Vol.# 146
The countdown is on for my RETURN to Toronto!
So do not say I did not give you fair warning!
Answers to prayer:
In my last update, I mentioned that my Khmer teachers invited me, one of 3 expats, to go with them on an overnight trip. Only 2 of us could go. The other expat had ministry obligations.
It was so much fun getting to know the teachers, and the fiancé of one of them came with us as well, and the other expat kept saying to him, "You have a puzzled look on your face everything time you look at Vidya. You must think she is crazy?" To which he would reply, "Oh no..."
I was not all disturbed by this but excited that my friend could say all of that in KHMER! How cool is that?
As to the fiancé of my teacher, he had never spent time with expats like this. For those of you who think I should be apologizing on behalf of all expats in the world by me being me, well guess what?!
HE invited me to their wedding!
Normally, it would be my teacher, but he initiated the invite!
They got accustomed to me blurting out aloud a prayer before we started driving anywhere for safety on the roads, and a prayer before we ate. I also had one-on-one conversations in Khmer and English about 'life' and my perspective on it, which of course is inundated and saturated with Jesus the Christ.
Even though I struggled to understand all of them, and consequently then to reply to certain questions or statements, the teachers always made sure that if I did not understand the Khmer, they would try and use body language to explain or then use English phrases.
It suddenly hit me then when most of my brothers and sisters here do not understand the 'christianese' language, even if I speak it in Khmer language, then it is truly how I live my life here which is the true reflection of my faith. They have asked me why I seem to have joy, or when I was struggling even more with Khmer, why I did not quit and why I was so transparent about my struggles.
I thank God for the bridges HE built with my Khmer community here. I am humbled to be called their "Bong Srey" (older sister), even if it comes with the adjective of "crazy"!
Last night I had the teachers plus my expat community, who have become my community and family here, over for dinner. I thought I was more like a "Mary" but realized that I was more like "Martha" when I began to worry about what food to get and about getting the place ready. Then as I prayed, I realized that with about 20 people I would not be able to cook, so I connected with one of the teachers at the school, and we ordered the food, and then had a tuk tuk driver pick it up, and then take the huge pot of Khmer curry up 45 steps up to roof top.
Then my expat friends asked what they could contribute, so we had more than enough food, especially since 5 people could not make it.
But my highlight was having my Khmer teacher on his guitar, my expat friend on his beat box, and the words on my Ipad to 10,000 reasons, and all of us singing it, even my Khmer teachers!
Then the games ensued. All Khmer parties must have games, so it was hilarious to see everyone involved, even if to encourage and urge each team on!
I must say that 'musical chairs' is so delightful and innocent in its name, but is always the most dangerous and painful game! It is every man, woman or child for themselves! I think my foot is still sore from being stepped on!
There was much laughter with all the moves we all made as we went around in a circle trying to anticipate when the music would stop, and then grabbing an empty chair! For those who wish to know, I did not win!
One of my younger 'sisters' from Toronto, who is volunteering her summer hours in another country, was praying that the rain would stop, and it did. It restarted AFTER the party was finished. So another 'concern' was put to rest because I was wondering how I was going to get 20 people in my small living room and kitchen! The covered rooftop is ideal, but the rain still comes in at the sides especially when the wind is strong.
Prayer Request:
On the 31st I have another meeting with Prison Fellowship, and this Sunday at church, hopefully, I will meet with the leader of English program at New Life church to discuss how I can be of assistance after my language studies are formally finished. Pray for wisdom and discernment for all of us.
Prayer Request:
Pray that I would get all the last minute details done here; for good seating on the plane for the 2 legs of the travel; for my luggage to arrive intact; finally, for sleep for me on the plane. I do not enjoy long travel on planes!
Thank you all and see you all soon!
Love, His Warrior and Disciple,
Submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia, Your sister, Vidya
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