Cambodia 2009

Hello from Cambodia (while I'm still here).

The month has gone by pretty fast. I left on the 28th of January and leaving here on the 26th of February and now's the 21st already.

We touched down Phnom Penh where we (See Lian, Keane, Desmond, Jessica, Christine and myself) stayed at Steve Hyde's place which look like a palace full of Mahogany goodness. Not to mention the hospitality and kindness they showed us when we're there. He brought us to his office to show us quite abit of their bible translation programs and workers there. After 2 days, we left for Kratie which is pronounce as (Cra-che) on a bus.

We stayed at the centre where all the kids are with ps. Saret and wife (Tida). There we met Dan and Heidi (the two American's who came along with another girl Elizabeth as soon as Reuben and I left). Elizabeth went back to the States while Dan and Heidi stayed back to teach the children English and Typing. The centre is very beautiful compared to the rest of Kratie. The children planted lots of vegetable in the centre along with Dan and Heidi so we get our very own freshly grown vegetables some times.

I was so pleased and excited to see the kids fervently worshipping God with all their hearts. They certainly improved so much that I ended up teaching them what I taught myself 3 years ago (the last time I came with Reuben) and am still learning now in Cambodia. We bought a guitar from Phnom Penh to be given to the centre for the kids too. It can be quite tiring teaching the same lesson over and over again because I have to conduct a few classes as the kids are not all around at once but thank God for Heidi as she knew Khemai and some guitar too and was able to assist in the teaching and eventually, teach the kids herself. She bore the burden of teaching the kids more as she has to interpret and explain further.

Speaking about interpreting, the kids know a fair ammount of English already, thanks to Heidi and Dan for teaching them and just being around. They took lessons to learn Khemai starting from kindergarden Khemai books. Their love and grace enabled them to have the patience and love for the kids and the nation of Cambodia to learn their language, eat their food and sleep on mats.

Heidi bought a violin and it's a good one for 50 Dollars including the case. Really tempting me to get one myself. I might get one if I find a good one in Phnom Penh which I will be going on Tuesday 24th. I think there may be room for worship in music in church to incorporate the violin. Hmmmm.... I guess I can explore for 50 dollars.

Now, I can't wait to get back to the comforts of Malaysia. I would really miss the dryness in Cambodia. Although it's really hot now, and I get all sweaty at night and sleeping while you're sweaty isn't exactly the best thing in the world. But when it's cool and cold during the month of January, it's so cold and niceee... Something equivalent to Fraser's Hill.

Anyway, this is for you Michelle. LOL~~!! I just saw your comment on my previous post and thought, yeah, why not write about the experience here. So here it is. The kids can play drums, bass, acoustic guitar, some electric guitar, and some keyboard. They can play Santana's songs!

I made a kid cry. LOL~! I love him so much. He's 17 this year and I wasn't scolding him or anything. But I think the pressure was too much. Poor kid. I really love him as my own. Wish I could smuggle some kids back to Malaysia with me. Their all so nice and loving and kind. Some more than others but they all have such good hearts.

Oh well, that's it for now. Be back soon.