Puzzles

Over Thanksgiving weekend I traveled to some friends house about 3 hours away.  It is a funny thing when you travel away from home; you allow yourself to take time to rest and relax, but do not seem to do so when you are at home. Why is that?



Through out the weekend we ate turkey and ham multiple times, played games and had a puzzle set out.  There were quiet times of reading, raucous times of games out doors with the kids and then, some good old fashioned card playing.

But as the weekend went on, almost everyone sat down and spent some time working on fitting in puzzle pieces. It was 1000 pieces and nearly completed by the time I had to leave to go home.

Yes, I like puzzles. They give me time to think and focus on something, which frees my brain from day to day, activities.  It works much like a reset button.  I get lost in the task and allow the stresses of daily life to drift away.

However, this puzzle set me to thinking.  Typically I do them by myself, but this one had many hands working on it.  There were multiple theories on how to approach it. Like, a friend who never looks at the box, or another who does not begin with the edge pieces, or myself who ferrets out the corners first.

The picture came together slowly, because there were parts that were being assembled outside the frame.  When one of those was placed, the picture became fuller and progress was seen.  I think one of the things I so enjoy about puzzles is the sense of accomplishment; when you get that one piece you have been looking for and it fits into its spot.

But in the past, I have had puzzles where it was hard to tell if the piece fit or not.  On those occasions, I usually had misplaced a piece or two, which caused frustration, as I could not find the piece that fit next.

My thoughts were about how a puzzle is like life.  Sometimes as I move along, I think I see the picture clearly and how a specific piece fits into the whole.  But on occasion, I am mistaken and it takes awhile to find the incorrect piece and get back on track.  So often the picture is not clear.

However Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God he has a plan for us and it is for a hope and future.  Yes, that has been a comforting thought over the years.

It is like working a puzzle with no box.  I think the box makes it easier, but the accomplishment without the box is much greater still.  Life is like a puzzle without the box.  The picture unfolds in bits and pieces.  When we find that perfect fit, it is a day of exceeding happiness.

How is your life like a puzzle?

NaNoWriMo

If you don't know what that means it is National Novel Writing Month.  This happens every November.  This is my 6th year.  A good friend of mine Michelle encouraged me for at least 3 years before I finally tried it and now I am hooked.

The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days.  Yep, that works out to 1,667 per day. I have completed the challenge 3 of the 5 times I have participated.  November is not always the best month to set aside time for this, so a couple of years ago, I failed due to bad planning, then one other time due to sickness.

I don't know about you guys but I love to read.  I have already read 52 books this year, heading for a solid 60 by the end of December.  I read on a wide variety of topics.  I will be adding a recommended reading list page to my blog sometime in December so check it out.

When I was younger and in school reading was not a hobby I embraced.  I read what I needed to get by but that was it.  Then came college and the reading gets more intense.  But somewhere in my mid 20's I finally found mystery novels with female heroines and fell in love, then cooking mysteries, and it has blossomed from there.

To the point where I have dreamed of writing a novel.  It was a dream until a few years ago.  I finished a short novel after NaNoWriMo, called. Race the Dragon.  It is an adventure story set in Cambodia about dragon boat racing.  This past year I have been occasionally working on the editing and hope to finish early this next year.

I am now referring to myself as a writer, a published author would be the next step.  Writing this blog has helped me to focus on spending time thinking, planning and guess what sitting down and actually writing.

I want to thank you my readers for your support and encouragement as I undertake this journey.  This year I am writing a book, young adult fiction called "Adventures of a Vespista - a trip to rome"  I think you might know what it is about.

As of right now I have completed 6937 words and it is only day 3.  Looking forward to success this month and in the years to come.

Back to Cambodia

I last left you in Hoi An on my way back to Cambodia.  It required a 50 minute flight from DaNang to Pleiku.  An overnight stay and the first place I hit rain the entire time I have been in Vietnam.  Which is rather amazing since while I was gone it rained constantly in Cambodia.  Phnom Penh flooded and over 100 people died due to flash flooding in various locations throughout the country.

Pleiku was the first place in Vietnam where I was off the tourist circuit so I was having a difficult time communicating.  Almost no one spoke English.  It took multiple tries, but finally got a taxi to the bus station, and a place on a mini van headed to the Cambodia border.   It was approximately 90 kilometers but the trip took nearly 3 hours.

