Heading Home Tomorrow

Leaving someplace you have grown to love is always hard.  I used to kid about how crazy I must be to take on a job that includes a third of the world’s landmass and half of its population.  But, in truth that is not the hard part.  The hardest things is going to new countries and falling in love with the people and only being able to stay a short time.  My kids used to be “worried” every time I would travel wondering if we would then be moving there.  I have always had a bit of thevagabond in me and maybe that’s why mission work suits me.

Anyway, here we are again, having spent the last month in Cambodia and finding our hearts drawn closer to the people we teach and the people we work with.  Dennis and Sharon Welsh, Rich and Ronda Dolan, and especially this trip Julie Broyles.  And even that doesn’t mention the Khymer workers in the church here in Phnom Penh.  These are all people worthy of your prayer and support.  The work they do is producing long-lasting effects for the kingdom of God.

Let me just note a few of the things I believe have been accomplished on this trip:

1.  I taught at Cambodian Bible Institute each day and taught 21 students Old Testament History 2.  We covered the time of Joshua through the end of the O.T.  Yesterday was the final exam and they did wonderfully.  I am proud of their progress and surprised at the English skills that many have even though the class was translated into Khymer.  We had one graduate while here and there will be many others in October of this year.

2.  Shirley taught seven students at the BEST Center each day.  She has a unique way of opening Bible study to those who came for English.  Many of her students will go on to in-depth Bible studies with the young Khymer ministers of the church here. (Try and Veasna).

3.  We made a trip to Vietnam to survey the work there for how we can help train the church in more depth in their study of  God’s word.  They are hungry like I hardly ever get to see.  It’s another of those place (but, really the people) that I have fallen in love with.  Minh Van Ho leads a great group of about 30 Christians.  His son, Na Cha, is studying in our school in Singapore and in another year will be returning to help his father.  He will have great training and be able to supplement their studies.  Right now we are trying to work on ways that some can go from here in Cambodia and start the process.

4.  I met with two young Khymer preachers Channy and Sokun.  Channy is already a graduate of the school and Sokun will finish in October.  They are both from villages in the northern area near Battenbang.  Battenbang is the second largest city in Cambodia with nearly 300,000 people and no church.  They are both interested in going there as a team to begin the work and help in their villages as well.  Sokun (my top student this year) comes from a denominational background and the group (including his family) are just waiting for his return to teach them more completely.  It will be a great opportunity at a strong beginning.  Each will have skills to help with a vocational but support so that they can really give their attention to church planting and growing would be wonderful.  I am committing myself to helping that new work begin next year.

We again thank all of you who have prayed and helped us to be here.  The longsuffering of the Ham Lane church in Lodi is especially appreciated.  To our friends at Peach Tree Lane we also say a great thank you.  We will be home this weekend with stories to tell.

VIETNAM WEEKEND

Shirley and I have returned from our Vietnam weekend.  Our purpose was to meet Christians there and find if there were ways to help them within the parameters of my work with SIBI.  It was an adventure, to say the least.  First a six hour bus ride on Cambodian and Vietnamese hiways…whew!!! We got to see the countryside and rode a ferry (bus and all) across the Mekong River.  We arrived safely even after a bus breakdown and being picked up by the next one coming along.

Our bus deposited us near the Ben Thanh Market (more or less the center of the city).  We found a taxi to our hotel and rested for a bit before venturing over to the market (pictured above).  We were mauled by a sea of vendors trying to sell us almost anything.  It was uncomfortable and not like the markets in Cambodia.  We didn’t stay very long and walked back through a beautiful park and rested until meeting up with brethren.

Brother Minh Ho and Brother Trung met us at the hotel and we took another taxi ride to Minh Ho’s home.  Minh in the father of Nha Ca Ho who is a student of  at the Singapore International Bible Institute.  It was Nha Ca who put us in touch with his father who preaches for the Ho Chi Minh City church.  We met with several members at Minh’s home including his wife Kim Chi, Nha Ca’s girlfriend Ngoc Tu, and Sister Thanh Yeu.  We had a lovely meal sandwiched between the drums and flutes of a Buddhist funeral next door and a thundering rainstorm.  The fellowship was beautiful and Bro Trung, who speaks six languages including English and Vietnamese. was able to translate for us.

