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greenery grows out of the concrete of the church
It felt very natural to be driving down the busy streets of Phnom Penh again. Drivers on mopeds where weaving every which way, and store owners sat outside their shops looking bored and hot on this Friday morning. Sally Kove had picked us up from the airport, after a string of flights which were smooth (well expect for one bouncy landing) but unavoidably long and tiring.

Our sleepiness was put aside quickly when we reached the church property and were met by cheering children and staff. As we stepped out of the car, the kids pranced to us, calling our names and flinging their arms around us. I embraced them with a sense of relief just to be back and see their beautiful faces and already stand and witness some of their silliness and of course sweetness, during those first few minutes. Josh and I reunited with the teachers, and saw amongst them many new faces as well. Pastor Keat was also there to greet us and welcome us back.

Josh and I went into the house and threw our bags into our room (which is the same room that we lived in before) and headed off to the mall to do some grocery shopping. We pretty much wasted no time. We bought groceries and then surprised the girls at the DVD store. These girls whom we’ve gotten to know and build a relationship with, weren’t sure when we were returning, so it was a complete surprise for them to see us suddenly. After they got over their shock which for most Cambodians translates into a fit of giggles, we caught up with one another and hung out for a little while.

After we got home, we unpacked our bags and arranged our room, organizing our things on wicker shelves. Josh happily unpacked his large stash of coffee, and I pulled out my hair dryer, straightening iron and curling iron, which I had toted in my backpack for the trip, making for a heavy carry-on. The familiar sounds of the Kove’s dogs barking, people conversing in Khmai and the squealing and knocking of rickety vehicles, created a sort of back ground music, as we folded clothes, opened zip lock bags and recreated our little home within that room.

Tiredness began to hit us like a train, but we hung out with some of the students from the English school before class time began. That night we had dinner upstairs with Pastor Keat and Sally, their 11-year old daughter Hannah, and a couple named Mike and Nicki who we actually met last time we were here. They are from Hawaii and so they know the Pastor and his family, from when the Koves once lived there, and now the couple comes on short-term trips to the ministry to help with the English school.

We ate fried chicken and fries, which the Koves had asked their cook to prepare, in a thoughtful effort to ease Josh and I back into the Khmer food, along with rice and vegetables. Josh and I hit the pillow hard that night only to wake at 5AM and find that we couldn’t sleep anymore.

The next day, we went to the market and invested in a kettle and blender, and as I type this with wet hair, I just discovered that I’ll need a new hair dryer due to the high voltage of the one I brought. Pastor Keat invited me to preach at the youth program, and so I spoke about how although some people appear to not have any problems; we have all been born with a sin problem that we cannot fix, but God has provided the only solution in the saving power of Jesus.

Today is church and the rooster outside has long since crowed, and soon many students will be arriving for worship in the newly renovated sanctuary.

I thank God that He has opened the door for us to come back to Cambodia and continue working toward the vision of this ministry, which God has tenderly and faithfully put His hand upon. The days may be hot, the fruit may be slow, the work may be hard, the language may be difficult, but I’m confident in the faithfulness of God that we will experience the sustaining power and joy of His grace.
 


Comments

Jordan Shoe link
03/08/2011 17:59

We firmly believe there is more to life than money, beer, and sex. We just don't know what it is.

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