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A gentle breeze stirred through the sanctuary; a simple relief in Cambodia where the humidity can be so unforgiving. It was 7:30am on a Sunday morning, and the church was alive with singing, the strumming of the base and the crashing of drums as the worship band played.

Sally, the pastor’s wife stood in the middle of the stage, singing into a headset and waving her arms to the motion of a Khmer worship song. Her singing voice and her speaking voice were so similar, that when Sally spoke to you, you could assume easily that she was a gifted singer. Her long black hair flowed in a long pony tail down her back, and her face dotted with perspiration, also shone of a radiance that undoubtedly came from within. It’s difficult to list all that this woman has put her hand to, surely clutching the hand of Jesus in her other. Aside from being Pastor Keat’s help mate, and co-director of this ministry, she is also the principal of the New Hope School for children. She has trained her own staff, as well as people from the country side so that they may plant their own Christian elementary schools. Every morning at church, she calls the children to come on stage so they she may teach them. The rest of the congregation just sits and listens to her message as the kids gather around her, like chicks around a hen. She is a mother, but not only to her own children. She has a tender heart and a transparency that I admire so much. She is ‘the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit’ whom the apostle Peter speaks about in his letter. She is precious in the sight of God. 
 
  Students trickle up the stairs as the service is about to begin. Although about ninety of them are already seated, many are absent. Since it is a holiday, many students take the opportunity to visit their family in the country side. I ran to the door beside two of the Khmer staff, to greet the last few groups of students, with my hands pressed together in a ‘sompah’ and the formal hello ‘joom reep sooah’. 


 Since we can’t understand Khmer yet, Josh and I bring books to read during the service. Josh paused from his ‘Facts about Luther’, and I put down ‘The Pastor’s Wife’ to join the church in taking communion. As I watched the plate of crackers and platter of grape juice go around, I saw that many took communion, but many didn’t. Such is the reality in a church where over 50% are unbelievers.

Today, a guest speaker preached instead of Pastor Keat. I scanned the congregation. There was a fine mixture of students, who attend the English school and pay for their classes by church attendance, and then those who are staff and those who make up the body of believers. A group of elderly women sat together happily clutching their Bibles, reminding me of church life in Canada.

At the end of the service I sprang into the crowds of youth, speaking with some of my students and trying to also meet  new faces. When you have white skin, it seems that there are those who run to you and those who run from you. Some of the Cambodians are confident in their English speaking and want to talk, while those who are just starting out in the ‘intro class’ are too shy and often watch from afar or duck past you,hiding in between their friends.
The bubbly girls who flocked around me were my Bible study students during our last trip to Cambodia. Some of them had even sent emails to me while I was in Canada. They were the faces of some of the youth who came here to learn English, and to their surprise, met Jesus. 
  
Today, I took out my laptop and showed a few of them how to sign up for their own email account. Josh and one of his students ventured off the compound to have lunch  at USA Donut, a small restaurant known for its delicious hamburgers and American food. 
  
Upon saying goodbye to the girls and heading into the house, I thought about how even life in Cambodia becomes normal. Before my first trip to Cambodia, I didn’t know that familiarity, routine and normality could exist for me in a third world country. But you’d be surprised by how you get know people, and could even become regulars in a store and restaurant, and then it feels just like every day life with all of it's familiarities. 
  
This morning I told Josh about a dream that I had the night before in which we left Cambodia for a short time and found ourselves back in Ontario. I described to him how upset I was in the dream, and how I worried about affording an apartment, and getting a job to pay for our ticket back to Cambodia where I so badly wanted to return to. Josh nodded as I told him this, smiling softly and then he said, I think to himself as much as to me, “We need to be content wherever we are.”
 
I nodded in return. We need to not be too quick to even claim Cambodia as our home, lest we are called by God to pick up and go. We do plan on settling somewhere to do long-term ministry but so far, we’re not ready to say where that is. While our focus is on Cambodia right now, we must be on guard that sentiment doesn’t come and hinder us from hearing the voice of God. For even Cambodia could feel like home where you have your friends, your favourite store, your kitchen and your little things. 