After a ride back to the city we got a great nights sleep anticipating the worship on Sunday with many others of the church.  When Sunday morning arrived we had to leave early as a protest regarding Chinese policies in Vietnam were anticipated.  We arrived at the worship place, Sister Yen’s home, after about an hours travel.  We were rushed into her home and the door closed swiftly behind us.  No one wanted to cause any difficulty for Sister Yen who has generously offered her home for worship.  We met with 30 saints in a little room that squeezed us together pretty good.  After a Bible class I preached on Romans 8 and the spiritual blessing we have in Christ.  I was honored to be there and honored to be bringing the words of life to these sweet and faithful brothers and sisters.  After much singing and the Lord’s supper, we took pictures and then Shirley and I took all who could come to lunch.  We ate well (noodles and beef), and drank Coke, coffees, and tea…lunch for 20 — $50 — PRICELESS.  We were introduced to the rest of the brethren and Shirley and I sat next to Brother and Sister Number 10.

After lunch we said our goodbyes and were taken back to the meeting place for the bus.  I am planning a follow-up trip and trying to line up some teachers from our Cambodian Bible Institute alumni to go and help them with some more in-depth learning.

Our trip home was eventful, seeing a moto accident and having to pay an additional $50 for a visa.  We forgot we only had a single entry visa to Cambodia and had to apply for another one.  Instantly granted, but I only had $42.  The bus attendant paid the other 8 until we got back to Phnom Penh.

All in all it was a wonderfully fulfilling weekend.  I am so glad that Shirley shared it with me.  I am anxious to begin more help for these wonderful brothers and sisters.  Will you be praying with me on their behalf?

Beautiful Feet, Beautiful People

 

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 

Here are the feet of some wonderful Khymer young men and women training to preach the gospel.  They are among the most dedicated and enthusiastic young folks in the world.  They will change the course of their country’s future as they bring light to dark places.  I am certainly proud to be among their teachers.  If you were around them your life would change too.

Here we are with friends at the Phnom Penh airport.  It’s the only place I know in Asia with a Dairy Queen.  It is not unusual to find people fighting over who gets to pick up or drop off at the airport based on knowing that means a Dairy Queen run.  Pictured are Rich Dolan (CBI Dean), Julie Broyles (Director of the BEST Center), Shirley and myself.  The picture was taken by Bobby Deason, a friend of many many years.  We hadn’t seen Bobby for 15-16 years and of all places we meet in Cambodia.  Bobby was here to teach a course that would have been taught by our fallen brother Tawn Lork. He loved the experience and the students loved him.  In the old days the kids up at Sierra Bible Camp used to call him “Uncle BoBo”….now we call him “CamBoBo”.  Love you Bobby, thanks for coming.

Now for a couple that fall into the “Don’t try this at home category……”

Believe it or not, these are common sites on the streets of Phnom Penh and surrounding areas.

We wish you all well.  Things are great here.  Plenty of people to teaching knowing that our teaching won’t end with our students.  We thank you all for making it possible and the sacrifices that came with it.  I can honestly say, “wish you were here!”

First Day’s Teaching

Shirley and I have completed our first day of teaching.  Her at the BEST Center and me at the Cambodian Bible Institute.  She has six students per day and I have a class of 22.  It has been wonderful getting re-acquainted with our Khymer friends and brothers and sisters.  It is also wonderful to see the growth each of them have made in the past year.

This Saturday we will be attending the wedding of two of my students, Piseth and Sovan.  They are a lovely couple who have fallen in love while attending CBI.  A wedding in Cambodia is a special time and filled with beautiful symbols of love and fidelity.  Last year we attended the Wedding of Channy.  Now he is continuing his education and skills to preach the gospel in this great country.

Rich and Ronda Dolan return today.  Rich is the director of the school.  They have been in the states attending a son’s graduation and parents anniversaries.  It will be good to see them.

A most precious thing happened on Saturday while Shirley and I were seeing some of the sights in town with Bobby Deason.  We were at Wat Phnom and about to ascend the hill to the temple at the top when we came across a young woman named “Chandra”.  She was a week away from giving birth and was radiant with all the promise that it brings.  She stood when we were near like she knew us.  She was especially enamored by Shirley and her beauty.  She wanted to touch Shirley’s face.  Of course, Shirley was blushing….but, I am sure she saw both the inner and outer beauty of my wonderful bride.  We continued on and didn’t see her on the way back…but we are praying for her and her baby.  She said she knew Jesus, but she also claimed hope in many other religious ideals too.  We pray that she and her baby will come to know Jesus in a way not yet experienced.

