It seems like there's not enough time to get everything in that we want to do here... every minute seems so precious (that's why we have trouble stopping an updating the blog!) If we could post all of our stories that we share each day while traveling the blog would be pages upon pages.
I will try to post just a few random thoughts this morning (it's Tuesday morning here):
*Monday was the first day for the Bible club at HFC, teacher training and Pastor's conference. Both went very well. It think there are 42 attending the Pastor's conference. The Bible club ended up being just our orphans - which was a nice break from the hundreds we've had in the past. With 66ish (I haven't finished meeting with each one to know the "exact" number.) orphans, it takes more helper's and more time to love on each of them and give them some much needed attention. In the afternoon, the Culverhouse's led the teenage orphans in their own Bible study time - teaching them about character and self-worth. Kathy K. and I spent time talking to the orphans one-on-one with a translator to see how they are doing and reminding them of how much they are loved and that their sponsor loves and prays for them. We told them that even when we leave to go back to our homes - we continue to pray for them... so sponsors, every time you see that picture on your fridge ask God to hold them close. Lynn was the official photographer, getting updated pictures for Bright Point and the sponsors. Colette and Noelle did teacher training - they were in the room next to me and it sounded like they were having a great time. I'm sure you'll be hearing more from some of the specific teams as they have time to post their thoughts. The teen-ages played and played and played with the kids - every one of them is doing and INCREDIBLE job!
*Ron and George left for Srey Reim (not sure that is spelled correct) - anyway they have gone with a translator about 4-5 hours from here to another province to lead another pastor's conference. George texted last night and said that he was preaching and that Ron was going to be preaching Tuesday - he was asking for prayer for both of them. I can't wait to hear of their adventures when they return Wednesday night.
*We will be leaving in about 20 minutes to head back to the orphanage and start our day again. The new adventure for today is we are bringing the house moms into PP to visit the Royal Palace and out to lunch. Lauren (through a translator) told them yesterday that we are taking them...they were ECSTATIC!!! They said they have NEVER been to Phnom Penh! I am looking forward to taking them and watching their faces as they see the City for the first time. Wow! What a privilege we have been given to do such simple things to love on people.
*Quick quote from yesterday that made me smile... Matthew W. while eating lunch: "Mr. Pickering, when I finish eating lunch, can I go play!" :) So sweet - he did NOT want to miss a minute loving and playing with those kiddos!
OK - I've got to close - I don't have time to reread this to make sure it all makes sense... have a good day, evening, night - where ever you are and know that God has a purpose for your life and loves you very much!
Hugs,
Kathy P.
Hey friends.........Everytime I come to Cambodia, it gets more and more difficult to express how it feels. Weird, huh? So....I am just going to spill my thoughts and hope it makes sense :)
Ok....first. Long story short....this summer my family "lived" in Cambodia for a short period of time. We had a young lady, Chantha (16 years old), who came to our house every morning and cleaned. She goes to highschool in the morning and English classes in the evening. She lives with her family in a shed the size of my bedroom with a hole dug in the ground for a toilet.
She is #8 in a class of 48.....she wants to be a newscaster when she grows up. She works every Sunday at a restaurant to earn money for her lunches at school. She gets paid 30cents per hour for 10 hours.....$3 for a days work.
I called her as soon as we got to Cambodia :) She went to the village with us for 2 days. When I took her home, her mom wanted me to sit down to visit with her. We chit chatted about boys and how Chantha needs to focus on her studies (the mommy came out in me)...then we moved on to spirtual things......Chantha said " I want you to know I believe in Christian....Do you believe me, Jennifer?" Her mom was just looking on smiling and nodding her head. I asked her " Why do you believe?" She told me, " Because God is so good to me and I believe him. He is better than Budda" ....I told her " I want you to know I love you no matter what...no matter who you believe in"....I didn't want her to feel pressure to "believe" in Jesus to be my friend....I wanted to make sure it was real for her. So anyway....she said "I know you love me.... but, I want you to know I believe and I pray to God everyday"
Super awesome. I asked her if I could get her a bible....she had no clue what that was. Have you ever had to explain to someone what a bible is? I told her it was God's thoughts and words written in a book....it gives us direction and gives us His heart.
I love this girl....I told her.....Out of these millions of people in this city, God chose to put us together. He has a plan for her....something huge.
Lastly, I asked her mom how her family was doing. They are desperately poor, live in a shack with a hole for a toilet, sleep on a dirt floor, her mom washes dishes for a living, her dad drives a moto taxi, Chantha and her brother are trying to get a education for a way out, university is not even a possibility in her mind........But, her mom answered, " We are so happy. Thank God for you and we are doing so good." She asked for nothing from me...it was a great opportunity to ask for money, charity......nothing was asked....just a thank you and a hug. A sincere relationship....God is working in their life.....and mine........This journey is EPIC and I am amazed everyday. Jesus, you are freakin incredible. This life is not my own.....it is totally Yours :)
xoxoxoxox.....Jennifer Culverhouse
Taking the teen-agers out for Pizza - in the mall - first time for Pizza, first time to ride an escalator, first time to be in a mall...what an experience!
David checking out his picture-Bible.
Bible presentation.
So grateful for his very own Bible.
Looking for their name!
Greg teaching the kids about the importance of clean water and drinking from their "own" cup. He told them that they wouldn't drink out of the toilet, but when they drink water out of the Mekong River...it is the same thing.
Bibles, mugs (with candy cores) lined up and ready for the kids!
Mugs labeled with Khmer and English name. Tamara and Lauren wanted the English name - so they can make sure they are using their "own" cup! Thanks Tamara and Lauren! :)
One of our incredible translators writing Khmer names...
Playing soccer...they LOVE to play soccer!
Thyda's bed...notice how much they love pictures.
The picture in this picture should look familiar to several "oldies"!
One of the girl's rooms.
Tina serving two of the house moms fruit at the restaurant. They had a hard time being served - because they are always the ones serving others.
First day to arrive in the village - Reaksa walked down the road to meet his sponsor, Ron. Notice in Reaksa's hand is the picture and note that Ron sent to him last year. Reaksa was one happy little boy!
Helping serve sack lunches to the kids and village after Sunday service.
The Mission Trip "CHOIR! They were awesome! (They were asked on-the-spot to sing a song Sunday morning).
Noelle visiting with the kids while they were waiting for service to start. They were all dressed up in the "school" clothes for church.
THE TEAM!
Kids crowded around looking at the notebook with all of their pictures. They love to look at themselves! :)
Shari doing hair.
Hanging out on the steps of the dorm.
Sweet babies sleeping in their "cribs".
Tina loving on one of the moms.
There were always plenty of hands to hold.
...and sweet kiddos to love on.
Sheila loving on some of the kids!
Matt and his new friend. Matt was definitely a "natural" playing with the kids today!
Amanda and Vimean
Aaron, Matt, Jonny and Ravy - Friday evening...on the river boat ride down the Mekong. Fun times!
