
Wow....this is so hard to summarize. Here it goes.
We arrived a little later than usual the last day of the hair acadamy and all of our students were already working independently on their mannequins and waiting for us by the door. The older orphans in the class particularly were the ones waiting by the door (16-18ish). When I walked up I noticed they had a little bit of a look of worry and relief on their face.....almost like they were scared we were not going to show up. This class was HUGE to them. Jason and I could demonstrate a haircut to them....they could go straight to the mannequin and do it. The difference between them and us (American)......they "listen" sometimes we only "hear". This class was a lifeline for them. In the U.S. we take things for granted and move so fast trying to get to what is next that we really don't take the time to "listen".
At the end of our time together with the students Jason and I tried to describe how proud and amazed at how far they had taken themselves and our hopes for their future. Well....that didn't happen without tears. I described in America we make a good income to buy lots of "stuff", but....this time with them, their gratitude, love for us, and dedication....I would trade all that "stuff" in a second. They have an abundance of things unseen....which is way more valuable.
They asked if they could pray for us as a group and that was one of the most humbling time in my life. We bowed are heads and a chorus of voices were praying for us all at the same time. It was beautiful, pure, authentic......I have never experienced that before. It was so loud and no one was worrying about what anyone else was praying or how they sounded....it was purely to God, not for anyone else.
You can imagine....I was at the blubbering point at this time :) Jason and I explained to them we were crying because we were so happy and proud to be a part of them. We gave them the opportunity to share their feelings (that's the girl in me:).....and it was awesome the hope and insparation leading how to cut hair gave them. Now they want to work toward teaching how to cut hair, open a business to support their family, do haircuts to save money for the orphanage.....they have dreams now.
Jason and I will come back to teach design 102. Expand on what they learned and take them further. I know they will be waiting for us.
One thing important to know.....haircuts in Cambodia are 50cents all the way up to 8$ in the nicest part of the city. I know that sounds crazy but.....now our students have the opportunity to earn a living with pride.
I love this place and cannot wait to come back. I never dreamed my life could feel so free and authentic. I know this sounds cliché....but, god has set me free. I am for sure a work in progress but I love where He has me and I can't wait to see where He takes me.
We arrived a little later than usual the last day of the hair acadamy and all of our students were already working independently on their mannequins and waiting for us by the door. The older orphans in the class particularly were the ones waiting by the door (16-18ish). When I walked up I noticed they had a little bit of a look of worry and relief on their face.....almost like they were scared we were not going to show up. This class was HUGE to them. Jason and I could demonstrate a haircut to them....they could go straight to the mannequin and do it. The difference between them and us (American)......they "listen" sometimes we only "hear". This class was a lifeline for them. In the U.S. we take things for granted and move so fast trying to get to what is next that we really don't take the time to "listen".
At the end of our time together with the students Jason and I tried to describe how proud and amazed at how far they had taken themselves and our hopes for their future. Well....that didn't happen without tears. I described in America we make a good income to buy lots of "stuff", but....this time with them, their gratitude, love for us, and dedication....I would trade all that "stuff" in a second. They have an abundance of things unseen....which is way more valuable.
They asked if they could pray for us as a group and that was one of the most humbling time in my life. We bowed are heads and a chorus of voices were praying for us all at the same time. It was beautiful, pure, authentic......I have never experienced that before. It was so loud and no one was worrying about what anyone else was praying or how they sounded....it was purely to God, not for anyone else.
You can imagine....I was at the blubbering point at this time :) Jason and I explained to them we were crying because we were so happy and proud to be a part of them. We gave them the opportunity to share their feelings (that's the girl in me:).....and it was awesome the hope and insparation leading how to cut hair gave them. Now they want to work toward teaching how to cut hair, open a business to support their family, do haircuts to save money for the orphanage.....they have dreams now.
Jason and I will come back to teach design 102. Expand on what they learned and take them further. I know they will be waiting for us.
One thing important to know.....haircuts in Cambodia are 50cents all the way up to 8$ in the nicest part of the city. I know that sounds crazy but.....now our students have the opportunity to earn a living with pride.
I love this place and cannot wait to come back. I never dreamed my life could feel so free and authentic. I know this sounds cliché....but, god has set me free. I am for sure a work in progress but I love where He has me and I can't wait to see where He takes me.
Thursday Was Bitter-Sweet
Our final day at Leveasar was both an exciting day and a sad day.
Seeing the faces of those in both the Pastors Conference and the Hair Design School as they were recognized for their successful completion was very thrilling. We also had the great privilege of sharing the Lord's Supper with them. It was a very meaningful experience as cultural differences no longer existed and we all focused on what we had in common: the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins. The Lord's Supper was follow by a ceremonial footwashing as Greg, The, Steve, Randy, and Michael washed the feet of those in the pastors conference. What a great morning.
Then the sad part came where we had to say goodbye to the children and take our last ferry ride. The children didn't want to let go. Neither did we. No motos this time. We all walked together down the dusty road holding hands and laughing and sometimes singing. At other times there was just silence with little sniffles being the only thing heard.
After the mile long hike together and the brief wait for the ferry, it was time to let go. It's amazing how quickly God can bind hearts. As the ferry pulled away there were shouts of (and I won't try it in Khmer) "I will see you again".
The children probably went back to the orphanage, took another long look at the pictures left behind, and began looking toward the next visit of their American family.
Seeing the faces of those in both the Pastors Conference and the Hair Design School as they were recognized for their successful completion was very thrilling. We also had the great privilege of sharing the Lord's Supper with them. It was a very meaningful experience as cultural differences no longer existed and we all focused on what we had in common: the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins. The Lord's Supper was follow by a ceremonial footwashing as Greg, The, Steve, Randy, and Michael washed the feet of those in the pastors conference. What a great morning.
Then the sad part came where we had to say goodbye to the children and take our last ferry ride. The children didn't want to let go. Neither did we. No motos this time. We all walked together down the dusty road holding hands and laughing and sometimes singing. At other times there was just silence with little sniffles being the only thing heard.
After the mile long hike together and the brief wait for the ferry, it was time to let go. It's amazing how quickly God can bind hearts. As the ferry pulled away there were shouts of (and I won't try it in Khmer) "I will see you again".
The children probably went back to the orphanage, took another long look at the pictures left behind, and began looking toward the next visit of their American family.
Email from Steve
This is Tida and her brother Rith. Her full name is Em Tida. She has two older sisters that are living in the city. She doesn't get to see them very much and misses them. She and her brother have been at the orphanage for only a couple of months. Her father died in a vehicle crash and her mother has Aids and can't take care of them. She is a bit shy and reserved, but has a cute personality.
When I tried to show them pictures of my family, the other kids came and crowded around and pushed Tida to the back. She looked frustrated. Her brother is a bit more aggressive than she is and stayed at the front. He is cute too and has a bit more of an
outgoing personality. He hung on to me after I talked to him and picked him up once.