I finish with Joshua today and start on the Judges tomorrow.  Excited study for me as it shows over and over the wonder of God’s provision.  It is also filled with a warning to follow God wholeheartedly.  We are seeing that example lived in both sides of the Pacific.  Thank all of you who are continuing the faithful walk, for your example and for the peace it brings in life to all who will follow it.

Cambodian Days and Nights

It’s early morning and the noise begins about 4:30.  It is a busy city Phnom Penh. We have caught up on our sleep and are ready to explore on this Saturday.  It’s National Plowing Day in Cambodia.  The King will drive some oxen today to grain or wine.  If they drink wine it will be a bad year.  If they eat healthy food it will be a good year.  Sounds logical to me.

We had a couple of opportunities already to meet with the Kymer brethren.  A singing on Thursday night and a devotional breakfast on Friday morning.  It is always good to see the young Christians here in song and praise.

We have also been reunited with our good friend Bobby Deason.  It has been many years since we have been together and imagine it comes in Cambodia.  It is sweet to love on him.  Today we are headed to the National Museum and Phnom Wat.  Channy, a former student, will take us in his Tuk Tuk.  He supports his work and family by driving.  He will be my driver this week back and forth from school.  We have also been reunited with Dale Lundy.  Dale is a St. Louis resident who is also a frequent teacher here.  Most welcome teacher and very good man.  Wish we had a hundred of him and Bobby throughout our schools in Asia.

Shirley will begin her teaching here at the BEST (Bible English Study and Training) Center on Monday, same day I begin at CBI.  We are anxious to get started and know that we work on behalf of many of you that make our ministry here happen.  It’s a beautiful day today…will probably hit the high 90′s and almost the same in humidity.  We will expect a downpour sometime during the day as the rainy season has begun.  Just know we are happy to be here and expecting to see marvelous things in this developing country and equally developing Kingdom.

God bless you all,    Ron

Shirley and I in Singapore

Hello to all.  We have arrived safely in Singapore and have enjoyed a day of relaxation and hospitality.  We slept what we could and visited Vivo City late morning.  The afternoon found us resting again to get rid of the jetlag.  Last night we had dinner with Brandi Kendall, Boo Chai Ooi and his wife Rosie, and Adrian Teo and his wife Doreen.  We ate at the Scholar’s Club which is a restuarant connected to the alumni of The National Singapore University.  Boo Chai and Rosie are both pediatricians and are graduates of the university.  I can only tell you it was a feast that started with Roast duck in a honey sauce and then Shark fin soup.  After that I get lost, but everything was wonderful.  This morning we are getting ready to worship at Pasir Panjang.  We will greet the students and then after lunch come home to prepare for the beginning of classes tomorrow.  I will try to add some photos to the next post.  In the meantime we are well and appreciative of your many kindness and prayers.  God richly bless each one of you.

TIME IS FLYING…

Finished for the week.

 It’s Friday afternoon and the work week is finished. Tomorrow will be a shopping day and a day of rest. Today was regular class time and then lunch at the PIP house with Shirley and her co-workers. After we arrived home I went to the travel agent and made our reservations for next weekend’s trip to Angkor Wat. Tonight we will have a lazy dinner and swap mission stories with our friends. We have seemed to balance our sleep and heat problems by now. No long naps in the middle of the day and good sleep at night. We had another downpour this morning and it made the morning hours very pleasant. It was probably 80 plus degrees all morning and one of Shirley’s students called in and said he could not make it as it was too “cold”…go figure. The humidity has returned this afternoon. But, we are finding it easier to deal with.