 I kicked off my sandals before entering the house. As I closed the door behind, me I contemplated what  I would do that afternoon. I could prepare my lesson for English class, work on the school’s website, begin learning the Khmer alphabet, and if I let myself add on, the list would grow and become more daunting. 

And then there was a relief that came just like that gentle breeze; I have a savior who lives and as He has brought me here, He is with me here. I owe nothing but to give myself to Him, and we shall see what is accomplished.
My home is in Jesus.
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Josh and I with our niece Malone and nephew Brennan
A long flight can be a good opportunity to: catch up on reading, listen to music and sermons on your IPod, journal, watch movies, etc. However, it’s no shock that sleeping on an airplane is an uncomfortable venture, even with the little pillow and blanket provided for you. Josh and I spent our 18 hour long flight from New York to Taipei, listening to sermons, reading and trying to sleep. Unfortunately movies were not a happening thing on this flight, which is too bad  since international flights usually give me the excuse to gorge on all the new releases.
I do have to admit that I look forward to the food. I like when the stewardess tells me the two options of supper (e.g. beef with noodles or pork with rice), and then passes me the cute little tray with the piping hot roll on it. I would compare the taste of airplane meals, to eating last night's dinner leftovers, which I have no problem with at all, and especially considering that these meals would be a luxury to many living in this world.
With an incredibly smooth landing, it was a great relief to get off the plane. China airlines had arranged a hotel room for us at City Suites, where we actually got upgraded and received vouchers for the buffet. We wanted to see the Taipei 101 sky scraper (currently the highest building in the world). It was only morning and we weren't to leave to Cambodia until early next morning. But we decided not to go to the tower on account that the taxi farei was very expensive. It was also raining and the city was covered in a thick haze which surely would have compromised the view. So what did we do instead? Josh poured himself into transferring tons of photos onto our website, and I took a long nap. Each of us reclined on our own queen size bed.
Tomorrow morning we will be in Cambodia. It’s hard to believe that before I know it I will be surrounded by the beautiful and funny little students of the New Hope elementary school and reunited with our young adult English students. There are so many things that I’m looking forward to; maybe the most is sitting down and talking with Pastor Keat and Sally (the founders and directors of Cambodia Mission Outreach) whom I admire greatly, and getting caught up on everything that’s been taking place. I imagine that soon our schedule will be full and we will be very busy again; but there is a joy in this busyness knowing that our work expounds beyond this world and into eternity.
So tonight, Taiwan, and tomorrow, Phnom Penh; where we begin anew. Your presence is all we need, Jesus.
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Pastor Keat and Sally, and their daughter Hannah
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Saturday was our last Youth Program, since Josh and I will be leaving this Wednesday morning. Josh and I both spoke at the meeting. I spoke to the Christians about joy being an evidence of Christ-filled heart. Josh spoke to the congregation about the authenticity of the Bible and the answers that all religions pine away for. It wasn’t even a long message but it was really powerful and full of information, which is obviously a fruit of studying.

After we preached, our students from each class came to the front to hug us and say good bye, and they also gave us gifts and homemade cards. It was really sweet. Some of my Bible study girls were pretty emotional, although we will meet again tomorrow for the last time.

 As for me, do I want to leave Cambodia? Not really. I’ve liked Cambodia even more than I expected. We had originally only planned on working with New Life in Christ Church for 2 months because we came to Cambodia to be with another ministry. When schedules had to be pushed back, we ended up staying with NLCC for 5 months more. This ministry has opened my eyes to the dedication, out flowing love and sacrifice of the pioneer spirit, which the founders Keat and Sally demonstrate. They have many awesome plans for the future.

 Cambodia itself has opened Josh and I’s eyes to the reality of the 10/40 window, which somehow got neglected by Christians after William Carey’s work.

 

Tomorrow Josh I will be in the New Hope School and the evening English school for the last time...come on, Holy Spirit!