Everyone had an emotional farewell. The Pickerings little girl cried and cried. Greg said that she was pretty much aloof until this year. She opened up more to him this year than ever before.
When we were leaving, we all walked to the ferry and all the kids came with us. This is when Tida held a death grip on one hand and her brother held my other hand for a while. None of the guys were emotional. Some asked the girls why they were crying...
Steve
Tears on the last day...
It's Thursday PM and we're all zapped. It was a really good day though, just everything ran late. We stopped at a market on the way to Lveasar to get some supplies for the Lord's Supper and foot washing. That took a while. Once in Lveasar Randy did a session on Justice and IJM. Then we had the Lord’s Supper together and a time of foot washing. We ended with a ceremony where we handed out certificates. We ate lunch at 1:00. Then the crying began, or no; it had already started with the kids and at the hair design school!
After lunch the tears started to fall. I looked across the grounds and there was Malin sitting in a chair facing away from us just sobbing - hard. I picked her up and put her in my lap and held her for 10 minutes or so - she never stopped crying. Then I said goodbye, hugged her one more time and walked out to the moped spot and got ready to leave. She was still sobbing as I left. Then we all decided to walk to the ferry instead of ride mopeds, so the kids could walk with us. So Rathany brought Malin up with us and I held her hand as we walked. She snubbed all the way. The boat was on the other side so we had a while to wait. She stopped crying once we got to the landing. When the boat finally came to shore the tears started rolling again. Not just hers. Ronnie's girl started crying, then Steve's, then Jan's. It was pretty pitiful. The little boys were running around giving high fives, looking at the girls and asking, "Why are you crying?" At one point Steve said something to his little girl to cheer her up and she started bawling. He looked up and said, "I always said the wrong things at times like this to my girls too!" As the boat pulled out the boys smiled and waved and the girls cried. We should have sponsored a boy...just kidding.
On the way back to Phnom Penh, we stopped at a place called RDI. It was as helpful a place to visit as DDD and IJM. We’ll write more about it later. We got back to the hotel around 6:30 p.m. and had supper in the hotel. Everyone's tired. Randy, Michael and I are going with The to the wedding tomorrow. The rest of the team will stay in Phnom Penh to get some rest and go around the town. We'll have supper around 7:00 PM tomorrow with the translators and then get ready for the trip home. As always, now that the projects are finished, I'm ready to be home.
Greg
After lunch the tears started to fall. I looked across the grounds and there was Malin sitting in a chair facing away from us just sobbing - hard. I picked her up and put her in my lap and held her for 10 minutes or so - she never stopped crying. Then I said goodbye, hugged her one more time and walked out to the moped spot and got ready to leave. She was still sobbing as I left. Then we all decided to walk to the ferry instead of ride mopeds, so the kids could walk with us. So Rathany brought Malin up with us and I held her hand as we walked. She snubbed all the way. The boat was on the other side so we had a while to wait. She stopped crying once we got to the landing. When the boat finally came to shore the tears started rolling again. Not just hers. Ronnie's girl started crying, then Steve's, then Jan's. It was pretty pitiful. The little boys were running around giving high fives, looking at the girls and asking, "Why are you crying?" At one point Steve said something to his little girl to cheer her up and she started bawling. He looked up and said, "I always said the wrong things at times like this to my girls too!" As the boat pulled out the boys smiled and waved and the girls cried. We should have sponsored a boy...just kidding.
On the way back to Phnom Penh, we stopped at a place called RDI. It was as helpful a place to visit as DDD and IJM. We’ll write more about it later. We got back to the hotel around 6:30 p.m. and had supper in the hotel. Everyone's tired. Randy, Michael and I are going with The to the wedding tomorrow. The rest of the team will stay in Phnom Penh to get some rest and go around the town. We'll have supper around 7:00 PM tomorrow with the translators and then get ready for the trip home. As always, now that the projects are finished, I'm ready to be home.
Greg
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday Update
The pictures I just posted are from Steve.
1. Ronnie and Mean (the little girl he talks about in his blog).
2. Jason and Michael on a moped - headed to the village.
3. The team at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Several people have been asking how many people are involved in the conferences. Greg said there are 50 at the pastors/leaders conference (15 of these pull out every morning to go to Steve's Water Purification class and then come back to the church conference after lunch) and he thinks there are 12 in the Hair Design School - which he said was a perfect number for them, because of space.
Everything is still going great. No one has been sick!
He said he has been very impressed with some of the things he's been learning about Sokhom and the orphanage. They are now raising chickens - so he said chickens are running around everywhere. He'll have a lot more to share with you when they return.
Ratany's mom and dad came with the team to Lveasar on Wednesday - which she was very excited about.
I'll end with a story he told me about when they arrived back at the village on Tuesday (their second day). Jason and Jennifer had just given verbal instructions on Monday - and their students had been very attentive and excited about what they were learning in the hair design school. Well, after the team let on Monday afternoon - some of the students got one of the boy orphans and decided to practice what they had verbally learned (they hadn't practiced on the manequins yet)on him. They gave him a haircut! When Jason and Jennifer arrived on Tuesday - it was very obvious what had happened...Greg said it was very bad, like butchered. I think Jason's words were his hair was "really jacked up"! Who knows, the little guy might start a new trend! :)
Keep praying for them - as I write this blog they are traveling back to Lveasar for their last day in the village.
It will be sad getting on the mopeds and watching everyone, especially the children, wave bye. After seeing the picture,I'm sure Ronnie will be leaving a piece of his heart there.
Kathy
1. Ronnie and Mean (the little girl he talks about in his blog).
2. Jason and Michael on a moped - headed to the village.
3. The team at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Several people have been asking how many people are involved in the conferences. Greg said there are 50 at the pastors/leaders conference (15 of these pull out every morning to go to Steve's Water Purification class and then come back to the church conference after lunch) and he thinks there are 12 in the Hair Design School - which he said was a perfect number for them, because of space.
Everything is still going great. No one has been sick!
He said he has been very impressed with some of the things he's been learning about Sokhom and the orphanage. They are now raising chickens - so he said chickens are running around everywhere. He'll have a lot more to share with you when they return.
Ratany's mom and dad came with the team to Lveasar on Wednesday - which she was very excited about.
I'll end with a story he told me about when they arrived back at the village on Tuesday (their second day). Jason and Jennifer had just given verbal instructions on Monday - and their students had been very attentive and excited about what they were learning in the hair design school. Well, after the team let on Monday afternoon - some of the students got one of the boy orphans and decided to practice what they had verbally learned (they hadn't practiced on the manequins yet)on him. They gave him a haircut! When Jason and Jennifer arrived on Tuesday - it was very obvious what had happened...Greg said it was very bad, like butchered. I think Jason's words were his hair was "really jacked up"! Who knows, the little guy might start a new trend! :)
Keep praying for them - as I write this blog they are traveling back to Lveasar for their last day in the village.
It will be sad getting on the mopeds and watching everyone, especially the children, wave bye. After seeing the picture,I'm sure Ronnie will be leaving a piece of his heart there.
