Over time the pungent smells, ad hoc traffic regulations, stark contrasts of poverty against shiny government buildings, erroneous Tuk Tuk journeys and the persistent, musical ice-cream man have become the norm and the beautiful things embedded in the culture of the people here and the spiritual experiences have made for a great experience I will recommend to everyone who wants to share God's plan!
Interested people walk through the doors every day keen to hear what you have say and all you have to do is tell them what you believe when they ask! There are enough resources to keep you busy with English and bible tuition while always adding to the repertoire of bible stories and biblical understanding as you teach and enthuse. It is ideal for all ages - especially us uni students who have a whole lot of not much going on in our summers! The ecclesia and the dormitory are comprised of younger people who are always friendly and keen for a soccer game. We have begun teaching music piano and guitar to a few of the member of the ecclesia to encourage worship opportunities.
Sihanoukville (5 hours from Phnom Penh) provided a whole host of adventures and memorable moments with students. Teaching up to around 7-8 hours a day was wearing but it was inspiring when some would come early leave late.We had a great time together laughing, learning English and exploring the Bible. Srey Pov the cook – continually searching for a dish to make my heart sing – made me some ‘mango sticky rice.’ Think rice, mango and Krispy Kreme donuts! Since then I have attempted several times to make my own unsuccessfully! Chin-yang naa! The beaches were pristine and refreshing after a few weeks in the city.
Once Chinese New Year had successful flattened the attendance and sent the country into a gridlock of traffic, we headed to Srey Pov's province for a birthday party. I was greeted by her mother – not in the typical ‘*hands together* Chum Riep Sewer’ but with a massive hug, lots of skin pinching and then many questions about if I had a girlfriend yet. She was very welcoming. The experience at this birthday revealed the reality of Cambodian culture and family lifestyle. The meal was prepared in a communal dish by everyone as we sat on the floor: ‘cow goes up the mountain’ (dish consisting of beef and greens). We had to stay the night because it was too late and so the family all moved out of the single bedroom and insisted for me and Suphorn to sleep on their bed while they and Srey Pov slept on the concrete.
This and other experience of kindness in their culture continued to amaze me. In Phnom Penh one night after I had spent some time at the markets with the Dormers they refused to let me ride home on my pushbike because they were concerned about my safety and so took me on their moto with one of the others riding my bike. This and one night taking left overs to give beggers a meal. So casual yet so powerful.
Interested people walk through the doors every day keen to hear what you have say and all you have to do is tell them what you believe when they ask! There are enough resources to keep you busy with English and bible tuition while always adding to the repertoire of bible stories and biblical understanding as you teach and enthuse. It is ideal for all ages - especially us uni students who have a whole lot of not much going on in our summers! The ecclesia and the dormitory are comprised of younger people who are always friendly and keen for a soccer game. We have begun teaching music piano and guitar to a few of the member of the ecclesia to encourage worship opportunities.
Sihanoukville (5 hours from Phnom Penh) provided a whole host of adventures and memorable moments with students. Teaching up to around 7-8 hours a day was wearing but it was inspiring when some would come early leave late.We had a great time together laughing, learning English and exploring the Bible. Srey Pov the cook – continually searching for a dish to make my heart sing – made me some ‘mango sticky rice.’ Think rice, mango and Krispy Kreme donuts! Since then I have attempted several times to make my own unsuccessfully! Chin-yang naa! The beaches were pristine and refreshing after a few weeks in the city.
Once Chinese New Year had successful flattened the attendance and sent the country into a gridlock of traffic, we headed to Srey Pov's province for a birthday party. I was greeted by her mother – not in the typical ‘*hands together* Chum Riep Sewer’ but with a massive hug, lots of skin pinching and then many questions about if I had a girlfriend yet. She was very welcoming. The experience at this birthday revealed the reality of Cambodian culture and family lifestyle. The meal was prepared in a communal dish by everyone as we sat on the floor: ‘cow goes up the mountain’ (dish consisting of beef and greens). We had to stay the night because it was too late and so the family all moved out of the single bedroom and insisted for me and Suphorn to sleep on their bed while they and Srey Pov slept on the concrete.
This and other experience of kindness in their culture continued to amaze me. In Phnom Penh one night after I had spent some time at the markets with the Dormers they refused to let me ride home on my pushbike because they were concerned about my safety and so took me on their moto with one of the others riding my bike. This and one night taking left overs to give beggers a meal. So casual yet so powerful.
The time here has allowed me to return home with a confidence and utter reliance on God. The people are here, they are living what they read and they are yearning for God's kingdom. It has been an honour to come to this distant land and share with people the amazing hope we have and to encourage them. You can see the quality it adds to their life and helps them to direct their life in a moral and stable direction with a hope for a future they never had the option of before.
Akun Charaan!
Dan H
Comments
Love Jonno and Ren