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Sopy,Dany,Lokhena,Mey mey,Jenny,Sopan,Srei Nuon,Channak, Dara

Sok, Serang

 

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  Wow. Lazy Beach certainly was a tropical paradise. Lazy Beach is a stretch of beach, maybe half a mile long with 10 bungalows and then a big patio which is a lounge area and restaurant. There is no internet, no television, no telephones, so you almost have no choice but to just relax. There are even hammocks on the porches of the bungalows. The Holbeches, Josh and I had such a good time. One of my favourite things was the Tucay geckos, which are large blue lizards with orange spots. They eat insects and small rodents, which is definitely a handy quality on a tropical island which is full of tropical little creatures. One of the Tucay geckos stayed in our bungalow where he happily stuck to a post near our bed. We were hoping that he would snack on the rat that was living under the second bed.

  The island is now just a fond memory as we find ourselves back in the hustle and bustle of city life in Phnom Penh. The island did host a great moment of refreshment between me and the Lord, which is still warming me on the inside, even as I type this.

Jason and Kellie Holbeche just left yesterday, and Josh and I are back full-swing, teaching in the school to the children and the young adults. For the time being, we are the only missionaries at New Life in Christ Church (a team just left) and there is much to be done in one day. But His love drives us, and His presence keeps us going strong. We pray for more and more love...more love for Him, more revelation of His love for us and more love for His precious people. It is not the need that energizes us, but it is His love that He has lit aflame in our hearts. Where else can we go? What else can we do but just surrender our lives and small ambitions to serve Him?


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      We have been in Sihanoukville and already it has been such a good time of rest. It is also great to spend so much time with the Holbeches, and to even feed off their hunger and passion for God. Coming up, we have some meetings with NGOs and we are also going to attend a conference for married couples in the ministry. Keat Kove is actually putting on this conference, and it will take place next week.

      I do have the worst blistering sun burn that I have ever had. I wasn’t trying to tan or anything like that, but I obviously spent too much time hanging out under the sun. It looks like someone took a red paint brush to my body. I’ve been lathering myself in some ‘after sun’ lotion which has Aloe Vera in it. It will be okay. If I want to see some people with actual real problems, I don’t have far to go.

      The children are relentless in trying to sell souvenirs to the mass amount of foreigners lounging at Serendipity beach. It is highly doubted that most of these kids even attend school, though they say that they do. Girls as young as fourteen years old are approached for sex by old men.
     Today I saw one of the most disturbing sights in Cambodia that I have seen so far. A frail, trembling woman carried a stick-thin man who looked like he could die any moment because he was so small and so sick looking. She walked him along in front of her as she staggered along the beach, begging. I find that it’s not so black and white when it comes to responding to beggars. Of course, our first thought is that we should give money, but is that really the right way to help them? Are we just contributing to a ‘begging mentality’ that helps the Cambodians stay bound to the idea of the white man coming and solving all of their problems with money? It is a difficult situation. I would like to learn more Khmer so that I can talk more to the beggars and listen to their stories and ask them what they need.
    
     Love and compassion is needed, but not a kind that we try to formulate. We need the very burning love of God who sent His only dear son to a people full of sin and hatred toward Him. I think that as we spend time in His presence and as we surrender our plans to the desires of the Holy Spirit, we can be led by love and everything we do can be for the benefit of others. I don’t imagine too many Christians venture into Sihanoukville, and so I pray that we will continue to make the most out of our time here.

The children try to talk the Holbeches into buying fruit salad and bracelets.

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      ‘Urges’ are a funny thing. They seem so sudden, yet they have been creeping up all along. And we totally unknowingly cultivate these urges helping them to grow and flourish. ‘Dying my hair’- a sudden urge but not really. You see, as I watched a 1 season and a half of America’s Next Top Model, this urge was fed-by myself and Tyra Banks. I watched in delight as twelve whiney models got makeovers- hair extensions, new bangs, highlights! ‘I should get a makeover’, I thought ‘and I’ll do it in Cambodia?’ Am I crazy? Apparently, I am.

      Me and a Cambodian named Lokeinna from my Bible study (really awesome Jesus-loving girl) jumped on her moto and went to a salon today. I was on a quest to get my ends trimmed and colour my hair. Since Lokeinna speaks decent English, she helped me communicate this to the hair stylist. The hair stylist whipped out a small panel of colour swatches, featuring colours like: orangey-blond, bright red, light blond, black, green, etc. Both Lokeinna and the stylist wereunder the false impression that a white girl can look good with any hair colour even if it’s ‘Ariel from the Little Mermaid-red’!