Kathy
Well it's Wednesday night and it has been an incredible week. The kids are great. I met a new little girl from near the Thailand border who has only been at the orphanage one month. Of course Teresa, Cory and I will be sponsoring her. I'll post her picture later.
And if that weren't enough I got to watch fireworks because today is Independence Day here.
I have more to say, but I'll probably do that through a video presentation. I can't wait for you to see and hear our week. Thank you to all who have been praying for us. He is faithful
Ronnie
And if that weren't enough I got to watch fireworks because today is Independence Day here.
I have more to say, but I'll probably do that through a video presentation. I can't wait for you to see and hear our week. Thank you to all who have been praying for us. He is faithful
Ronnie
update from Justin
Well...today was my last day here in Cambodia. I fly out at 8:00 a.m. in the morning to stay overnight in Beijing...and finally get back home on Friday night sometime to New Orleans. I have had an incredible Christmas/New Year experience in 2008/2009. I led a team of 12 people to China for 17 days. That was an incredible experience. Our team was outstanding and the time of ministry was equally great.
I originally decided, after some prayer, to not come to Cambodia. My girlfriend's birthday is on January 4th...so I really wanted to be back for her birthday. It turns out that there weren't ANY flights coming back to the U.S. from Shanghai until January 9th. So basically I was stuck there by myself for 6 days. I definately took it in stride and knew that God wanted me here in Cambodia. So...it did not take me long to contact Greg and see if I could come down and spend that time with the BPF team. I can't express how great it has been to connect with the BPF team for these 5 days and love of the people of Lvesar.
I have loved hanging out with the orphans and village kids this week. They absolutely captured my heart. They so desire to just be loved on. I cannot get over how disciplined they are!! They always listen and obey. I remember one of the orphans, Van, came up to me during the church service and sat down next to me...and just put his arm on me as to say "I'm so glad you are here." I knew at the moment that I was exactly where God wanted me during this time. I have to say that Lauren has been so incredibly supportive of me while I've been gone (for 3+ weeks) and has already forgiven me for missing her birthday...I think...(shameless plug coming)...although she did have a string of pearls waiting for her at her house on her birthday!
It was so hard leaving those kids this afternoon. I definately think I'll be coming back at some point. Who knows in what capacity. I know that I'll be serving in Asia in some capacity...whether that is mobilizing or being there myself. It has been such a blessing to be a part of this great BPF team. I've learned a lot. God reaffirmed to me that this is exactly what His church should be doing...loving on the widows and orphans of the world...and bringing justice to those who need rescuing.
You guys have such amazing leaders in your community of believers in Greg, Randy, and Ronnie. God and BPF have an amazing thing going here in Cambodia. The hair school, water treament school, pastor training, and orphanage are amazing ministries that are changing lives. I would encourage anyone at BPF who is looking to get a "mission experience" to come out here next year...just step out in faith...and GO!! Thanks for letting me be a part of BPF in this way.
Off to Beijing,
Justin
I originally decided, after some prayer, to not come to Cambodia. My girlfriend's birthday is on January 4th...so I really wanted to be back for her birthday. It turns out that there weren't ANY flights coming back to the U.S. from Shanghai until January 9th. So basically I was stuck there by myself for 6 days. I definately took it in stride and knew that God wanted me here in Cambodia. So...it did not take me long to contact Greg and see if I could come down and spend that time with the BPF team. I can't express how great it has been to connect with the BPF team for these 5 days and love of the people of Lvesar.
I have loved hanging out with the orphans and village kids this week. They absolutely captured my heart. They so desire to just be loved on. I cannot get over how disciplined they are!! They always listen and obey. I remember one of the orphans, Van, came up to me during the church service and sat down next to me...and just put his arm on me as to say "I'm so glad you are here." I knew at the moment that I was exactly where God wanted me during this time. I have to say that Lauren has been so incredibly supportive of me while I've been gone (for 3+ weeks) and has already forgiven me for missing her birthday...I think...(shameless plug coming)...although she did have a string of pearls waiting for her at her house on her birthday!
It was so hard leaving those kids this afternoon. I definately think I'll be coming back at some point. Who knows in what capacity. I know that I'll be serving in Asia in some capacity...whether that is mobilizing or being there myself. It has been such a blessing to be a part of this great BPF team. I've learned a lot. God reaffirmed to me that this is exactly what His church should be doing...loving on the widows and orphans of the world...and bringing justice to those who need rescuing.
You guys have such amazing leaders in your community of believers in Greg, Randy, and Ronnie. God and BPF have an amazing thing going here in Cambodia. The hair school, water treament school, pastor training, and orphanage are amazing ministries that are changing lives. I would encourage anyone at BPF who is looking to get a "mission experience" to come out here next year...just step out in faith...and GO!! Thanks for letting me be a part of BPF in this way.
Off to Beijing,
Justin
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Jason, Jenn, Haleigh say HEY!!!
What an amazing trip. I thought it would be difficult to love a place as much as Kenya. It is so hard to describe the feeling of teaching a class how to cut hair and they are totally engrossed in everything you say and do. What a huge eye opening experience of how God can use ANY talent if you are willing to use it. The "stylists" here are catching on soooooo fast and are amazed and proud of themselves. I can't wait to bring back pictures. I could live here. Who knows??? KRS/Gavin........any Summit school in the future in Phenom Penh? :)
I miss my boys and my peeps at Urban Eve....They are making me come to the bus. Will continue later. God is awesome and life is beautiful
I miss my boys and my peeps at Urban Eve....They are making me come to the bus. Will continue later. God is awesome and life is beautiful
Greg's Best Day Ever in Cambodia...
I got to talk with Greg this morning (Tuesday night) for him. Technology is amazing. I'm talking on the phone to Greg in Cambodia and I have facebook up on the computer and my friend Linah in Kenya (Daraja Choir) pops up to chat on Facebook!
Greg said today was probably one of his best days ever in Cambodia.
He taught a couple of sessions to the church leaders, then The Mey taught in the afternoon - which allowed Greg to walk around and see what all was going on.
He ended up sitting down and within minutes Malin (the girl we sponsor) came up and snuggled up next to him. He put his arm around her. Ratany came and started chatting with Malin and Greg and translating for them. Ratany just randomly asked Malin what she would want Greg to do for her. Expecting an answer maybe about something she'd like for Greg to buy for her. Malin said "I want him to be my daddy. I want to go live with him. I also wish I could see my mom and my other brother." (referring to Jeff and I). He said Ratany became quite tearful and he tried his best to hold himself together in front of Malin. WOW! It's hard for me to even type this this morning. You know it's hard to see the computer screen with tears in your eyes. Greg said they had a great conversation and talked about her studies in school and what she wants to do in the future. Good stuff...
Sponsors, you ARE making a difference in the life of "your child".