 Have I told you about the peanut brittle? Yummmmmm. Saturday morning and we have made our trip to the market. The Russian Market which is about half a mile from the house is one of the larger markets in PP. It is filled with every type of craft and merchandize that is made in Cambodia. They also sell boot leg video, cds, and knock off clothes and watches, etc. It is in a building that is a block square and has hundreds of stall set up in cramped and very hot quarters. It also contains a food area that both sells anything you want and also prepares it. The sights and especially the smells are very interesting. We bought most of our gifts to take home there this morning. Around 12 we went down to the River area where the seat of government and the palace of the King is and had lunch at a European café called Java. My first hamburger in almost five weeks…first beef for that matter! It was a leisurely meal as they will not come to give you your check until you ask for it. Two hour meals are common. We talked and talked loving the views and the sights and sounds of the government district. Late this afternoon Shirley and I walked up to a convenience store (kind of like a 7-11) to buy some cokes for dinner and some dried cuttlefish for Ronda. We were able to do all of our banking online today and catch up on email as well. A quick sandwich for dinner and we are getting the last things done for the day. It will be an early start in the morning as we are doing in the country to visit several village churches. We are anxious to see them and worship with our Cambodian brethren outside of the city.

Sunday What a wonderful day it has been. Arise at 6 and on the road before 7. We picked up an entourage of about 30 members from the church that meets at the PIP house and traveled about 80 kms to the village of Krang Dong. We arrived at almost 10 after traveling roads filled with traffic and dirt roads that led far out into the country. Our car was filled with lovely Khmer young people who had done the planning for the day. We carried food for 100 and songs on our hearts. When finally arriving we helped set up for the food processing. There were “tons” of vegetables to be cut to add to the giant pot of curry that had been prepared on Saturday. They were added together and a wonderful aroma filled the village. We played with the children, visited with the older people, and had conversations with many. When noon arrived we worshiped with about 80 people spread out under the trees on two tarps and one woven mat. Sothea, the young preacher there and a graduate of CBI shared the Word of God and we all joined in song and the Lord’s Supper. I understood none of the words but all of the heart. After worship we gathered for lunch. There was plenty of food and the villages shared that which was left over. Again we played with the children and men from the church, who help support Sothea, met with him to encourage and pray. By 2:30 we were on the road and arrived back to the PIP house by four.

We left for a quick nap and then ate dinner at Yejj. I had my favorite Khmer food mi char. Yummy! I have finished my preparation for tomorrow and it’s about time for sleep. I miss my bed, I miss my children, and I miss the cool. But, God has brought us here and I wouldn’t miss this for the world. God bless… Monday Last full week of school. I can tell the students are getting the message as I see their quiz scores getting better and the questions they ask more to the point. I think they will have a good understanding of the history of the church in Acts. I hope they will be able to duplicate the excitement and result of those early days. They have a “white field” into which they will preach the gospel. This afternoon Shirley and I returned to the market. It is closed in and hot, but so full of life and laughter. It’s a real slice of Cambodian life. This evening Som Nang came over and fixed the system here that now allows us to have access to the internet on my computer. THAT MEANS WE CAN SKYPE…but, so far no one has been on. Oh well, maybe this afternoon.

THE WEEKEND AND BEYOND

The Weekend

It’s Saturday, yeah!!  The girls (Shirley and Ronda) are headed off for a baby shower this morning and Rich suggests that we go get a massage.  Greco wrestling is more like…I came home feeling black and blue.  But, once the soreness wore off I forgave the poor girl and am feeling quite relaxed. We foraged for lunch on our own and then studied until Shirley came home.  We went to the Russian market (one of Phnom Penh’s several big markets filled with everything the country has to offer).  We only looked today, and we will go back and purchase several things before we return to the states.  We are home for a little bit and then will go for a tour of the city by evening.  We will go down by the government buildings, embassies, and the river Tonle Sap.  It is an interesting river in that part of the year it flows one direction and the other part of the year the other.  Actually, it is how Phnom Penh got its name.   Long story, much legend, google it!!!

Our drive to the river was wonderful.  No air-conditioning in the car, but…it has to have cooled down to at least 90.  To see the river where the Tonle Sap and Mekong come together and all the people out enjoying the parks, fountains, etc. is very nice.  We had dinner at the Kiwi Bakery…two floors up overlooking the river with a nice breeze blowing.  Great food, low cost…exceptional company.  Are you ready to come to Cambodia yet?

Sunday morning comes early.  The church meets at 8 am for two hours.  Actually, that’s the Phnom Penh church.  We have been going there in the morning and the University church which meets at the PIP house at 4 pm.  It makes for a long day but one filled with fellowship and love and laughter.  Rich taught at the PP church this morning and I preached at the Pip house tonight.  In between we studies and took a small nap.

