Looks Iike I skipped a day! Yesterday I was sooo tired that I went to sleep by 8:30. Although I woke up at 6,I was still very tired. So I just did what I could do - pray. I had a 10am appt so had to leave the house by 9:30. I had a phone call to make and so sleeping in was not an option. But God is sooo good. I got to my appt late cause my ride was late, but it was perfect. I was so tired going, but once I met Kimmy who took me to the first party, everything changed. She had made me coffee and just being on the back of her motorcycle sipping the coffee she had made with love changed everything. The party was actually held by a cambodian lady who reaches out into the beer gardens etc to help these women out of their life. The pastor that I met from New Life last year had mentioned he would connect her, but never did. Found out today there must have been an email mistake cause she tried contacting me 2 times and never got a response from me. I loved the whole event. She invited all the girls and had a "girls morning" where there was a fashion show and prizes and games and lunch. During lunch I sat with some girls and we talked, hugged and took pictures. I had seen one of them during the program part and she kept looking at me, so I just introduced myself before lunch and she took me by the hand and led to me her table. After lunch some other girls kept looking at me, so we took pics and hugged and smiled at each other. When I first got there, I met 2 guys who are here volunteering and working from abroad - new connections to follow up! I love how God works! While I was at the event a new idea for what we can teach the girls came up - a whole wonderful business idea! I am so excited about it!
After that Kimmy and I went to lunch. She found a super cheap vegetarian restaurant that was actually really good. I was so tired of fried and unhealthy food and I actually got pho like soup! praise God! And I wanted coconut water :) Unknown to me, Kimmy decided she really wanted to get me coconut water and so when I thought we were stopping for her, she bought me one. :) YAY! From there to the market. So here is my plan. Instead of getting a moto, for now I am going to get a bicycle. Yesterday I finally got to sign up for my Khmer classes and although I had hoped I could go with Mr. Rhea as he took his, the timings are different, so I need transportation. So what better way than to bicycle (exercise and safe cheap transportation) So Kimmy and I went to the bike market and she said she'll get me one and bring it over (she has friends who can bargain and know bikes). Then we went to get wrapping paper (Michael and I have been trying for days to get it and we never have time, but YAY! today I got some really nice wrapping paper). We went to olympic market. Reminds me a little of palika bazaar. I was trying to get a little idea of what things are supposed to cost. Since I will be moving out soon, i need to know I won't be getting ripped off :)
I digressed while shopping and started looking at material that would make a beautiful sari or langa and the owner ended up being indian and we started talking. So yesterday I went to see Dr. T - the Sri Lankan doctor - who has the heart for the same sort of outreaches as me. Well, we were talking about setting up a clinic in PP that could be used as a money generator for the village outreaches. I had met the Filipino doctor in the morning who got me a hook up for a cheaper visa :) Both talked about changing locations and suggested the Russian Market. I went home just tired and not really at peace. Michael and I discussed things but nothing was feeling right, so I just asked God to let me know. Interestingly the two indians said there are a 1000 indians in PP and they would all come to me. That I should change locations. I had been discussing all this with Kimmy at lunch. So it was settled, I will stay with my current location. If I move locations and focus on a business, everything I came here to do will be put on hold :) God is just sooo good! He's so clear in speaking to His children. All we need to do is ask :) So, if you are needing direction or help, just ask and I guarantee, in His time and His way, which is always clear and never too late, you will know that you know what to do :)
The nice men gave forced cans of coke on us (Indians are so wonderfully nice) and then we went on our way and another business idea is brewing in my head. In Seattle I was always suggesting money making propositions to my cousin's kid's wife. But now hehe! they are for me. All good and this might work too! Two ideas in one day! :)
I have to say, I am so thankful for our upbringing. My parents took us to india every summer and we have used the bathroom on the side of the road, in the dirtiest places, etc without complaining. I have to say I can't do the side of the road anymore, but filty dirty bathroom - hehe! no problem. Can't sit on the seat, no problem. I know how to get around all the issues and today I really needed too :) You apparently have to pay to use the restrooms here. Why is beyond me. In india it is supposedly for the upkeep but these guys were not so clean hehe! :) But it was sooo worth it. When you have to go (and drinking a large coconut and 3-4 glasses of cold jasmine tea certainly makes you have to go) you have to go :) I love the local restaurants here, you always get served cold jasmin tea! The people are so nice too. The restaurant we went to today saw that all my soup got cold while waiting for kimmy to return from ther coconut finding run that as soon as she came back, they just put warm broth in my soup. I love the people here! there are no tips! It was just the goodness of their heart. So I was eating fake meat, watching a chinese movie dubbed in khmer and talking to Kimmy and having a great time in a restaurant full of adorable and loving Cambodians! I love Cambodia!
