You know, for some reason I thought I would be better about sending timely updates if I set-up a Blog. Hmmm! I guess the problem’s with the sender, not the medium. In truth, writing doesn’t come naturally to me at all, so I procrastinate. Better just to admit (to myself) that I’m only going to send updates every couple of months, rather than set unrealistic goals that lead me to procrastinate for weeks on end. So, with that out of the way……..
Let's see, what’s been happening……Well, the last couple of months have been different than any other time since I’ve been here. For most of the last year-and-a-half it has been a constant whirlwind of projects, activities, teams, transitions, etc. but now, for the first time, I actually feel settled-in and caught-up! It’s really nice! My “to-do” list is now a “want-to-do” list instead of a “need-to-do” list. And I have time to do some things that truly are important, but somehow always manage to fall to the bottom of the list anyway, like learning the Khmer language. I’ve picked-up enough language so far to get by, but now I’m finally studying through a textbook with a teacher, and it is helping tremendously. I’m even beginning to learn the Khmer alphabet and to read a little. I really enjoy it, but still have to make a conscious effort to make studying a priority. You know how those things go!
The kids are all doing well! Everyone is healthy and happy! They have been back in school for almost two months now. I say that very loosely, because they’ve also had about ten days OFF school so far for holidays, teachers’ meetings, or simply because the teacher didn’t feel like showing up (which happens quite often – and they just leave the kids sitting in the classroom with nothing to do for the whole day!! It’s crazy!). I’m actually concerned about the kids’ education. I really don’t think they’re learning what they need to, and for the most part the teachers don’t care if the kids learn or not. I’m praying for wisdom and direction on what we could do differently to help the kids. They really need more individualized attention, but that’s a difficult task with 30 kids.
On one of the kids’ many breaks from school, we decided to have a special “Boys’ Day” for the boys and a special “Girls’ Day” for the girls. For Boys’ Day, the boys decided to have a fishing tournament in the pond and then cook their catch outside over the fire, like real men. In the evening, they set-up the tent and mosquito nets in the gazebo and camped-out overnight in the wilderness (of the yard). They all felt very macho!
On one of the kids’ many breaks from school, we decided to have a special “Boys’ Day” for the boys and a special “Girls’ Day” for the girls. For Boys’ Day, the boys decided to have a fishing tournament in the pond and then cook their catch outside over the fire, like real men. In the evening, they set-up the tent and mosquito nets in the gazebo and camped-out overnight in the wilderness (of the yard). They all felt very macho!
For Girls’ Day, we first had a mini shopping spree (50¢ each) at the local market where the girls all picked-out a new pair of earrings for themselves. Then we fixed each other’s hair, painted our nails, and dressed-up in our Sunday clothes. We packed our dinner and went to a picnic area at the border and had a lovely picnic outside. In the evening, we had a slumber party in the big house and watched chick-flicks (“Barbie” and “Cinderella”) until we fell asleep. It was definitely a “girly” day!
David (my friend who was over the Home before me) had a break from Thai language school in Chiang Rai and came to visit the kids for a weekend in October! We kept it a secret and he surprised the kids by picking them up from school. They were so excited to see him! They really love him, as he does them. It was a great weekend!
Now our attention is turned to the big events coming up in December. We will have a wedding at the Home, a team visiting from Japan, and at least three different Christmas celebrations all in December. The wedding is between two of our house parents, Witt and Mom. Witt is a young Thai man who grew up at Happy Home in Chiangsen Thailand from 10 yrs old. He had visited and served at Happy Home Cambodia several times over the last few years and had fallen in love with kids and the ministry here. During the course of his visits, he also fell in love with one of our housemoms, Mom! After finishing the Discipleship Training Course with YWAM last year, Witt came to live full-time at Happy Home. Initially he was working with Brandon on other projects, but since August he has been the full-time housedad to the big boys. He’s really great with the kids! Mom is a PK (pastor’s kid) and has been serving with MMF almost four years. She’s a little fireball of energy and ideas and is a great housemom to the big girls. We’re all very excited about their wedding! Please pray for them as they are encountering some unexpected problems with the legal/paperwork aspect of a cross-cultural marriage. But we’re not worried; one way or another, they will be married in December!
Another wonderful door has opened for me to serve the Lord here in Poipet. There is a Christian doctor and his family serving in Poipet with Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA). They have been serving in Cambodia for over five years, but were home in the States on furlough during my first year here. They have now returned to Poipet and the doctor is starting to see patients from the church one day per week. I learned he could use some nursing assistance and talked with him about it. It turns out to be a perfect fit. So now, as I’m available, I’ll be assisting Dr. Kent one day per week in the clinic. I had my first day last week. It was great! He’s teaching me to do tests and procedures I normally wouldn’t get to do in the States. (Don’t worry, nothing too big or risky!) This is such a wonderful blessing to me! As much as I love serving at Happy Home, I have really missed nursing since being here and have been concerned about losing my knowledge and skills base. So once again, here I stand in awe of God’s grace and favor toward me by hearing my prayers and granting me the desires of my heart.
This is Peter on the right. I brought back stickers from Hong Kong for all the kids. Most of the kids put them in their notebooks and school books. I guess because Peter doesn’t have any books yet, he decided to put them ALL on his face at the same time! There is always something entertaining here!Well, I wish you all an abundant Thanksgiving, full of the goodness and grace of the Lord! Many blessings in Christ Jesus!
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations." Ps 100:4-5