This evening we went to dinner with the Dolan’s, the Welsh, and Tab and Troy who work with the nutrition and literacy programs for PIP.  We went to an Italian restaurant.  It was great food and good fun.  Shirley will have to explain the décor to you.  I had pizza and Shirley had Carbonara.  We gave in to the temptation.

We are at home now getting ready to get some rest for a new week of studies.  Next Sunday we are going to the countryside.  We will visit one village where a graduate preaches and have fellowship with their congregation.

Hope we can talk to Mikayla tomorrow on her birthday.  Phone situation is a little finicky.

Monday our time/Sunday yours

We started the day with the anticipation of talking to Mikayla on her birthday.   After a few tries we were able to hear her sweet voice and learn all about her day.  She was so filled with news for us and she sounded much older as if she has grown greatly older in the four weeks we have been gone. 

The workday started with a walk to the school and chapel.  My teaching seems to be hitting the Khmer mind a little bit better.  I have tried to make a healthy adjustment.  Questions, questions, questions…they are filled with the questions of a mind ready to soak up any and all of God’s word that they can.  I filmed my ride home by Tuk Tuk and hope to add it here…

This afternoon Shirley and I walked in the heat of the day to a bank that also handles Western Union.  We had an urgent need from India that we needed to help with…the saying about “Mad dogs and Englishmen” is what the people must have been saying in Khmer.  They don’t walk in the heat of the day.  We deserved it.  We treated ourselves to Pepsi and Juice on the way home.  They squeeze sugar cane into a plastic bag and at ice and water to make a very refreshing drink.  You see it dangling on motorbikes all over town. 

Some additional study this afternoon for tomorrow and a quiz for the class came before dinner.  The meals are fun as we share them around a table with the Dolan’s and learn of each other’s lives. We are feeling the blessings of the Lord again tonight as we grow closer to sleep.  Good night friends…

Tuesday

The power went off last night at 10 for a couple of hours.  Without the fans in the room the temperature went up to 90 almost immediately.  That meant no sleep for hours and the restlessness that goes with it. It made for a long morning of teaching…but, a good one nonetheless.  For lunch Dale Lundy from St. Louis joined us.  Dale has been teaching leadership in and about Cambodia and Singapore on this trip.  He has a keen interest in Cambodia and his presence here was welcome.  He leaves to return to his family tomorrow.

Afternoon was hours of study and a nap.  A couple of great hours with the Dolan’s and now it is time to prepared for some more study and then sleep.  Tomorrow will be a good day.  It is a “minor” Buddhist holiday so Shirley doesn’t teach.  She will get to go to chapel with me in the morning and then she is going to see some sights with Ronda.  She is most anxious to get to the Post Office as they have no home delivery here.  She wants our postcards to beat us home! 

Now, everything you wanted to know about Demon Possession for class tomorrow before 11 pm.  Wish me luck and keep the prayers coming.  God Bless…

Wednesday

I found out that yesterday’s minor Buddhist holiday was the combining of Buddha’s birth, death, and day of enlightenment…corresponds with a full moon.  No big deal!  Unless you are in a Buddhist country.

Shirley went to the embassy this morning with the Dolans.  Since she did not have an appointment they wouldn’t let her go in.  So, she waited outside and took pictures of children, etc.  After a while she noticed a guard from the embassy motion for her to come over…seems she was not allowed to take pictures of the embassy and it was in the line of sight for her photos…They took down all of her passport information, etc. and ran a check on her.  After deleting the pictures she was let go.  I told her that whereas I was the only one in the family who had been cursed by a eunuch, she had the unique distinction of being the only one in the family detained at an embassy as a potential terrorist.  I called her Achmed the rest of the day…

Greet day in class and our worship tonight was good too.  We were able to converse a little with some of the students and the evening was filled with laughter.  We did go shopping a little today as well.  The girls had a gelato and I was followed around the market by two little girls…they giggled and seemed to  be fixated on my tummy…I shared gum with them and we parted ways as we were leaving.  I have no real idea what to think about it…maybe they wanted money.  I called them my two stalkers. 

 

ANOTHER DAY IN THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

Another day in the Kingdom of Cambodia

Today was my first classroom experience in Cambodian Bible Institute.  The students were bright and alert and seemed to be listening to what was being translated in Khmer for them.  Tawn Lork, one of the teachers and translator for the school has been ill since coming back from Thailand.  He barely made it through the class and I tried to give him an extra break and stopped a little early.  I hope he is better tomorrow because we will have to begin running over time lost.

