Video from Joy Daycare.

More sleep

Safely back in the US. The Pacific Ocean is bigger than I ever give it credit for. I feel pretty jet lagged now. Standing around waiting for my bags for 90 minutes didn't help the tiredness. There are a ton of people and bags on a full 777. And of course, guess who's bags come off near the end. Now for more sleep.

Sleep

I need sleep. Just landed in Incheon after the 5 hour flight from Siem Reap. I've been up since 6am local time on Friday, and it is now 7am local time (5am back in Cambodia) on Saturday. And I just felt an earthquake. Awesome. - Ernest

Edit @5pm local - sleep is good. Nice being able to take a nap on an actual bed. This in-airport hotel was a God-send. Now just waiting for my flight to Seattle. Looks like it's delayed about 30 minutes. That earthquake this morning was a bit surreal. If it weren't for everyone else around me reacting to it, I probably would have dismissed it as just me being really tired. It happened as I was typing that first post. Right as I finished typing 'Saturday.' Real time updates, heh.


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Kevin Krueger here with an update for you. What Ernest felt was a magnitude 4.8 earthquake just off North Korea's coastline. Click here for more detail on the earthquake. Thankfully, he's just fine as are others at Incheon airport in South Korea. He is resting now at the airport transit hotel. The next leg of his journey will bring him to Seattle.

The Rice for Cambodia mission trip continues - and this story blog will continue as well with help from other team members in Cambodia. Thank you for praying for the team, and also for all those receiving the rice and hearing the Gospel.

I'm going to be Rich!

The newest weight loss fad is here. All you have to do is fly to Cambodia, in the middle of their summer, and tromp around Angkor Wat a while. Oh whoops. There went my secret. I'm pretty sure this is the most I've sweat in my life. On the bright side, I probably lost about 10 lbs.

Angkor Wat is simply incredible. There are so many beautiful carvings and 'ruins' to explore. I can only imagine what the place looked like when it was first constructed some 1100 years ago. They are doing a lot of restoration work right now, on a number of the buildings. Both to repair damage done by careless tourists (sigh) and to repair some natural damage, just because it's so incredibly old.

The top part of the main site was closed today, for a Buddhist holy day. Part of me was relieved, because that would have been another pile of stairs to climb. Our driver/guide took us to another site to walk through. He knew I was a gringo, so they avoided some 'hot' options that didn't have much in the way of shade. I <3 Mao. This second site was overrun with trees. They were busting through walls and growing in and among the stonework. Very Lord of the Rings like with trees trumping the man made objects.

We didn't see the elephants that they have there (for the tourists), because they only bring them out in the evening. I wanted to see one, since a lot of Cambodian artwork depicts them in one form or another. We did see a number of monkeys, but didn't get too close. I was told someone on a previous trip got bit by one. Didn't really feel like getting a rabies shot today.

All in all, an awesome morning and a neat way to wrap up my Cambodian adventure. This afternoon I'll try to get my souvenirs all squared away, then off to the airport for the beginning of my 30ish hour return trip home (long layover).

When it Rains, it Pours

At our hotel in Siem Reap and it just started pouring down rain. Sheets of it. The nice thing is, we didn't have a lot of plans for tonight that involved the outdoors.

This morning we did a rice distribution at a place called Prea Net Prea. There is a Transform Asia church here, and Pastor Setan told me this was a place that has dealt with a lot of persecution. There are a number of people here that do everything they can to stop Christians. They are mostly led by the local witch doctors. Much prayer is needed for these people. Especially since they are on their 4th pastor. The others couldn't handle the pressure. The current Pastor seems to be a solid guy, but could definitely use prayer on his behalf.

The local village chief used to be one of the prime persecutors, but now he is a Christian! Reminds me a lot of the story of Paul. He was probably the most eager to greet us when we arrived. I admire the guy's enthusiasm. We also had a number of military guys in attendance. Evidently a number of them will attend services from time to time. Pastor Setan said that much like in the US, it's kind of rare for the guy to go to church and the go back and 'teach' the wife. Usually, it's the reverse. But these guys from the local base are doing just that.

Along with the rice distribution, we handed out school uniforms to a number of the children. These kids were, well for lack of a better word, adorable. They were all singing songs for us, a number of them recognizable, like 'Deep and Wide' but with mountain instead of fountain. Something got a little lost in translation. ;)

Quite a last rice distribution for me. Had a little of everything. Ok, a lot of heat. Whew. It's kind of ridiculous how much a difference even a little shade can make. Feels like night and day when you get into these kind of temperatures.

I'm just a bit sad that I didn't get a picture with my little buddy that came over to me about half way through the drama presentation. He was fascinated by my camera. In fact, he helped me take a number of pictures, towards the end. If you see a little boy in all yellow, he's my bud. He was with a couple of adults, who I can only assume we're his parents, but they all left before I could have someone get a picture with us. :(

And speaking of kids... We had the cutest kid join us for the last week or so. Her name is Ana, and she is almost 4. Pastor Setan and his wife are pretty much raising her, as her mom was only 14 when she was born. One of the reasons Ana joined us, is because she'll get to see her mom here in a day or two as the team visits the project where her mom is at. Ana pretty much has the run of the place, as the entire team is spoiling her to no end. And she's eating it all up.


