Cambodia: Work Day

We were able to be in contact with the branch president in the Siem Reap branch. He had said that a single sister needed some help fixing up her home to prepare for the rainy season. We had quite an experience trying to help her. We quickly realized that language barriers are real and difficult! But also, we didn't know how she would even want things fixed up. Her cooking her rice in a big pot outside is much different than the environment I cook in, so we couldn't see the vision she had for her home and the addition she wanted. Thankfully some skilled Cambodian men took over before we made too big of fools of ourselves. Ok, lets face it.. we were ridiculous!

We took some things for the kids to play with. Jump ropes, foot balls, badminton. Anything to keep our kids busy playing with whomever wanted. And it kind of worked!

The place she lived was a bit lower in elevation than the places around. No doubt it floods there constantly during the rainy season. This was her neighbors home. Hanging laundry, chickens and a house on stilts.

While we were there the sister missionaries showed up to help. They were so sweet! They took the boys on their bikes for a ride to find a bathroom. As they cycled away I did have a thought that my kids were gone, with relative strangers in a foreign land... and should I be worried about that? They made it back safely and with sodas in tow.

Cache flashing his cool new shades he bought at the local market.

This woman's home was one room partitioned off to be a bedroom and kitchen on one side, and a meeting space on the other. I can't even say she had a kitchen. And her bed was a bunch of blankets thrown on a bed roll on the floor. Humble circumstances.

The kids did get in on the fixing up. But a lot of things even us as adults couldn't manage so we ended up not being much help, but we're still glad we were there to meet people and move things around. Which is all we were really helpful for.

I'm pretty sure this is why the kids got sick. TONS of dirt on their hands, and eating food the neighbors made. Actually I really think its just from the dirt. Because the soda was clean ; ) The missionaries said to drink Coke because it kills the parasites you might get from food and water. And you know what... I completely forgot to do it. All the rest of us had some whether it was for dinner or other things, but the kids usually don't drink it so I didn't really register the idea. I still feel really bad about it! Next time, I will let them drink it without limit because there was just nothing more sad than them laying around moaning and missing out on all the experiences.

Here we are... Kristy and Kristie. Working together. What a sweet and dear friend Kristy is. She has been priceless in my ability to embrace Singapore and enjoy myself. We have learned a lot together and it was special to take this trip with her family. We love them and hope to always keep track of them no matter where life may take us.

This trip was eye opening for all of us. We already have plans for next spring! Anyone who wants to come and go with us (at any time) is more than welcome! There are so many things to see and people to serve. They need love and help in this part of the world and we were so grateful to be able to be apart of it, even if it was just for a few days. We are humbled by the strength of the people there and we felt such a sweet spirit as we met each one. We were reminded of the importance of giving and serving but also in being content with what we have and sharing our abundance with all around us. Cambodia is an amazing place full of special people and we're excited to experience it again!