From there we were off to a mall. Wow it felt good to get into some air conditioning. I have been blessed by really "cool" weather but I was so happy for the mall. Ended up attending a party for the "precious women" - the group whose event we attended in the am. Met more people and had a great time till Michael came. We went to his class and gathered everyone and went off to the party he was hosting. (It was definitely party day today)
We went to the river side. I had been hoping to pass the palace again and we actually stopped infront of it to gather more people! The party was interesting. No one seemed to be able to understand a word I said. :( But the girl who blossomed after her first time in class with me brought me a little present ( i am not sure if the present is the wrapped box or there is something inside, but I am afraid to open it and ruin it). But just her doing that made the whole outing fun. We went to a pizza place. They have an all you can eat salad, but you have to take everything at one go, so there are such creative ways to really stack the tiny bowl you get. The pizza reminded me of the older days in India. Everyone was putting ketchup all over their pizza and the sauce was ketchup and not real pizza sauce :) We all took pics and had fun without words, but I felt bad cause Michael had wanted to maybe use this as an opporutnit. I got on the motorcycle and told Michael " THEY DONT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING I SAY" I was ready to go home. Friday nights is movie night and there hadn't been anything for me to eat at the party so I was tired. Michael wanted to know if it was ok to stop by the school to meet a friend of his. Of course I wanted to go home, but I couldn't say that, so I started thinking about what I could do while he chatted with his friend. I was a little sad that I would be missing movie night and the popcorn, but I know that God's ways are better than my ways. So we went and the party was still going. So we watched the eating the fruit from a string competition and then dancing starting. Naraleak asked me to dance with her. I am not a dancer. Indians are totally into dancing - parties, weddings etc. People try to drag me to the dance floor but i don't like to go and if I go, i last 30 seconds to a minute and disappear. But I wanted to learn Khmer dancing and I knew it would make everyone happy. So pride aside (the key to being an effective missionary and really just effective in life - to really live life to the fullest is to put pride aside) and went into the center and learned and danced. I didn't last long, but soon was out there again and soon dragging everyone from my classes with me. Of course they couldn't use the "I don't know how to do this" hehe! cause I certainly didn't. We all had a great time. The boss had to keep holding my bag for me, but he was more than happy to do it. Although at the dinner party no one could understand me, at the school party Naraleak was talkign to me and telling me how she is so excited that I will be the teacher when Michael goes on her vacation. It's been her dream to be taught English by a foreigner. I love how God answers prayers. Also interesting how she could suddenly understand me as we talked. Hugged all the kids goodbye and some teachers too and then we headed home. Michael was super happy. This is the 2nd time he's danced in PP. Came home and there was no move night downstairs and upstairs they were watching Once Upon a Time. I never saw the last episodes before I left Seattle so Monichea and I watched together :) YAY! I love how God answers all the desires of my heart. I can't watch hulu here but God still lets me watch my shows :)
I just have to say! God is the best! The BEST!!! I am soooo blessed to have Him in my life. I love how He takes care of the little desires and huge ones too. Nothing is too small or insignificant and nothing is too hard or impossible! For those of you who have never given Him a chance, I would really encourage you to do it, cause it will be the best decision of your life!! I've been a christian for almost 22 years now and never, not even once, not even when I thought He did, has He ever let me down.