Hair Design School... is UNBELIEVABLE. Greg said Jason and Jen said the students are picking up the instructions very quick. Four of their students are orphans (3 girls and 1 guy). Jen said they are probably picking up stuff the quickest and are very talented. Today during their second day of class, the students didn't want to break for lunch - they just wanted to keep on working!
Bible Club... going well - playing with the kids, acting out stories... having a great time together.
Water School... Steve has done such an incredible job teaching. Some new men walked up to see what they were doing - and instead of Steve answering their questions through the translator. The translator said your students are answering their questions correctly. Greg said he and the team drank water out of the Mekong River today - after it went through Steve's purification system. (I didn't ask... but I want to know if Jan and Jen drank the water???) This whole project is very exciting - clean water can come to multiple villages! Thanks, Steve for being so flexible and willing to be used by God.
The team went to Sokhom's house (pastor of Lveasar church and director of orphanage) Tuesday night to eat dinner. Greg said it was a wonderful meal. Sokhom told The Mey that he has felt the power of God in an amazing way in the village with all that the team is doing.
Keep praying,
Kathy
Greg said today was probably one of his best days ever in Cambodia.
He taught a couple of sessions to the church leaders, then The Mey taught in the afternoon - which allowed Greg to walk around and see what all was going on.
He ended up sitting down and within minutes Malin (the girl we sponsor) came up and snuggled up next to him. He put his arm around her. Ratany came and started chatting with Malin and Greg and translating for them. Ratany just randomly asked Malin what she would want Greg to do for her. Expecting an answer maybe about something she'd like for Greg to buy for her. Malin said "I want him to be my daddy. I want to go live with him. I also wish I could see my mom and my other brother." (referring to Jeff and I). He said Ratany became quite tearful and he tried his best to hold himself together in front of Malin. WOW! It's hard for me to even type this this morning. You know it's hard to see the computer screen with tears in your eyes. Greg said they had a great conversation and talked about her studies in school and what she wants to do in the future. Good stuff...
Sponsors, you ARE making a difference in the life of "your child".
Hair Design School... is UNBELIEVABLE. Greg said Jason and Jen said the students are picking up the instructions very quick. Four of their students are orphans (3 girls and 1 guy). Jen said they are probably picking up stuff the quickest and are very talented. Today during their second day of class, the students didn't want to break for lunch - they just wanted to keep on working!
Bible Club... going well - playing with the kids, acting out stories... having a great time together.
Water School... Steve has done such an incredible job teaching. Some new men walked up to see what they were doing - and instead of Steve answering their questions through the translator. The translator said your students are answering their questions correctly. Greg said he and the team drank water out of the Mekong River today - after it went through Steve's purification system. (I didn't ask... but I want to know if Jan and Jen drank the water???) This whole project is very exciting - clean water can come to multiple villages! Thanks, Steve for being so flexible and willing to be used by God.
The team went to Sokhom's house (pastor of Lveasar church and director of orphanage) Tuesday night to eat dinner. Greg said it was a wonderful meal. Sokhom told The Mey that he has felt the power of God in an amazing way in the village with all that the team is doing.
Keep praying,
Kathy
An Update from the Water Purification Prof
Today was a good day. I realized how interested these people are about clean water as I watched them work on the system, purify & test the water and then ask questions about what they were doing. After a while, they began answering each other's questions. I was able to just stand back and listen (even though I didn't understand) while they discussed the topic amongst themselves. In the end, it made me glad that I was surprised with a class.
Steve
Steve
Monday, January 5, 2009
Scott's Monday
Good Morning!!
Day 3 is now in the books and day 4 is just starting to see the sun!
This morning we got up to the same GREAT breakfast buffet! And off to
the bus for another day of great fun in Lveasor! While on the bus, we
find out that the route we are going to take (the only route there)
could take as long as 3 HOURS in traffic!! He was wrong, however, it
was still the worse traffic that Greg had seen here in 6 years. Which
is causing our bus ride to begin at 6.30 this morning instead of 7a
When we got to the orphanage…the day had begun! It was crazy! The
kids were all at the entrance ready for us to be there!! After the
handshakes and the name game…we all went into the pastors conference
to introduce ourselves and tell them what we are going to be doing
this week! When the introductions were over, the surprise of the day
happened! They broke up to go to their respective areas of interest!
And the first area that they called was for those going to the water
purification school! Steve has gone beyond having to simply put in a
system…he is now teaching the natives to replicate it! He was a
little shocked…he had nothing prepared, no notes for them to have, not
diagrams or anything…however, Steve took it with class and now can say
that he leads "international water purification confereneces:" What a
man!
The Bible School is going great! The kids are great, they listen and
are well behaved and it is just crazy! Randy told the story of Jesus'
birth and did a great job of adding energy and excitement and the
translator did a great job of translating the excitement as well!!
Then we dressed up the kids and they acted out the story! We forgot
to get someone to be the donkey that Mary and Joseph take to Bethlehem
so I was voted the Donkey!
Lunch soon came and that was ok! Rice and bananas once again!!
After lunch we got the kids to color their sheet! They did an amazing
job of sitting patiently while we distributed the colors and the
coloring sheets!! We had 150 kids, a few more than anticipated so a
few did not even get supplies, but we never heard it from them, those
patient rascals!!
Then the games began…we beat each other up with noodles…we played a
number game! They still had the parachute from last year and we
played with it!! It just caused a big dust storm…bad idea!! And we
played Volleyball!!
I got a chance to speak at the pastor's conference yesterday, and it
was very fun, yet quite interesting! Very different dynamic teaching
through a translator!! But I thought it went well…a few times I got
ahead of myself and was like wait…you need to translate!!
The night ended soon…we were all tired! So we ate at our hotel and
then crashed early…like in the 8s!!
Well it is that time of the day…time for another great breakfast buffet!
Love ya
Scott
Day 3 is now in the books and day 4 is just starting to see the sun!
This morning we got up to the same GREAT breakfast buffet! And off to
the bus for another day of great fun in Lveasor! While on the bus, we
find out that the route we are going to take (the only route there)
could take as long as 3 HOURS in traffic!! He was wrong, however, it
was still the worse traffic that Greg had seen here in 6 years. Which
is causing our bus ride to begin at 6.30 this morning instead of 7a
When we got to the orphanage…the day had begun! It was crazy! The
kids were all at the entrance ready for us to be there!! After the
handshakes and the name game…we all went into the pastors conference
to introduce ourselves and tell them what we are going to be doing
this week! When the introductions were over, the surprise of the day
happened! They broke up to go to their respective areas of interest!
And the first area that they called was for those going to the water
purification school! Steve has gone beyond having to simply put in a
system…he is now teaching the natives to replicate it! He was a
little shocked…he had nothing prepared, no notes for them to have, not
diagrams or anything…however, Steve took it with class and now can say
that he leads "international water purification confereneces:" What a
man!
The Bible School is going great! The kids are great, they listen and
are well behaved and it is just crazy! Randy told the story of Jesus'
birth and did a great job of adding energy and excitement and the
translator did a great job of translating the excitement as well!!
