#115 - A Breezy Arrival Back in Phnom Penh

My exit from Pearson International Airport started by meeting one of the employees there: Karen. 

She met my parents, and being from the Caribbean culture, immediately called them 'Mom' and 'Dad', respecting their age! 

We discussed the importance of having God in our lives as a grounding factor, because in Him we have a sure foundation with all of the uncertainties in this world.

Yes, pretty deep convo for so early in the morning! 

But I love the 'God encounters!'

Coming into Phnom Penh was a breeze! 

Literally! 

Since I already had a visa which does not expire until November, all I had to do was get my luggage, and then walk out. 

Aha! There lies the twist! 

My luggage was in the last batch to come out. Yup, half an hour later (no exaggeration)! 
And by this time I was beginning to doubt if I recognized my suitcases! There were about 8 of them which kept going around and around and I am thinking, mmm... maybe mine, even though I knew which ones were my own! 

As I approached the Custom officers with my suitcases, one of them tried to lift one up (50.1 lbs exactly!); he looked at his partner as if to ask, should we search them?

Your prayers were answered. The partner just looked at him and motioned for me to go!

My  travelling companions on the second leg of my journey were one lady with her daughter who lived in Virginia Beach, California. She is Khmer and had left Cambodia when she got married 20 years ago. Her daughter, now 16, was visiting for the very first time! It was interesting to hear her story and she thought it was amazing (yup, you heard correctly!) that I was there learning the language so I could be more effective for Jesus the Christ in Cambodia!

And as I walked out (around 11-ish, my flight came in around 10:15 or so!), Channak was there with my students who I taught at Rescue! They had been playing soccer earlier on, and when they found out I was coming in, decided to come to the airport on their motor! 

Sweet! 

So right there and then, we made plans to get together soon! I went on the tuk tuk back to my place and it was so cool with the breeze blowing through, loved it!!!! 

NO worries folks, Channak was there, and the tuk tuk driver was from his house!

Greeting Party At Airport!

This morning as I woke up, I got emails from my RAC family with Scripture, encouraging me as I am about to start school and recommence language learning! 

It was timely since I fell asleep around 2-ish and promptly woke up at 4! 

I also listened to past messages that I missed, one preached by Duncan Reid, and another by Ryan Graham, visiting speaker at Connexion! Both messages made me so thankful that I have access to such resources that provoke me to think and reconsider my walk with God! 

I began immediately to ask God for 'illumination' as Pastor Ryan preached, and to ask God to reveal to me the 'Jekyl and Hyde' in me! (You have to listen to that sermon preached from the heart by Duncan!) 

I went on my first moto ride later to grab some groceries and then spent the time settling in and getting accustomed to the heat! 

I actually had to text Channak to ask him what day it was! I thought it was Thursday but alas, it is Friday! 

He already thinks I am 'nuts' so it is safe to ask him! 

I have already talked to Dong and Johnny and told them that even though my time was short, it was good to spend quality time with my family and RAC family! 

Prayer Request: for a new place to live. 

This one has been a blessing, but it is too far from grocery stores and eating places! When I was recovering from my illness and could not cook for myself, it was difficult to find things to eat. I had to get a moto or tuk tuk to go out! When the temp went up to 100 degrees in the kitchen during the heat wave, it was too hot to cook and again I had to go out to find things to eat in the heat! I just spoke with the landlord and told him what a blessing it has been, but the move has to be done! I have until the end of October to find new place! 

Praise!: I thank God for the safety of this place and for the sweetness of soul of my landlord, his wife and his parents who live here! I want to finish well with them! 

Prayer Request: To know how to review wisely before school starts on the 11th. I need to immerse myself in everything Khmer. I have to admit I was eavesdropping on a convo between these 2 Khmer guys at the airport! I wanted to see if I could understand anything! Do not panic, people, they were speaking loudly sitting across from me, so I just paid extra attention to the convo! 

Prayer Request: for a community here where I can be challenged, grow in Him, and in turn be His servant for Him for them! 

Please keep on sending in your prayer requests! You can respond by sending your story or request to my email address.

Love, His Warrior and Disciple, submitting to be His Dance partner here in Cambodia,

Your sister, Vidya