Teaching for three hours in the hot Cambodian days, take it out of an old Californian.  I find myself staying very close to the fans.  Luckily, we teach barefooted and the tile on the floor is relatively cool.  I got home before Shirley today, by Tuktuk, and we had a quick lunch and afternoon siesta followed by several hours of study and preparation for tomorrow.

Robert Holmes from Houston is visiting for a couple of days and it has been nice to get to know him.  He was one of the first “Aggies for Christ” out of A and M.  Tonight we met the ladies from the PIP house who teach English at a Pizza place at the mall next to the central market.  It was good pizza and we shared lots of laughter.  These are some of the finest people I have ever known and I am so proud to work alongside all of them. 

After dinner we found a grocery store and got some crackers for me and some caramel tea for Shirley.  I also found an ATM that has no service charge and that made us happy.  Back to the Dolan’s and in for the night.  It’s almost 10 and with a little more study and ready we can call it a night.  Morning comes early and the chirping geckos serenade us.

Be happy for us and continue your prayers.  The Khmer are wonderful, sweet, and innocent people and we are loving our time with them.

Wednesday

Another day of classes for both of us.  Tawn had to leave into the third hour to go to the Doctor.  I think he has an inner ear problem, or maybe a sinus infection, bless his heart.  I gave my first quiz today and the students for the most part did ok.  I might have to adjust my style a little to make sure they completely understand me.

This afternoon was another study time.  A short nap in the hot of the day made for a much better sleeping night.  Tomorrow night I am teaching at a gathering of missionaries so I must add that study as well.

This evening we went to the airport to see Robert off.  We also took advantage of the fact that there is a Dairy Queen at the airport.  Yummmm, a Blizzard with chocolate chips and brownie chunks.  My reward for the mile walk in the hot temps to school each day.  They say you never have much trouble around here finding someone to take you to the airport!  Each way we pass by many “clubs” where there is music (loud), alcohol, and girls to greet you.  The girls are dressed in what I could call 80’s prom dresses. Some clubs even color coordinate.  Very interesting things are afoot here in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Thursday

Today was another wonderful time with my class.  I am beginning to see things emerge as to the leaders, etc.  A Cambodian wedding was taking place across the street.  They are long affairs…this one started yesterday afternoon and finished today at about two.  Complete with loud speakers that make it very hard to hear yourself.  Lots of customs, I will share later.  We have been invited to a wedding on the weekend of the 8^th.

After class we rested, studied, graded papers, recorded test scores and studied some more for a class at the PIP house that includes all the missionaries in town.  It was interesting as we sang songs familiar to us in English and worshipped without any Khmer.

I heard an interesting comment tonight.  Two ladies were discussing going somewhere together tomorrow and the question was asked “Car hair or Moto hair?”  Translated that means are we riding Motor scooters (no fancy hairdo) or in a car (fully coiffed).  The things you see and hear in Cambodia.

FRIDAY!!!

When I asked the students what their most special day was (I was going to compare that with the Day of Pentecost in my study and I expected, birthday, weddings, etc.) their answer was “Saturday”…when I inquired which Saturday they said…”every Saturday”.  After a long week of teaching, meetings, Bible studies, etc. I had to agree.  It was nice to see a Saturday coming.

The study is going well and I think I have about worked out a style that engages them.  It has been hard with a change in translators as Tawn is still sick.  But, the new translator Vesnay is a former student and one they all know.  His English is not quite as fluent as Tawn’s , but he does very well.  They tested better today so I think my adjustments are working.

After school and a little study for Monday we went to the Welch’s for dinner.  It was a time that they invited all the students and many other Khmer church members and we sang for over an hour.  The people are so young and sincere and filled with enthusiasm for the Lord.  We enjoyed our time very much and played with some of the children.

Home to blog and to sleep…tomorrow is SATURDAY!!!

Arrive in Thailand…

This morning we left Angeles City at 5:30 am to make a 10 am flight in Manila; one hour direct…and three hours with traffic.  All and all, it was a good ride and to see the sights along the way are always interesting and amusing.  Even at 5:30 the air conditioner is cranked up all the way.  Humility again is the hardest thing for us to deal with.  But, we are getting a little used to it by now.