Then we dressed up the kids and they acted out the story! We forgot
to get someone to be the donkey that Mary and Joseph take to Bethlehem
so I was voted the Donkey!
Lunch soon came and that was ok! Rice and bananas once again!!
After lunch we got the kids to color their sheet! They did an amazing
job of sitting patiently while we distributed the colors and the
coloring sheets!! We had 150 kids, a few more than anticipated so a
few did not even get supplies, but we never heard it from them, those
patient rascals!!
Then the games began…we beat each other up with noodles…we played a
number game! They still had the parachute from last year and we
played with it!! It just caused a big dust storm…bad idea!! And we
played Volleyball!!
I got a chance to speak at the pastor's conference yesterday, and it
was very fun, yet quite interesting! Very different dynamic teaching
through a translator!! But I thought it went well…a few times I got
ahead of myself and was like wait…you need to translate!!
The night ended soon…we were all tired! So we ate at our hotel and
then crashed early…like in the 8s!!
Well it is that time of the day…time for another great breakfast buffet!
Love ya
Scott
Good News...Bad News!
Have you ever had that dream where you show up for college class after missing a few days to find out you have an important test? Try showing up in Cambodia for the first time and find out in front of all of the attendants of a pastor’s conference that you are teaching the “water purification class”. That was the bad news. The good news is that it was well attended. Michael & I had 17 people attend a session that was not planned. Welcome to my nightmare.
I guess that shows how great a need that clean water is to the people in rural Cambodia. We made it through the day okay....but I have a busy night ahead of me to prepare for tomorrow.
Other than that things are going great. The people are wonderful, warm and hospitable. Oh, and the food is great! On a related note, I am proud to be one of the founding members of the pineapple “rat pack”. We found that the hotel restaurant is excellent (and cheap!). This after being pampered at the village for lunch.
God is good..... Steve
I guess that shows how great a need that clean water is to the people in rural Cambodia. We made it through the day okay....but I have a busy night ahead of me to prepare for tomorrow.
Other than that things are going great. The people are wonderful, warm and hospitable. Oh, and the food is great! On a related note, I am proud to be one of the founding members of the pineapple “rat pack”. We found that the hotel restaurant is excellent (and cheap!). This after being pampered at the village for lunch.
God is good..... Steve
We've Had A Great Day!
We've had a great day. Everyone is still fine healthwise, including The Mey.
The day started out in the worst traffic jam I've ever seen across the bridge past Sokhom's neighborhood. No way to describe it other than every square inch of road was occupied with a car, truck, tuk or moped. Upon arrival at Lveasar we all gathered in the ground floor of the church for introductions - everyone introduced themselves, and I mean everyone. It took a long time.
The first surprise of the day was when they announced Steve was leading a water purification class. 14 people from my conference left and went to his. He made things up on the fly as he and Michael assembled the equipment. I look forward to seeing how Steve describes it in the blog.
My part went well. I led two sessions and Scott led one. The pastors were so appreciative for us being there even before we started teaching. I love teaching Pastors. The dynamic is very different from the K3 conferences we've led in the past. After the conference was over and we were waiting for the motos, Malin came up and gave me a great big hug. That sure made my day.
Here are a few other highlights from the day.
We had coconut milk at break time.
One of our translators was Nida - Nymo's sister. She is just like him, humor and everything.
Ravy came again today and I got to talk with him for quite a while. He is doing real good. He says to tell everyone hi.
The restaurant here has great food and is cheap. I never saw a good cheap restaurant I didn’t like!
Tell everyone thanks for their prayers - we feel them.
Greg
The day started out in the worst traffic jam I've ever seen across the bridge past Sokhom's neighborhood. No way to describe it other than every square inch of road was occupied with a car, truck, tuk or moped. Upon arrival at Lveasar we all gathered in the ground floor of the church for introductions - everyone introduced themselves, and I mean everyone. It took a long time.
The first surprise of the day was when they announced Steve was leading a water purification class. 14 people from my conference left and went to his. He made things up on the fly as he and Michael assembled the equipment. I look forward to seeing how Steve describes it in the blog.
My part went well. I led two sessions and Scott led one. The pastors were so appreciative for us being there even before we started teaching. I love teaching Pastors. The dynamic is very different from the K3 conferences we've led in the past. After the conference was over and we were waiting for the motos, Malin came up and gave me a great big hug. That sure made my day.
Here are a few other highlights from the day.
We had coconut milk at break time.
One of our translators was Nida - Nymo's sister. She is just like him, humor and everything.
Ravy came again today and I got to talk with him for quite a while. He is doing real good. He says to tell everyone hi.
The restaurant here has great food and is cheap. I never saw a good cheap restaurant I didn’t like!
Tell everyone thanks for their prayers - we feel them.
Greg
One Correction
I must make one correction to the Rat Pac membership. Scott is also a founding member. Sorry Scott.
Ronnie
Ronnie
A Wonderful Day
Today was a good day. We were as excited to see the kids as they were to see us. After a long battle with traffic, we arrived at a campus full of pastors and kids who were ready for the day.
I was able to go back and forth between the Pastors Conference, the Vacation Bible School, the "Water Treatment Conference" (ask Steve about his impromptu conference), and the Hair Design School. Everywhere I went I saw the faces of people eager to learn. We will be sending more pictures each day so you can see some of what we are experiencing.
On a side note, we have formed a gang here called "The Rat Pac". So far it consists of Steve, Jason and myself. We are the adventurous eaters. So far we're all healthy too. I've eaten things I've never even seen in books. It's so much fun.
More than anything else, God is at work: both in our lives and in the lives of the people of Cambodia. I look forward to see all that He will do.
Ronnie
P.S. - If you find lots of misspelled words, it's because I typed it on my iPod.
I was able to go back and forth between the Pastors Conference, the Vacation Bible School, the "Water Treatment Conference" (ask Steve about his impromptu conference), and the Hair Design School. Everywhere I went I saw the faces of people eager to learn. We will be sending more pictures each day so you can see some of what we are experiencing.
On a side note, we have formed a gang here called "The Rat Pac". So far it consists of Steve, Jason and myself. We are the adventurous eaters. So far we're all healthy too. I've eaten things I've never even seen in books. It's so much fun.
More than anything else, God is at work: both in our lives and in the lives of the people of Cambodia. I look forward to see all that He will do.
Ronnie
P.S. - If you find lots of misspelled words, it's because I typed it on my iPod.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Monday Morning - Jan
Monday Morning email from Jan:
Yesterday (Sunday) was incredible! I was so excited to get to Lveasar!! We took our bus to the Mekong and then a ferry over the river. And then the mopeds to the village! (I have come a long way since three years ago when I was scared to death about the trip to Johnson's Bayou after Katrina! Who knew that was my first step toward Cambodia!) Seeing all the familiar faces was like being home! The kids are so amazing!