A) kids practicing songs
B) so much character, in all ages
C) gangnam style!
D) felt so bad for this dog. Only one with shaggy hair I've seen
E)kids hanging out in the tree to see the skit - zaccheus style
F) my little buddy
G) haulin' away the rice
H) receiving school uniforms
I) candidate for cutest kid ever. She was basically our mascot for the week. The one, the only, Ana.
J ) can't have just 1 picture of Ana

Another 10 tons

This morning we distributed another 10 tons of rice. This group of people reacted more to the drama than any other to this point. It was great to see them really get into it and enjoy the skits. It probably had something to do with my cameo...haha, not likely. The drama team persuaded me to play the rich guy. If only.

Best of all, we had another 11 people come forward after the drama presentations. Pastor Nak prayed with them, welcoming them to the family of Christ. We can't always do these types of invitations, especially when there is a government official there. Today we had a representative there, but she is Pastor Setan's cousin. So it all worked out.

Only one more rice distribution before I leave this incredible country. I can't believe how fast the last two weeks have flown by. Can't say I'll miss the heat and humidity, but I will greatly miss the people. There are so many projects and people that need help. I wish I could do more. There is nothing like being able to see and experience first-hand something like this. I fundamentally knew what was going on, but to actually see it. I'll never forget it. If you ever get the opportunity, I can't encourage you enough to jump at the chance to see for yourself these amazing people and just what an impact you're having through Rice for Cambodia.

So I Met a few Generals Today

And by a few, I mean like a dozen. 1-star, 2-star, 3-star, and a 4-star general. Pastor Setan said he is the commander of the Cambodian Army. Intimidating guy. Have to admit I felt pretty nervous, as they had me sitting right behind him the whole time he was giving his speech. His body guards kept eyeing me, and I didn't dare make any sudden movements. His son, a colonel in the armed forces sat right next to me. I got to chat with him a bit - he went to school in the States, at Oklahoma. Seemed like a nice guy, and he was a lot taller than most Cambodians I've met.

So the whole reason there were so many generals at this distribution was because the 4-star general was making an appearance. This is a 'camp,' really a tiny village, where retired, disabled veterans are living. It's right on the Cambodia/Thailand border. The government has given them each a plot of land for them to farm and settle. I was told this was a conscious effort to make sure that the Thais don't keep encroaching on their border.

We distributed rice and salt to the vets, and it was hard to see so many of them missing limbs. I can only assume that many of those wounds were a result of skirmishes and possibly leftover land mines that are all over this particular area. There were a number of signs on the roadside warning people to stay on the road because of the risk of land mines. Little scary. Land mines were only one worry, as the team was telling me that last year, when they came to this area, they saw a 10 ft long King Cobra. No such sighting this year. Whew.

-Ernest

Ps. More new rice for lunch. Soooooooooo good.

Overall I took fewer pictures of this event, mostly because of the nature of who was there. Didn't feel proper to take photos from the stage once the head general arrived. Plus it was all being videotaped for the tv stations. I'm pretty sure with all the video they've been taking with me in the background, Cambodians are probably sick of that funny lookin American guy that keeps showing up.

View from the front towards the drama stage being set up.

Mayuleth sitting in the general's chair (well before the general got there)...

Bags of rice and salt.

One of the wounded vets.

The gentleman on the right is the 2-star general in charge of this camp.

Another vet.

Pastor Setan and the 4-star general handing out a bag of rice.

I handed out a few bags too!

Rice & Salt

Today was the first time I got to see salt distributed with the rice. We travelled about an hour out of Posat, across some really bumpy road and a couple of rickety looking bridges to a temple and school. The drama team did their thing (unfortunately we had some sound glitches, but people seemed to respond to it). Then Pastor Setan said a few words, Lee said a few, and they drug me up to say something. I end up being 'made fun of' because when I stand up next to Setan, I'm pretty much a giant. It's all good.

Madam Kheng (I think that's how Setan spelled it) was our gracious host last night for dinner, and she was the government representative at this distribution. She has spent a lot of time in the US (Pennsylvania), so it was nice being able to understand more of the conversations. Because of her familiarity of the US, i believe she probably understood more than most what the project entailed. She was very appreciative of your generosity.

When we arrived, the rice was already handed out, but we got to hand out bags of salt. Right in front of me was an example of why this extra little thing is so valuable. There was an older lady sitting across from me that had a large goiter on her neck. The very thing this iodized salt is supposed to help prevent. I have no idea if the salt can reverse it, but nonetheless, it's nice knowing that the kids will be getting the benefit of the missing nutrient.

After the distribution we had lunch with Madam Kheng (2nd meal with her!). As I said before, very gracious host. I got to experience 'new' rice as opposed to regular rice. I understand this new rice is a lot more finicky to cook, and most don't like to use it because of that. It was delicious. Unlike any rice texture I've had before. Just thinking about it is making me hungry again. The desserts here are so much better IMO than in the States. You can't beat super-fresh mangoes, rambutan fruit, jackfruit, and sticky rice with coconut and banana. So tasty.

