I know Cambodia surprises me every day, but I did laugh out loud at this one. A lady on the local bus (same size as single-deckers back home) was sitting at the window with a crash helmet on! What did she know that everyone else didn’t?
Two of our children live in a house near day care that is in the water, recently the local villagers had to come and remove a 3-meter snake from their home I am sure they all enjoyed eating it.
Easter is not far behind us and for most of you that meant a well-earned break. We took Good Friday off and then we had our third new year Khmer New Year the following week. Most of the children’s families go back to their homeland to spend time with family and it’s also a time when the families play traditional Khmer games and lots of water and talcum powder is thrown about.
Our new trainee day care worker “Chantha” started on the 1st of April. She is a big asset as she used to teach Khmer reading and writing. Apart from teaching the children she will help some of the staff who cannot read or write their own language.
Cambodia is hosting the Asian Games during April and May which is a great event for this country. Please pray Cambodia does well in these games and that everyone sees the beauty of this wonderful country.
25th April Mark and I have been living in Cambodia 5 years, the 5 years has flown in, and we look forward to many more years serving Jesus here.
Recently one of our boys has started to “act up” screaming, crying not wanting to join in, not eating. We asked the family if there was a problem at home and they said no. We heard elsewhere that the family are continually fighting and therefore the boy doesn’t know how to react, is upset and frustrated. We are being patient with him, showing him that he is in a safe place and he is slowly improving. Dealing with emotions is difficult when you are an adult, but these children live in such small and close home environments that they can’t get away from problems at home, especially if you are all living, sleeping, and eating in one room.
I have said before that the Khmer people are so good at using things that we in the West may not think of. I recently saw a saline drip bag being used as a means to water the plants! – and to save money, a scooter doubled up as a hearse as the coffin was strapped across the back seat and sticking out a meter to each side!
Bible Study group still going well, and we are so encouraged to see them each week.
English class has been a bit up and down due to staff sickness, appointments etc but they are still keen and hopefully things will settle down again soon.
Weather is very hot and humid at the moment 38+ most days, it is hard to stay cool, (impossible really). This is the most uncomfortable time of year just before rainy season which they predict will come early – everyone wants the rains.
Anyway, I am reminded that God planned the seasons for specific reasons whether we like it or not, so I must not grumble when I am driving through torrential rain or roasting like a lobster in the sun that something or someone has a need for it at that time.
Until next time
Liz and Mark x