We had a wonderful church service. The kids performed a lot... traditional dances (including the coconut dance) and singing. We also performed! Ronnie led us in two songs (very impromptu!) toward the beginning of the service and then at the end they called us back up and Michael played the guitar and led us in a song!
Rathany did a great job sharing her story from being born in a refugee camp to becoming a Christian and going to college now in USA. But only her dad ended up coming with us. She so has a heart for her family (now Buddhist) to know Christ.
And of course Greg and The Mey did a great job speaking as well.
The kids remembered our whole family and asked about you (Kevin), Jeff and Greg. Scott had an automatic in with them, already knowing the "handshake"!! He showed them pictures of Jeff and Greg and explained that he is the brother and he was immediately welcomed in! Jeff and Greg, Scott has taken up right where you left off... quickly learning their names, rolling in the dirt with them, letting them climb all over him and even making them laugh about Kum Pom! (I guess "I farted!" is a boy thing no matter where you are!)
Our kids at the orphanage are so happy, and so full of smiles and hugs!
We had a great afternoon with them!
We ate pizza for dinner on the top floor (6th) of the mall. Was good to eat familiar food, I am still very picky at the village but the rice and bananas can always sustain me til supper.
It is early morning on Monday. I am fixing to get ready to head back to Lveasar.
New School
Ribbon cutting ceremony for a school building that was built this last year at the orphanage. They had already been using the school - but wanted to have an "official ceremony" with the special service on Sunday.
A Good Day - Sunday in Lveasar
Note from Greg via Kathy:
We had a great Sunday with the people in the village of Lveasar. Worshiping together is always a special time.
One of the highlights of the service today was a skit put on by some of the orphans - it was about how the kids became orphans - parents dying of aids - leaving 5 kids without the ability to care for themselves - they are then brought to the orphanage. It was very touching - the children were actually crying at the end of the skit. Then Malin (13 yr. old girl - has been at the orphanage for 7 years) got up and read a "Thank You Letter to our church". She said that before our church(BPF) started helping them they had no hope... But, now that they have sponsors and support from our church "they have HOPE"! This was a little overwhelming and was a powerful affirmation that we as a church are doing what we are called to do and we ARE making a difference in the lives of many children in Lveasar. BPF Sponsors, you are a vital part of hope for these kids! Thank You!
Randy and I noticed a sign with the orphanage name on it: Hope for Cambodia.
We are looking forward to starting the church leader's conference, hair styling/cutting school, water purification project and bible club for the orphans and village kids Monday morning.
We traveled back to Phnom Penh and had a meeting with the director of the IJM office. It was very informative regarding their work in Cambodia.
Rathany is helping us so much with translating and getting us around the city. While at the orphanage today, she came up to me and said "Greg, did you know the kids here have a nickname for you?" I told her, "No - what is it?"... "Uncle Giant"! It made me laugh and I thought, I kind of like that!
We are all doing good - everyone is healthy and ready to work.
Keep praying for us.
Note from Kathy: As my heart has been thinking so much about what is going on in Cambodia, it was so good to talk to many of you at church today. Thank you for caring and praying. God is good!
First Day in Lvesar
We left early for Lvesar...it was a nice ride, we saw new parts of Phenom Pehn on our way out. To get to Levesar you have to cross the Mei Kong on a ferry. The Mei Kong is Mississippi River big...the ferry is San Bernard River big. I am a big fan of the ferry! I really want to drive it. On the other side of the river we take mopeds down the road to the village...that is a fun adventure.
The church serivce was full of different experiences. I was surprised that pastor Sokhom did not play much of a role in the service...what a humble guy! The children did several traditional Khmer dances. I love that their style of worship is still very connected to the native customs...sounds and dance. It wouldn't be as good for us or them if it was westernized. There were so many people there...our best guess of children alone is over 500. Greg preached and Rotany shared her story, both did so well. I think I have heard Greg's message before, though.
After the service we passed out lunch to the villagers, children first. That was an overwhelming experience. They were so grateful. I know it only fed them for a day, but sometimes Jesus only fed people food for a day too. I hope that they connect that one meal with the fact that God loves them forever. It is so comforting to know that we have connections and friendships like Sokhom who gives his life to tell them of that fact.
We had lunch across the street from the church. It was mostly good...very few were brave enough to try the fish. I sure wasn't. After lunch we played with the children, learned their names, toured their homes, and made jokes about "tooting". Turns out that is funny in any culture! I hope I'm never too old for toot jokes. Scott Johnson is a kid magnet...no surprise. He must have the same Johnson gene that makes him an instant jungle gym. They are so much fun. We really make an impact on them, becuase they remember people and things, like secret handshakes, (and things we teach them about Jesus too... :) from year to year.
From the village we went to IJM field office in Cambodia...so much to say about that that I will have to wait until another day. Dinner followed at a pizza place in the mall...very good and very slow.
It is a joy and a privilege to be here...this is a very fun way to represent BPF and the kingdom of God.
If you have not tried it, you should really make plans to!! Sounds like something a missions pastor would say, huh? -Randy
The church serivce was full of different experiences. I was surprised that pastor Sokhom did not play much of a role in the service...what a humble guy! The children did several traditional Khmer dances. I love that their style of worship is still very connected to the native customs...sounds and dance. It wouldn't be as good for us or them if it was westernized. There were so many people there...our best guess of children alone is over 500. Greg preached and Rotany shared her story, both did so well. I think I have heard Greg's message before, though.
After the service we passed out lunch to the villagers, children first. That was an overwhelming experience. They were so grateful. I know it only fed them for a day, but sometimes Jesus only fed people food for a day too. I hope that they connect that one meal with the fact that God loves them forever. It is so comforting to know that we have connections and friendships like Sokhom who gives his life to tell them of that fact.
We had lunch across the street from the church. It was mostly good...very few were brave enough to try the fish. I sure wasn't. After lunch we played with the children, learned their names, toured their homes, and made jokes about "tooting". Turns out that is funny in any culture! I hope I'm never too old for toot jokes. Scott Johnson is a kid magnet...no surprise. He must have the same Johnson gene that makes him an instant jungle gym. They are so much fun. We really make an impact on them, becuase they remember people and things, like secret handshakes, (and things we teach them about Jesus too... :) from year to year.
From the village we went to IJM field office in Cambodia...so much to say about that that I will have to wait until another day. Dinner followed at a pizza place in the mall...very good and very slow.
It is a joy and a privilege to be here...this is a very fun way to represent BPF and the kingdom of God.
If you have not tried it, you should really make plans to!! Sounds like something a missions pastor would say, huh? -Randy
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Email from Jan... I really love it here.
Hey Kevin
I wish you were here…I really love it here. I am so glad I came back! Last night we had a good meal at Rotany’s. We rode tuk tuks over there. Her parents are so gracious! They are coming with us to church tomorrow along with two of Rotany’s friends. None of them are Christians. Rotany is speaking tomorrow and her prayer is that they come to know Christ. Last night we were all so tired. I went to sleep at 7.00 and slept until 6am.