Eventful ride

This afternoon we drove from Posat to Poipet. Having Pastor Setan in the van made it quite a memorable trip. He's living history, and no, I'm not calling him old. Ok, maybe a little bit. ;)

He shared about his journey out of Battambang fleeing the Pol Pot regime. He was caught on the road and put to work at a hard labor camp with thousands of others building irrigation canals for rice paddies. He escaped from there and made it out across the Thai border. Getting to see a lot of that in person as he was describing it was quite an honor. I know it still brings back tough memories for him.

Along the way I also got to see a couple more snakes (ugh) and some roadside stands selling...(I'll let you figure it out - see picture below). Tonight we rest in Poipet, and the next couple of days will be based here. Tomorrow we'll be distributing rice to some army vets. I understand pensions don't work here like they do in the states. Hard to see those serving their country be in such need.

These trees with the red flowers are so beautiful!

This scary looking guy is at the entrance to Battambang.

Roadside stand outside Battambang. There were at least half a dozen carts selling hundreds of these things. Hungry?

This is the area that Pastor Setan was forced to work when he was captured by Pol Pot's forces. He says that this area is now one of Cambodia's best rice-producing areas because of all the slave-labor work that was done to build the irrigation canals.

It's good to be the king...

I want to bring this chair back with me for my office. Somehow I don't think they'll let me carry it on the plane. It has to weigh 100+ lbs. I have seen some amazingly beautiful woodwork in this country. I'm scared to try to bring back even small pieces though, as they are quite delicate.

It's Sunday

We started the day off joining the drama team and others at the trade center in worship. There is a pastor that volunteers his time there (and his Western wife, didn't catch where she's from, but her name is Danielle). He spoke in Khmer while she translated. She said it was her first time translating like that, but I thought she did an excellent job, even translating his joke about her taking a long time to get ready that morning. :)

Then we ate lunch and hit the road for Persat. This place is known for its alabaster stonework. I thought alabaster was white, but evidently not all is. What I do know, is my bags are going to be a lot heavier when we leave than when we arrived. Why do the touristy souvenirs have to be so heavy?!

Over the last week, we've had a number of encounters with various wildlife. As I write this in my hotel room, I'm sitting on my bed, and over the bed is a lovely light fixture with what I'm sure is a dead mouse in it. Lets just say that standards here aren't anything close to what I'm used to.

This morning I got to see my first snake in Cambodia. It was just a little garter or whatever the equivalent is here. A boy ran out to the edge of the road and grabbed it right as we were passing by. I'm not sure if it was destined to become lunch or what. Also this morning I saw a giant praying mantis on our hotel wall. The thing was about the size of my hand. Normally we would see a bunch of geckos hanging out, which can be ridiculously loud for their size. I haven't switched car insurance yet though.

This evening we will be dining with another Minister (government official) and his wife. They graciously invited us to join them for dinner.

Please keep us in prayer. The trip has gone very smoothly so far, with just a few minor bumps. One of the drama kids, Sareth, burned her arm on some metal today. She'll be ok, but little things like that can turn into an annoyance. Debbie bumped her elbow and got a bit of a cut there today. She's also ok, but continued prayers are greatly appreciated.

What a Difference a Day Makes

What a wondrous thing a light breeze is. This morning we arrived at a place called Mong Russei. There was a local government official there who greeted us as the drama team got set up. The rice had already been given out to people - it was sitting on the ground in front of them as we arrived. The drama team led off with the prodigal son story followed by the skit done to the song 'Everything' by Lifehouse. This time I was able to get some video of that play so I'll be uploading it when I can, hopefully soon as this is our last night in Battambang.

Pastor Setan gave a short presentation of the gospel and talked a little bit about some of Transform Asia's projects, like the trade center and women's center. Before the ceremony begins, each person is handed a number of tracts - some talk about the opportunities for themselves or someone they know to get help at one of the centers. Others talk about what it means to be saved and how to accept Jesus. Yet another is the gospel of John. Many in attendance spent a while pouring through these handouts.

As the rice had already been distributed to the people, we just did a quick ceremonial handing of rice to a few people. I got to give a bag to this really sweet grandma. She couldn't have been taller than my mom (who isn't quite 5ft tall). After the quick picture, she gestured to a younger boy who ran up and grabbed the rice for her.

As we were getting ready to leave, I noticed another older lady with a young girl. They had stayed back a bit from the crowd for most of the presentation. When I looked closer, it appeared as if she was blind. Her, what I can only assume, granddaughter was helping her get around. As more motos came in at the end (think taxi service, but on a motorcycle), the little girl ran up to one and brought him back. Then she, the driver, and grandma all got on with the bag of rice and drove off. Riding on a moto like that seems scary enough when you can see, I can't imagine what it's like riding on one blind.

Little boy at a gas station carefully washing his shoes out of a cooler.

Woman reading the handouts.

Nap time. This kid had the right idea!

Watching the skit.

The blind woman and granddaughter?

These tractor/trailer things are the coolest things ever! They are everywhere.

In many, if not all, Asian countries, there is some form of a chicken & rice dish. I simply call this picture: chicken with rice.