A couple of hours at the airport and some switching things around to not be charged with excess baggage and we called the kids and waited for our flight to Bangkok to be called.  It was a three hour flight and Shirley was able to get some sleep along the way.  Arrival and immigration in Bangkok was swift and we were met by Patinya and Tuli.  It was wonderful to see them. 

A trip to Patinya’s to drop off what we wouldn’t need at camp and we were on our way to the 2010 Bible Camp at Cha-am Beach.  That meant another three hour drive, but the countryside was beautiful and Shirley was getting her first taste of Thailand.

We arrived at the camp and then checked into our accommodations.  We are staying at a Red Cross run hotel a few miles from the beach.  Nicest place we have stayed on the trip and the cheapest too.  The first day of camp found us meeting old friends and making new ones.  Unfortunately, everything at  camp  is in Thai.  We still love the singing and try to follow the passages for Bible Study.  Today in Thailand is New Year’s Day and everywhere you go people douse you with “powder” and water to refresh you, we are told this part lasts all week.  They take their jobs very seriously.

Tomorrow morning Patinya is taking us to the “fresh market” in Cha-Am.  We will see the days catch and find some fruit and vegetables.  Then we will return to camp for morning study and devotional.  After lunch we will head back to Bangkok.  On Thursday Tuli is going to be our guide in town and try to keep us from the “mobs” that are fighting with the government and the military.  We feel perfectly safe.

Last Day of Camp and travel back to Bangkok

Today began with an early morning trip to the Fresh Market of Cha-Am.  It reminded us of the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.  Lots of people, lots of produce and meats and fish…little counter top restaurants.  Painya had a bowl of noodles and what he said in America would be menudo.  We passed and found beautiful fruit.  I had a coffee, but most things here are instant.  We did eat a little fried bread.  Kind of like a small star shaped donut without anything thing on the outside.

We had packed our bags the night before so we went back to the hotel to load our bags and head for camp for our final day.  The day was filled with beautiful fellowship and a longing to get to heaven where we can communicate in the same language.

After lunch we experienced a Christian form of the water blessing that is being observed all over Thailand.  All of the people in camp over age 50 (Shirley and I included) lined up on chairs at the edge of the Pavilion.  Some had mixed vats of water mixed with Thai perfume and red and white flowers.  The white flowers were Jasmine and represented long life and the red rose petals represented an “easy” life.  Everyone else in camp would go down the line and pour water through your hands.  They would bow and offer and blessing and we in return would offer God’s blessings to them.  It was both reverent and fun.  Some would also dip their hands in a pasty powder and but in on your face.  After words I believe everyone left was in for a water fight.  As it was plenty hot…I can imagine it would have felt great. 

The return to Bangkok was uneventful except for stops for limes at a roadside stand and ice cream from 7-11 (they are everywhere).  We arrived on campus at about 5:30 after a stop at the grocery store for some supplies.  We ate a dinner of a sandwich and some chips and lots and lots of water.  An early night came soon after.

Tuli and the trip to the Golden Mountain

Tuli picked us up at 8 this morning with black coffee in hand…bless him!!!  We started our trip in Bangkok to visit some of the sights.  We had to take some back roads either because some were closed due to civil unrest…or the Royal Family were on the move in the city.  We saw only scant activity of the mob and later did have to wait for a Royal entourage that included the Prince of Thailand. 

We began the day at the Golden Mountain Temple.  Last year Tuli took me there and there were so many steps that I couldn’t make it.  I told him I would try again this year…and Shirley and I easily made it to the top.  The steps spiral around a mountain to the temple on top.  Inside the Shrine at the top was a Buddha of gold.  After seeing the city from the top we came back down stopping a little way from the top for Tuli to recite the Great Commission with the great city of Bangkok in the background.  I am hoping we can use it at opening chapel at Sunset this coming August.

From the Golden Mountain to the Grand Palace was our next stop.  Tuli waited outside as we toured the Grand Palace at its many shrines and sites.  The grounds are immaculate.  The mood is reverent.  And the soldiers are real.  We stayed for an hour and were held up at the gate while the Prince passed.

