Last Sunday we were happy to witness the baptism
of our new Sister Channa. Even the Todds
were able to be a part of it via Skype.
It’s the first baptism since Jess and I have been here. The baptism was at the BEC on the rooftop in
a big blow-up pool and was a happy day.
A big thanks to the Toddies for all the hard work they have put in teaching Sis Channa, it was a shame they could not have witnessed it in person.
The new English classes are still going
well. We have about ten first-time
students still attending and about ten “Dormers” and old students. Even the BEC staff sometimes sit in on the
lesson and learn a few new words and pronunciation with us. Our weekend classes from 1:30 to 3:30 on Saturday
and Sunday have proved to be the most popular so far.
Being vegetarian does have its
downsides. We took a wrong turn in one
of the biggest indoor markets and found ourselves in the food section where we
went past the seafood and dried fish. Let’s
just say it was an experience. The odour
is hard to describe but it was rich, fermenting, overbearing, eye-watering and
stomach cramping. There were no fans or
windows either which just served to heighten the experience. Jess actually started running to get away
from the smell which not easy to do in a crowded market with very skinny aisles. She claimed that her lunch was not wasted due
to clever usage of the back of her tongue.
Another cultural experience: The last few mornings we have been woken at
about 5am to the tuneful but insanely repetitive music of some kind of chimes. The music only has about four bars and I
believe they really like the tune because they repeat it for 14 hours. It was a funeral service outside the
house next door to the BEC. They set up
a marquee which blocks the off street and the relatives and friends come
together to mourn and celebrate the person’s life. They eat and talk all day and it lasts about
three days. I’m told it’s repeated on
the 7th and 100th days after the person dies so we have
that to look forward to.
Our assessment of the Khmer people: we love them.
They are so warm and friendly.
They are extremely respectful and willing to learn. They also have a fantastic sense of humor
which makes living here very easy.
God is doing a great work here and we are
happy be a part of it.
Luke
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