      I finally convinced them that light red and light blond highlights would do me just fine. Well, I think something got lost in translation! The stylist mixed the light red with the light blond which made a fluorescent orange! It looks like someone took a high lighter and literally used it to streak my hair. I am not upset in the least bit nor do I have any right to be. The whole thing cost $5 and that includes getting my ends trimmed and my hair straightened. Also, I was totally asking for something to go wrong by even going about something like this in a totally different culture. And lastly, because I am white, I am automatically a trendsetter. This fact was confirmed by Lokeinna as she stared at my hair in awe and gushed “Oh, I think next time, I will get this done too!”
Hold still! I’ll just grab a high lighter and do it for free!
  
   So, that is another lesson learned from me in Cambodia, and another reason to perhaps lay off the Americas Next Top Model...maybe after I finish watching this season.

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     Behold Sorya; a dome shaped mall with five floors. Most of the floors of Sorya are booming with all the Western trends that Cambodians have made their own. Manicans with barrel-curled hair, are adorned in ruffly-button up shirts, v-neck sweaters,big jewelery, thick belts, tights, skinny jeans,e. The play boy bunny is never far from view, as it seems to be one of the most popular brands to wear. Both girls and boys wear playboy. It's most popular among teens and young adults, although I have seen a few children sporting the logo as well. A symbol, that has become an emblem in North American culture, representing sex, appears to be so innocent in Cambodia. The bunny head is stitched on very modest apparel such as sandals, track pants, polo shirts,etc.
     From talking to people, we have found out that the meaning behind the Playboy logo, is not common knowledge at all. To the Cambodians, it is just another brand name; the same as Gucci or American Eagle. Some Cambodians who may be keen on American culture and media would know what the symbol really means. But I believe, that most of the Cambodians have no idea that it means.
     Last week, when I was helping in the school, I was talking with one of the Cambodian teachers. I pointed to a preschool student and remarked about how funny he is.
"Yes!"she gushed,"He is a playboy!"
"A playboy?"I asked, making sure that I understood her.
"Yes!"she insisted,"a 'playboy'he likes to play!"
     And so, this is the meaning of playboy in Cambodia; 'one who likes to play'.
oh no..but at the same time..oh well. Since, she was trying to use English terms and speak in a way that would appeal to me as a North American, maybe next time I'll explain to her about 'playboy',so she will know the way that a foreigner would think of it. But for now, ignorance and innocence prevails over the connotations of America's well-known rabbit.

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Valentines Day in Phnom Penh was filled with sweetness. As Josh and I breezed down the streets in a tuk tuk tables of roses could be noticed on just about every street. They were selling single roses for only a dollar. I don't remember how much a single rose costs in Canada- but I am sure that it's more than a dollar!
When Josh and I reached the market we went our separate ways, on a hunt to buy each other surprise gifts. Forty five minutes of squeezing through people in the crowded market(which included the moment that I discovered that the gift that I planned on buying Josh was no longer being sold) resulted in me spending $3 only a last-minute gift idea that I thought was kinda lame. Josh and I had agreed to meet at Sorya mall which was just up the street from the market. Upon reaching the mall, I ran into our favourite video store as a last resort. The girls giggled upon my arrival and wished me a 'happy valentines day'.
"Any plans?" they gushed knowingly. It was written all over their pretty faces that Josh had just been in the same store buying a gift for me and he had told them all about our 'gift exchange plan'. This was no surprise, since Josh and visit this store at least once a week to browse, pick up movies and talk to the friendly people who work there.
"I don't know what to get him!"I groaned to one of the girls. She stood next to me as I flipped through a shelf of movies.
"When do you have to meet up with him?" she inquired. I glanced at my watch. 11:30.
"Oh no, right now!"I exclaimed, "I have to go!" I scrambled out of the store empty handed and made my way to the 'Pizza Company' restaurant. Josh was already sitting inside drinking a beer. As we waited for our pizza and appetizers, we exchanged gifts. Josh was happy with my little gift to him, and he presented me with 'America's Next Top Model' series1-11, and 'We're Not Married' starring Marilyn Monroe. After lunch, we returned to the video store and Josh picked out the rest of his gift from me. Hey, that works too!
"He came here first and told me not to tell you he was here," one of the girls giggled, in the cute way that the Cambodians do. Yes,it was a sweet Valentines Day, topped off with strawberry-banana ice cream sundaes.So clearly we just used Valentines Day as an excuse to buy each other presents and eat ice cream. It was a lot of fun. I don't think that every day should be like Valentines Day in the way of gifts and dessert. But everyday a celebration of love? Yes, please!