All things, literally all things work together for the good of those who love Him!
Love God with all your heart (and you'll love Him because He is so good to you - you can't be unconditionally loved and not love that person back) and your whole life will change!
Ok, off to the province tomorrow so I better go to sleep! Have a great day and I hope you do take a moment to reflect on what this holiday season (despite it not really being the correct date for his birth) means, because if you do, His Love will transform your life and put everything in it into the proper perspective.
God Bless and hope you all have a Merry Merry Blessed Christmas!
After that Kimmy and I went to lunch. She found a super cheap vegetarian restaurant that was actually really good. I was so tired of fried and unhealthy food and I actually got pho like soup! praise God! And I wanted coconut water :) Unknown to me, Kimmy decided she really wanted to get me coconut water and so when I thought we were stopping for her, she bought me one. :) YAY! From there to the market. So here is my plan. Instead of getting a moto, for now I am going to get a bicycle. Yesterday I finally got to sign up for my Khmer classes and although I had hoped I could go with Mr. Rhea as he took his, the timings are different, so I need transportation. So what better way than to bicycle (exercise and safe cheap transportation) So Kimmy and I went to the bike market and she said she'll get me one and bring it over (she has friends who can bargain and know bikes). Then we went to get wrapping paper (Michael and I have been trying for days to get it and we never have time, but YAY! today I got some really nice wrapping paper). We went to olympic market. Reminds me a little of palika bazaar. I was trying to get a little idea of what things are supposed to cost. Since I will be moving out soon, i need to know I won't be getting ripped off :)
I digressed while shopping and started looking at material that would make a beautiful sari or langa and the owner ended up being indian and we started talking. So yesterday I went to see Dr. T - the Sri Lankan doctor - who has the heart for the same sort of outreaches as me. Well, we were talking about setting up a clinic in PP that could be used as a money generator for the village outreaches. I had met the Filipino doctor in the morning who got me a hook up for a cheaper visa :) Both talked about changing locations and suggested the Russian Market. I went home just tired and not really at peace. Michael and I discussed things but nothing was feeling right, so I just asked God to let me know. Interestingly the two indians said there are a 1000 indians in PP and they would all come to me. That I should change locations. I had been discussing all this with Kimmy at lunch. So it was settled, I will stay with my current location. If I move locations and focus on a business, everything I came here to do will be put on hold :) God is just sooo good! He's so clear in speaking to His children. All we need to do is ask :) So, if you are needing direction or help, just ask and I guarantee, in His time and His way, which is always clear and never too late, you will know that you know what to do :)
The nice men gave forced cans of coke on us (Indians are so wonderfully nice) and then we went on our way and another business idea is brewing in my head. In Seattle I was always suggesting money making propositions to my cousin's kid's wife. But now hehe! they are for me. All good and this might work too! Two ideas in one day! :)
I have to say, I am so thankful for our upbringing. My parents took us to india every summer and we have used the bathroom on the side of the road, in the dirtiest places, etc without complaining. I have to say I can't do the side of the road anymore, but filty dirty bathroom - hehe! no problem. Can't sit on the seat, no problem. I know how to get around all the issues and today I really needed too :) You apparently have to pay to use the restrooms here. Why is beyond me. In india it is supposedly for the upkeep but these guys were not so clean hehe! :) But it was sooo worth it. When you have to go (and drinking a large coconut and 3-4 glasses of cold jasmine tea certainly makes you have to go) you have to go :) I love the local restaurants here, you always get served cold jasmin tea! The people are so nice too. The restaurant we went to today saw that all my soup got cold while waiting for kimmy to return from ther coconut finding run that as soon as she came back, they just put warm broth in my soup. I love the people here! there are no tips! It was just the goodness of their heart. So I was eating fake meat, watching a chinese movie dubbed in khmer and talking to Kimmy and having a great time in a restaurant full of adorable and loving Cambodians! I love Cambodia!
