Day 2, Phnom Penh English Camp

The truck has now become our mode of travel to and from the church. Today, Karen and I (Liz) got to ride up front. That was a special treat, as 28 people had to cram into the back, while two lucky bodies got to remain unscathed and ride in the front. Today, that was Karen and I. We struck up a conversation with our very kind driver and found out his sister lives in Rochester. He will write her name and email down for us. What a small world we live in!

Day 2 of English Camp meant we were over the awkwardness of meeting our group and could get on to the fun of getting to know them. Our kids are delightful. I love each one of them. Again, we spent the morning working on English. Marti had brought some simple picture flash cards that worked great for English practice. A game of telephone was a fun way to practice speaking skills. At one point the girls were laughing so hard they were all on the floor. It was great.

Hana and her cross-stitch

The lunch hour brought a special treat for Marti and me. One of the girls in our group asked us if we would come to her house to see some of the cross-stitch work she had done. When we found out she only lived a couple of houses from the church, of course we said yes! As we walked up to her house, her mom was saw us and was busily trying to tidy up, just like any of us would do back home if strangers arrived unexpectedly! We just stayed on the porch while Hana brought out her projects. She does beautiful work. Her family is all Christian and attend Tum Nup Tek Church. It was great to visit with them and to thank them for raising their daughter to be a Christian. Hana is 16 years old and teaches Sunday school at her church. Her extended family also live with her, as is typical in Cambodia. Her little sister was out on the porch, I think getting ready for a nap in the hammock, when we arrived. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of her as well.

Hana's little sister, Karen

David Ens monitored the action from the pool

And Bill Lobbezoo said there were no rules at the water park!!

This afternoon we all piled on four busses and went to the water park. Bill Lobbezoo had told us about this water park when he visited our church, and whatever he said, he meant it. And more. It was a sight to behold the people coming down that cement water slide at a hundred miles an hour, some trying to stand up on the way down, some coming head first, all skipping across the small pool and trying to avoid people in the water. Wow, is about all I can say. It was totally amazing and fun, and I only had to hand out a few bandaids. At the end of the day, when most everyone was out of the water, the kids were all buying snacks. They were all so generous, wanting us to try their fruit or snacks.  One young man even bought Marti, Karen, and I each a little package of sandwich cookies.  That sure hit the spot!

See the fun we had? Don't you wish you were here?

Bread!!!!

I can’t end the blog without mentioning our supper tonight. When we walked up to our rooftop diner, there was an audible gasp by all us North Americans, at the sight of bread on every table. We hadn’t seen bread since we arrived, and everyone thought it to be a welcome sight. We were served the traditional Khmer Christmas dinner, curry soup and bread. I wish I had a picture of the soup, but we were all so hungry we just ate it. I almost didn’t get a picture of the bread, either, as there were only three pieces left by the time I thought to take out my camera. Dessert was dragon fruit and mee-an (no idea how to spell it, so I’m writing it phonetically – accent on the last syllable, as in all Khmer words).  Food isn’t everything, but this food sure did end our day well!

Praises:

1.       We are thankful for friendships being formed, among the kids, between campers and teachers, and among the teachers.

2.       We have yet to experience anything more than sprinkles, in the rainy season in Cambodia. This field trip, especially, was a great one for a sunny day, and the weather held for us.

3.       Marti and I are thankful for the opportunity to visit Hana’s home over the lunch hour.

Prayer requests:

1.       We request continued prayers for our relationships with the kids, and that we share freely the love of Christ as it has been given freely to us.

2.       We would love it if you would pray for team member Ron as he starts his flight across the ocean tomorrow morning.