Today I feel like I am on Cambodia time. We had a busy day today. We started out at the digital data divide. I was very impressed with the help that they provide the disadvantaged over here. And they seemed interested in helping some of our kids. Sokum went with us and got to see what is available.After that we went to Toul Sleng…very sobering.Rotany took us to a wonderful place for lunch….nice buffet, we got to try a lot of different foods. Then we shopped at the Russian market.
We also went to the royal palace. Randy, Jennifer, and Michael played musical instruments with a Buddhist band in one of the temples! It was really funny!We ate at Lucky Burger tonight. We are all anxious to go to Lveasor tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the kids.
I wish you were here. But Scott is taking good care of me!
Thank you all for praying for us!Jan
I wish you were here…I really love it here. I am so glad I came back! Last night we had a good meal at Rotany’s. We rode tuk tuks over there. Her parents are so gracious! They are coming with us to church tomorrow along with two of Rotany’s friends. None of them are Christians. Rotany is speaking tomorrow and her prayer is that they come to know Christ. Last night we were all so tired. I went to sleep at 7.00 and slept until 6am.
Today I feel like I am on Cambodia time. We had a busy day today. We started out at the digital data divide. I was very impressed with the help that they provide the disadvantaged over here. And they seemed interested in helping some of our kids. Sokum went with us and got to see what is available.After that we went to Toul Sleng…very sobering.Rotany took us to a wonderful place for lunch….nice buffet, we got to try a lot of different foods. Then we shopped at the Russian market.
We also went to the royal palace. Randy, Jennifer, and Michael played musical instruments with a Buddhist band in one of the temples! It was really funny!We ate at Lucky Burger tonight. We are all anxious to go to Lveasor tomorrow. We can’t wait to see the kids.
I wish you were here. But Scott is taking good care of me!
Thank you all for praying for us!Jan
The Days Feel Like Weeks...In a Good Way
I talked to Randy early this morning, and he asked me if I would post this for him. Enjoy! - Ashley
We have had a great day today. We started our day with a great breakfast at the hotel. The hotel is really very nice...Greg says it is better than the accomodations in years past. Good showers, cold air conditioners and very very very firm beds! Phenom Penh may be more humid than Lake Jackson! But, really the weather has been beautiful.
We went to Digital Data Divide, a company in Cambodia that was started by a Harvard alum with the vision of improving life for underpriveleged people in the developing world. They hire the very poor and the handicapped, give them IT training, affordable housing, and an education in a field of their choosing. The hope is that their could be a connection in the future with the orphanage in Levesar. The foundation was certainly laid...pray that God uses new relationships to connect our orphans with an even more positive future. DDD could help them become the leaders of tomorrow! Imagine God changing Cambodia through the children he has allowed us to love and support...that is a vision that I can get pretty excited about!!
We went to Toul Sleng, a torture prison that was used during the late 1970's in a period where Cambodia faced civil and external war because of Communism. Greg is an expert on Cambodian history...and great to have as a guide. Toul Sleng was a high school that they turned into the torture prison, now it is a museum. It has less words than any museum I have every been in, but says more than one person can take in. It is very sobering. It makes you think about genocide and torture in a whole new way. We know it is evil, but seeing it is very different. It gives me an even stronger passion for justice and a desire to take action when we hear of these atrocities around the world. That is why you have to go to places like this when you come to places like Cambodia!
After that we ate a very good lunch at a Cambodian buffet...better than any Ronnie and I have had in LJ!
Then we went to the market. We really helped out the Cambodian economy...if you know what I mean. We got some great things to help us remember this trip and tell our loved ones that didn't get to come how much we love them and wish that they were here.
After the market we went to the Royal Palace. Cambodia is a kingdom with a King and Queen. The palace is where they actually reside. It was very neat. I have been to Buckingham...you only see it from a far, honestly not that impressive. Here we got to tour the grounds, go into buildings, and had a great time. Michael, Jennifer, and I played drums and xylophone with some guys at a Buddhist temple on the palace grounds at their invitation...it was a blast! I prayed to Jesus the whole time, and rocked out with some new Buddhist friends. Can you tell that learning a new culture is a huge thrill for me?
We came back to the hotel, cleaned up a little, and then walked down the road to Lucky Burger for dinner. Lucky Burger was good, but not as good as the lunch buffet.
Tomorrow we go to Levesar for church. I have seen the program for the service...it is exciting. About three hours. Their will be dancing, preaching from Greg, Rotany will share her story, and the children will preform a drama. I am looking forward to this more than anything. There is nothing like worshipping with fellow Christ followers in another culture with a different language and style all the way around the world...it makes three hours seem like 30 minutes.
After church we will head to International Justice Mission's Cambodia offices. This another very exciting thing! I can't wait to report this to you soon.
You can see why the days seem like weeks, but they are priceless days that are a dream come true. I can't wait to go love on and play with the children!
More to come...Randy
We have had a great day today. We started our day with a great breakfast at the hotel. The hotel is really very nice...Greg says it is better than the accomodations in years past. Good showers, cold air conditioners and very very very firm beds! Phenom Penh may be more humid than Lake Jackson! But, really the weather has been beautiful.
We went to Digital Data Divide, a company in Cambodia that was started by a Harvard alum with the vision of improving life for underpriveleged people in the developing world. They hire the very poor and the handicapped, give them IT training, affordable housing, and an education in a field of their choosing. The hope is that their could be a connection in the future with the orphanage in Levesar. The foundation was certainly laid...pray that God uses new relationships to connect our orphans with an even more positive future. DDD could help them become the leaders of tomorrow! Imagine God changing Cambodia through the children he has allowed us to love and support...that is a vision that I can get pretty excited about!!
We went to Toul Sleng, a torture prison that was used during the late 1970's in a period where Cambodia faced civil and external war because of Communism. Greg is an expert on Cambodian history...and great to have as a guide. Toul Sleng was a high school that they turned into the torture prison, now it is a museum. It has less words than any museum I have every been in, but says more than one person can take in. It is very sobering. It makes you think about genocide and torture in a whole new way. We know it is evil, but seeing it is very different. It gives me an even stronger passion for justice and a desire to take action when we hear of these atrocities around the world. That is why you have to go to places like this when you come to places like Cambodia!
After that we ate a very good lunch at a Cambodian buffet...better than any Ronnie and I have had in LJ!
Then we went to the market. We really helped out the Cambodian economy...if you know what I mean. We got some great things to help us remember this trip and tell our loved ones that didn't get to come how much we love them and wish that they were here.
After the market we went to the Royal Palace. Cambodia is a kingdom with a King and Queen. The palace is where they actually reside. It was very neat. I have been to Buckingham...you only see it from a far, honestly not that impressive. Here we got to tour the grounds, go into buildings, and had a great time. Michael, Jennifer, and I played drums and xylophone with some guys at a Buddhist temple on the palace grounds at their invitation...it was a blast! I prayed to Jesus the whole time, and rocked out with some new Buddhist friends. Can you tell that learning a new culture is a huge thrill for me?