For lunch we went to a restaurant on the Chao Praya River.  It was a beautiful day and we ate wonderful Thai food with the river and its many craft passing by.  From eating we strolled many of the street markets and then headed home.  Today was the first day I could find Western Union open so we stopped at the “Fashion Island” all and took care of making sure money was sent to India.  Tuli also had a favorite ice cream place so we ate some gelato.  Mine was mountain fruit…very yummy!  Shirley had passion fruit, a favorite from Australia, long missed!  Return to the guest room at the school called for a nap.  We will forage for dinner and then spend the morning with Tuli’s family before heading to the airport and our travel to Phnom Penh,  Cambodia.

Last Day in Thailand for now…

We began the day in the home of Tuli and Newi Kalwiboon.  Newi had fixed breakfast for us (delicious) and we visited for an hour or so.  Tuli returned us to the guest quarters until 11:30 and then took us to “Fashion Island”…the mall!  We spent a couple of hours looking at Thailand from a different perspective and watching people.  It was very interested…a little more ice cream (gelato) and we were on our way to pick up Patinya and head for the airport.  The time we spent allowed us to talk shop and see the needs of the school.  Mostly right now what is needed is a couple of computers so the students can learn these skills while studying at BSLI.  We said fast goodbyes and then they were gone.  I am finding certain people are becoming harder and harder to leave.  Patinya and Tuli are among them.

We were able to pass through tickets lines in a flash…no extra luggage charge, yeah!!  We had a late lunch and then met up with Rich and Rhonda Dolan and Tawn and Navy Lork.  We were all on the same flight leaving Bangkok headed for Phnom Penh.  My travelling companion has come down with a tummy problem.  We have eaten mainly the same things but she is now on a BRAT diet and taking Pepto.  Hope she is better tomorrow.  We arrived in Phnom Penh on time and met Rhonda’s sister Julie at the airport.  A quick drive through the city and we arrived at Casa Dolan.  We are now sorting clothes (Shirley) and blogging (Ron).  A chance to sleep in a bit tomorrow and then off to see how we will get clothes washed, but a cell phone sim card, and begin to get ready for Monday’s classes.  Our trip has been built around these next four weeks and we are anxious to get started.  Tired for now but thinking of all of you who have made this trip and the good things that go with it happen.  God bless you.  Pray for us!

Here we are in Cambodia

Saturday morning has been a bit of a restful time.  We slept in till 8 and then visited with Dolan’s around coffee and tea.  Shirley and Ronda have been to the market to get things needed for later in the day.  We went for a little ride to see the new school facility and the new place that the Phnom Penh church is meeting and then had lunch at a little café.  PP is filled with little cafes.  A noon time siesta (we are in the tropics!) and then more visited, study time, and dinner.  Tonight we had sandwiches and chips and great fresh mango and pineapple.  We talked until late and then headed to bed.

Sunday morning has seen us at worship time with the Phnom Penh congregation.  Tonight we will worship with the University church.  Last year I sat down in church next to Brad’s (our son in law) cousin Ryan and this morning Shirley sits down next to a lady who lives on the 13^th hole at DeCordova Bend golf course near my friend Norm Petersen.  Small world.  The worship was in Khymer, but they did a little translating for us.  It was nice to catch up with some of the former students and some current ones that I met last year.  We came home to rice and a beef and carrot dish and then another siesta.  The man who tends to the air conditioning is here and we expect to be kicked out in a minute so he can do his work.  We will worship later at the University congregation and Shirley will get her WEI initial instructions.  She will be teaching each morning while I am teaching in the Cambodian Bible Institute.  I expect we will eat at another café tonight with others we will be meeting.

Tonight we have been to the PIP house where the University church meets.  We worshipped with the wonderful brethren there and they asked me to preach next Sunday.  Caught up with Dennis and Sharon Welch, our other workers at CBI and made arrangements to meet up for meals later on.  After church time we ate at a nearby café.  We then came home to study for tomorrows classes. 

Monday Morning

Disappointment.  Tawn Lork, the third CBI teacher and resident translator came home from Thailand sick, “as a big dog”, and is still unwell.  My classes will have to wait until tomorrow to begin.  I put Shirley into a Tuk Tuk and took her picture as she went off to her first day at school.  She was a trooper.  No problem for her.  I went with Rich to language school before he headed back to the school for his afternoon class.  He can teach now in Khmer so there is no delay in his beginning.