From there we were off to a mall. Wow it felt good to get into some air conditioning. I have been blessed by really "cool" weather but I was so happy for the mall. Ended up attending a party for the "precious women" - the group whose event we attended in the am. Met more people and had a great time till Michael came. We went to his class and gathered everyone and went off to the party he was hosting. (It was definitely party day today)
We went to the river side. I had been hoping to pass the palace again and we actually stopped infront of it to gather more people! The party was interesting. No one seemed to be able to understand a word I said. :( But the girl who blossomed after her first time in class with me brought me a little present ( i am not sure if the present is the wrapped box or there is something inside, but I am afraid to open it and ruin it). But just her doing that made the whole outing fun. We went to a pizza place. They have an all you can eat salad, but you have to take everything at one go, so there are such creative ways to really stack the tiny bowl you get. The pizza reminded me of the older days in India. Everyone was putting ketchup all over their pizza and the sauce was ketchup and not real pizza sauce :) We all took pics and had fun without words, but I felt bad cause Michael had wanted to maybe use this as an opporutnit. I got on the motorcycle and told Michael " THEY DONT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING I SAY" I was ready to go home. Friday nights is movie night and there hadn't been anything for me to eat at the party so I was tired. Michael wanted to know if it was ok to stop by the school to meet a friend of his. Of course I wanted to go home, but I couldn't say that, so I started thinking about what I could do while he chatted with his friend. I was a little sad that I would be missing movie night and the popcorn, but I know that God's ways are better than my ways. So we went and the party was still going. So we watched the eating the fruit from a string competition and then dancing starting. Naraleak asked me to dance with her. I am not a dancer. Indians are totally into dancing - parties, weddings etc. People try to drag me to the dance floor but i don't like to go and if I go, i last 30 seconds to a minute and disappear. But I wanted to learn Khmer dancing and I knew it would make everyone happy. So pride aside (the key to being an effective missionary and really just effective in life - to really live life to the fullest is to put pride aside) and went into the center and learned and danced. I didn't last long, but soon was out there again and soon dragging everyone from my classes with me. Of course they couldn't use the "I don't know how to do this" hehe! cause I certainly didn't. We all had a great time. The boss had to keep holding my bag for me, but he was more than happy to do it. Although at the dinner party no one could understand me, at the school party Naraleak was talkign to me and telling me how she is so excited that I will be the teacher when Michael goes on her vacation. It's been her dream to be taught English by a foreigner. I love how God answers prayers. Also interesting how she could suddenly understand me as we talked. Hugged all the kids goodbye and some teachers too and then we headed home. Michael was super happy. This is the 2nd time he's danced in PP. Came home and there was no move night downstairs and upstairs they were watching Once Upon a Time. I never saw the last episodes before I left Seattle so Monichea and I watched together :) YAY! I love how God answers all the desires of my heart. I can't watch hulu here but God still lets me watch my shows :)
I just have to say! God is the best! The BEST!!! I am soooo blessed to have Him in my life. I love how He takes care of the little desires and huge ones too. Nothing is too small or insignificant and nothing is too hard or impossible! For those of you who have never given Him a chance, I would really encourage you to do it, cause it will be the best decision of your life!! I've been a christian for almost 22 years now and never, not even once, not even when I thought He did, has He ever let me down.
All things, literally all things work together for the good of those who love Him!
Love God with all your heart (and you'll love Him because He is so good to you - you can't be unconditionally loved and not love that person back) and your whole life will change!
Ok, off to the province tomorrow so I better go to sleep! Have a great day and I hope you do take a moment to reflect on what this holiday season (despite it not really being the correct date for his birth) means, because if you do, His Love will transform your life and put everything in it into the proper perspective.
God Bless and hope you all have a Merry Merry Blessed Christmas!
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