We came back to the hotel, cleaned up a little, and then walked down the road to Lucky Burger for dinner. Lucky Burger was good, but not as good as the lunch buffet.
Tomorrow we go to Levesar for church. I have seen the program for the service...it is exciting. About three hours. Their will be dancing, preaching from Greg, Rotany will share her story, and the children will preform a drama. I am looking forward to this more than anything. There is nothing like worshipping with fellow Christ followers in another culture with a different language and style all the way around the world...it makes three hours seem like 30 minutes.
After church we will head to International Justice Mission's Cambodia offices. This another very exciting thing! I can't wait to report this to you soon.
You can see why the days seem like weeks, but they are priceless days that are a dream come true. I can't wait to go love on and play with the children!
More to come...Randy
Saturday in Phnom Penh
Email from Greg:
Here's a recap of this year's adventure so far...
Plane ride was fine, not as nice as Singapore Air, but I'd use them again.
Hotel is way, way better. Clean, nice - the bathrooms are like ones in the states. Free breakfast is a large buffet - all you can eat.
Dinner at Rathany's house was wonderful, similar to eating at Sokhom's. We all hit it off well. Her family and some friends are all going to Lveasar tomorrow with us. Please pray for them - none of them are Christians.
Today we went to Digital Divide Data. It was a very good thing - lots of possibilities for partnership. I think the director was as happy to have Sokhom there as Sokhom was glad to be there. After that we went to Toul Sleng which was very near. Then to eat at a very nice restaurant with an incredibly large buffet. Rathany knows her way around Phnom Penh! From there we went to the Russian Market and got everything we (Michael and I) needed. But it wasn't enough time for Jennifer. That's probably good because all three of them were loaded down with stuff! From there we went to the Royal Palace - they all loved that too - and then called it a day and came back to the hotel. We went to Lucky Burger for supper and now Michael and I are here at the internet cafe.
We have to leave now to go pick up Justin at the airport.
Explanation of some of Greg's email:
Check out DDD on the web www.digitaldividedata.org - just reading about it on the web sounds very interesting. Sokhom is the director of the orphanage in Lveasar and he went with the team to tour DDD in anticipation of sending some of the orphans to work there after they finish high school - to be able to further their education - with a goal of becoming self-supporting one day. Sounds like the visit/tour went well.
Tonight (Texas time) - will be Sunday morning for them - they will be headed to the village of Lveasar (about an hour's drive) to go to church and visit with our precious orphans! Yes... I'd love to be there right now!
Kathy
Friday, January 2, 2009
Update from Randy...via Ashley and Skype!
Technology is awesome! Randy just texted me to get on Skype and we talked for about half an hour! He was on the computer in the hotel lobby which is pretty slow, so he asked me to blog for him. Something that was funny to me is that in the middle of our conversation, he realized it was 6:30 am there, not 7:30 am like he thought! He is not a morning person, so that was pretty funny. He said that he had had plenty of sleep though because he went to bed at 8:00. Sounds like maybe they are getting more adjusted to being 13 hours ahead of us here!
Last night (for them) they went to Rotany's parents' house for dinner. He said it was such a neat experience: they ate on mats on the floor, and her mom had cooked so much food. They ate beef on a stick, fried rice, curry soup, french bread, and some "really potent sauce made of salt, pepper, and lime." His favorite was the beef on a stick. He also said they didn't wear any shoes. He said they were so hospitable and kind to the team.
Randy also said that last night he, Steve, and Ronnie drank some pineapple juice, and then The Mey said that might not have been a good idea. Pray against them getting sick!!
Today they go to digital data divide, the killing fields, the palace and maybe some shopping...tomorrow to church at levesar. We'll update more as we hear!
Last night (for them) they went to Rotany's parents' house for dinner. He said it was such a neat experience: they ate on mats on the floor, and her mom had cooked so much food. They ate beef on a stick, fried rice, curry soup, french bread, and some "really potent sauce made of salt, pepper, and lime." His favorite was the beef on a stick. He also said they didn't wear any shoes. He said they were so hospitable and kind to the team.
Randy also said that last night he, Steve, and Ronnie drank some pineapple juice, and then The Mey said that might not have been a good idea. Pray against them getting sick!!
Today they go to digital data divide, the killing fields, the palace and maybe some shopping...tomorrow to church at levesar. We'll update more as we hear!
Wow! What a day...
Wow!! What a day. Or maybe better "what a few days". The calendar says it has been two days, the clock says it has been just over 24 hours, but my body says something more like a week. We left Houston at just after 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 and will get to Phnom Penh at around 10:00 in the morning on Jan 2nd. What makes it worse is that we didn't see the sunshine from the time we left Los Angeles until after we arrived in Taipei (about 18 hours). That's just not natural.
So far everything has gone smoothly. All of the flights have left and arrived on time. All of the flights have been nearly full, but we were able to shift some people around so that the Culverhouses could sit together and Randy moved to a bulkhead seat to get some more leg room. I'm not sure but I think Greg has connections. He has sat in a bulkhead seat for each leg of the trip. He and Michael have had plenty of leg room.
I'll write more later today after I am completely exhausted and un-comprehendable.
Steve
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Arrived in Phnom Penh
Quick note received: "we're here, hotel is nice. internet is slow. will write more later. love, greg"
It is so good to know that they have arrived in Phnom Penh - it's 1 p.m. Friday there.
Looking forward to hearing of their adventures. Stay tuned...
Kathy
It is so good to know that they have arrived in Phnom Penh - it's 1 p.m. Friday there.
Looking forward to hearing of their adventures. Stay tuned...
Kathy
Taipei Chat
We heard from the the team as they were waiting to board in the Taipei airport.
I got on facebook right before my mom and I were about to head out for the evening when Michael, my brother, said "hey man" through facebook chat. Excited, I told my mom and she logged onto her account. Randy Dane was also online. They were "pleasantly surprised" with the quality of China Air and had had a good trip, personal tvs help. We chatted for a few minutes and ensured them that we are all praying for great things.
They are boarding the plane for Phnom Penn now.
Sometimes a facebook addiction is a good thing,
Jeff
Leaving LA
I just talked to Greg. They had a good flight to LA and have now boarded China Air - will fly from LA to Taipei (arriving in Taipei around 4:40 p.m. Jan 1st our time - 5:40 a.m. Jan 2nd Taipei time). They'll be skipping over Jan 1st in the air! They will have about an hour and a half layover in Taipei - should arrive in Phnom Penh at 9:00 p.m. Jan 1st Texas time/10:00 a.m. Jan 2nd PP time.
The team is already having a good time visiting with each other and are anticipating what God has in store for them over the next week.
Pray for them as they minister to the people of Cambodia.
Kathy
The team is already having a good time visiting with each other and are anticipating what God has in store for them over the next week.
Pray for them as they minister to the people of Cambodia.
Kathy
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