Hot Season !!!
Hot season is well and truly underway with temperatures now reaching 35+ and humidity 50-60%. It is hard working in these conditions but worse when you have no power to run the fans! Unfortunately, we are getting power cuts for some of most days – God continues to do amazing things through amazing people just when we needed them. God sent us some angels who donated money to allow us to purchase a small generator to run the fans at day-care if the power cuts out, so our children and staff are not suffering excessively. A big BIG thank you to them!!!
The children at day care have been cooling off in the pool donated by a member of the Ballyhenry Presbyterian team who were out on mission with Eggshell Cambodia in February. They love the pool and it helps to cool them down before going home.
Mark and Liz were invited to their first wedding in the village – the daughter of the lady who cooks for the children had a traditional Khmer wedding on the last day of March. The staff carefully instructed Mark and Liz that they should wear the same colour outfits so people would know they are a couple and what the procedure was for arriving and how to conduct themselves. They were the centre of attention being the only non-Khmer people there, wearing traditional Khmer outfits and sitting at the table with the mother of the bride. They were made very welcome by the villagers and although they were apprehensive where able to relax and enjoyed the whole evening from the food to the dancing. The bride changed her outfit at least three times in three hours!
The following week saw them at a Christian wedding of friends in a hotel in Phnom Penh. The bride was Khmer and the groom American. She wore a white wedding dress and looked stunning. It was a wonderful, joyful and colourful day. We wish both couples a blessed long and happy marriage.
Cambodia have just had Khmer New Year which also this year runs into Easter. On the day day-care broke up for Khmer holiday, the children decorated boiled duck eggs, which were hidden and once found they ate. We also told them the story of Easter and gave them a little plastic egg with Chocolate Mini eggs inside which went down well. For lunch they had a traditional Khmer Curry, Coca-Cola and a biscuit. They asked a staff member if it was Liz’s birthday as they had so much food and fun!
The staff asked if Liz and Mark would go with them to eat food and sing Karaoke after the children left. They agreed and had to sing a song, don’t know if they did “Top of the World” justice but the owner did knock 10p off the bill. It was great fun and the food was very good, Duck, Chicken and Rice.
Two wonderful ladies from County Cork arrived just before Khmer New Year. They have been training our staff member Mazong and others in the art of Montessori Schooling techniques and also raising awareness of exploitation. It is a completely different way of teaching children especially here where children are used to being taught by repetition, this method is something that would be so useful as we teach our children – they have freedom to learn.
Ruth, Nora, Mark and Liz went to Siem Reap for two days over the Khmer New Year Holiday and after witnessing the tradition of water fights and covering everyone with talcum powder over two days, went to meet up with their friend Reaska and his wife Sophaly for lunch. He caught and cooked the fish and as they ate he told his amazing story of forgiveness to Ruth and Nora. During the Khmer Rouge Genocide, his family were murdered and instead of revenge he found their killers and forgave them. We think of our Jesus, a man who forgave us on the cross and thank him for his love and grace towards us.
People ask us…
People ask us why should they do a short-term mission trip- would it not be better just to give the money and stay at home?
Here are a few comments from people who have been out on mission and the impact it had on both them and the people they were trying to reach.
Kathryn:
I have seen God at work in people’s lives. I have seen God’s name make an impact. I have seen God in the children we met, who readily tell us ‘I love Jesus’ as we share His love with them.
I have seen in working with children on the streets draw a picture, asking God for somewhere safe to lay down their heads at night.
Martin:
We were privileged to get to know a number of people in Cambodia, many with a story to tell and a depth to their life experience we were privileged to have a chance to share.
We were so blessed to serve the Lord on the other side of the world. It was such a pleasure to watch every person within our team stretch themselves and their faith, and see them grow.
We were not special in our own right just ordinary people who were available and obedient to God.
Since coming back people have been consistently asking three questions,
- Was it an enjoyable trip?
- Was it a difficult experience?
- Would you go back?
The answer to all is a resounding yes!
These are the sort of impacts going on short term mission has that staying at home does not. Would you consider joining us by coming out on mission to Cambodia? Perhaps you could pull a team together and come or consider coming longer term. If you would like more information email info@eggshellcambodia.com
Easter evening was spent down in the red light district of Phnom Penh sharing communion and praying over the girls who work as hostesses in the bars. We pray this Easter for God to reclaim this area for His purpose and drive out the evil one.
Back in Northern Ireland…
Lastly, Liz and Mark will be back in Northern Ireland 27th June to 9th July. They will be hosting an evening for donors and those interested in their work. Information on the venue etc will be sent out soon.
If you would like them to come and talk about their work to your group or church while they are back you can email them at info@eggshellcambodia.com
A belated Happy Easter – HE IS RISEN!!!