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 In response to the demand, Josh and I are now teaching Bible studies every day. The Bible study follows after the English class, at 6:30pm. Josh teaches the Bible to the men, and I teach the women. It is an opportunity for students to also practice their English for another hour, although that is totally secondary to them learning about God. There are about 5-11 students who show up to each Bible study, and several of them come daily.
We are teaching from a book that has the gospel of John printed in both Khmer and English. Josh is also continuing to teach foundational Christian doctrine, and I am teaching from the book of Exodus. The girls are fascinated with the stories of Moses and the Israelites!
It can be a challenge to teach the Bible to people who are learning English as a second language. When I teach I repeat things, use different words to say the same thing, use gestures and draw pictures. There is a mix of students who speak English well, speak some English and hardly speak any English. The students are usually able to help one another out and translate to those who do not understand.
It is impossible to be too basic with the Cambodians. Cambodia is a Buddhist nation, where the story of Adam and Eve is not just common knowledge. We are answering questions about God that we have never been asked before, because they are just so basic. We are teaching the simplicity of the gospel to them, and in turn, we are teaching the Cambodians how to preach the simplicity of the gospel.
I also have a Bible study at 4:00pm, in which I am teaching two students. At the first Bible study, which was yesterday, they asked Jesus to come into their hearts! Now, as the Bible study continues I am answering their questions and discipling them.
Please pray for Josh and I that we may become even more rich in joy, as we experience the love that God is giving us for the unreached people of Cambodia. His love here, is so evident as He calls the Cambodians to come and be His children.

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     Across the water on an island of countryside, there is a church. The church hasn’t had a pastor for many years, but it still continues. A husband and wife, who have been members of this church for a few years, are now overseeing it. Their daughter and son teach and preach at the church, and also teach English to children. Although in the beginning, they did not feel adequate to teach, they tried anyway believing that God would help them, and today the church continues and is a place where the minority of Christians can worship and learn. 
     The mindset of Christianity in rural Cambodia is very different than in North America. Churches attract poor families, who come looking for financial help from the church members. Families who make a lot of money don’t bother going to church, because they are not looking for help. Both situations are sad and have sprung up because of misconceptions about what Christianity is. Cambodians who become Christians are considered traitors to Khmer culture, and are often shunned by family and friends. There is a man who lives and sleeps in the church, to protect the small structure from being robbed of it’s equipment and chairs. This family cares for the church so dearly, as well as work full-time. The father and son are now receiving formal Bible training.
     It’s obvious that running this church hasn’t been all smiles and good times. It has been bitter-sweet and a test of devotion and determination. This family had no obligation to keep this church going. For a family of nine children who probably make less than five dollars a day, the managing of this church has probably been a burden to them, more than anything. It is a burden that they have gladly welcomed, and praise Jesus for. Jesus has made Himself known to them and has won them over with His relentless love. He has changed their lives and has proved Himself to be vital to the life of every human. He has proven Himself so worthy and so crucial to their nation, that they could not let this church die.
     Are we preaching a gospel that is vital to our nation? Is the Jesus we present crucial to our co-workers and our broken-hearted neighbors? Is the truth and invitation of our Savior so undeniable, and our conviction of the power of God, so strong that we would not let our own church die? This family of farmers in rural Cambodia will probably never have a big international ministry, and their names will probably never be known by the world, but their reward in Heaven is great. They are the church that refuses to die.

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