[caption id="attachment_173" align="alignright" width="150"] Yaklom Lake, Ratanakiri Cambodia[/caption]

When we were within a stones throw of Cambodia, people started to speak Khmer, so things were looking up.  I coordinated travel to the Eco Lodge where I was going to stay.  It was the easiest border crossing ever, I was the only white person crossing, but I already had a visa.

It had rained on and off the entire morning from Pleiku to the border, but it had stopped at the border.  Within an hour we arrived at the Yaklom Lodge.  Come to find out I was the only one staying there.  Excellent I thought, quiet time to myself.

The problem with an eco lodge is this, no electricity, it works off of solar power, but it was overcast the day I arrived, and rained the entire next two days, so no power.  They ran a generator each night for 3 hours.  So, it was dreary, dark and damp the entire time I was there.

[caption id="attachment_174" align="alignleft" width="150"] Yaklom Lodge Ratanakiri, Cambodia[/caption]

But no matter, I got reading, planning, praying and napping done.  It was a good time to be unconnected from the internet and spend some time with my own thoughts..  I realized that I have made the mental shift, I am moving back to the states, and these past three weeks, have created the space for that transition to happen.

So, my third day I coordinated a moto to pick me up and take me to the bus depot to catch a mini van to Phnom Penh.  I was told the trip would take 10 hours at a cost of 50,000 Riel or $12.50.  It was an interminably bumpy 9.5-hour trip.

It was through some of the most gorgeous green rice fields, on roads I had never traveled before.  I had not gotten out to see much of Ratanakiri due to the rain, but this scenery was amazing.  However the serenity of it all was broken up by 9.5-hours of Khmer Karaoke.  I thought because I was in a mini van I would not have to listen to or watch Karaoke boy was I wrong.

As is always true, even of the best trips it is good to come home to my own bed, my friends and my life.  But this life has less than 90 days before I take my belongings and relocate to SoCal.  Life is a daily adventure I say.

Overnight train to Hoi An

Overnight Train to Hoi An

[caption id="attachment_167" align="alignright" width="150"] China Beach - DaNang[/caption]

When I last left you, I was on my way to the train station in Hanoi.  With a bit of pantomime and a lot of pointing I got to my berth, #21 in car #6 and got settled in.  Shortly there after came an English bloke as he called himself.  We were both traveling rather light and had the bottom berths.

Then our cabin mates arrived, two French girls, dressed in dresses and pulling rather large hard-sided suitcases with them.  Clive and I rolled our eyes a bit and helped to get the one bag under the berth and the other slid in under the table.  Then he averted his eyes so the girls could ascend to their respective berths.

All of this happened by about 7:20 and we were on our way right on time.  However we had all been told that the trains are notorious for running late, so starting on time was good, but we were not holding our collective breaths. The other three were stopping in Hue, an ancient capital of Vietnam and I was continuing on to DaNang, which is an additional 100 miles or so.

All in the train was suppose to be 15 hours and at 17 and a half I arrived in DaNang.  Where I jumped on the back of an Easy Rider – I guy driving a very nice Honda motorcycle and enjoyed the breeze and the view for the 30 kilometers to Hoi

[caption id="attachment_168" align="alignleft" width="150"] Japanese Bridge - Hoi An[/caption]

An.  We passed China Beach; eat your heart out Dana Delany.  Saw what used to be the Air force base, and pulled into the quaint town of Hoi An.

Hoi An was an old shipping port, but when things changed in the 18^th century, the town sat stagnant, for over 200 years.  That means that it has old world charm in the old quarter and has turned into a tourist’s delight.  There are beaches, fresh seafood, amazing architecture and even an ancient covered Japanese bridge.

Central Vietnam is known for its food.  Hue is an ancient capital that the emperors insisted on never eating the same food in a year.  This created a culinary heritage that has great variety.  Friday I went on the Taste of Hoi An tour.  It was a walking and eating tour.  We tried over 60 different things, from breakfast to dessert items.  It was a wonderful tour led by an Australian man who is a true foodie.  I have learned lots about Vietnamese food and eating.

[caption id="attachment_169" align="alignright" width="150"] Electric biking around Hoi An[/caption]

I have been here for 4 days – 1 on the moto checking out Marble Mountain – where they extract vast amounts of marble for statuary.  1 day around the pool just kicking it at the hotel.  1 day on the food tour, and hanging around the old quarter and today I am renting an electric bike and going a bit further afield to see the lived in parts of the city.

Tomorrow I head out for Pleiku on my way to the Ratanikiri provice of Cambodia, where I will spend 3 full days being unplugged, catching some serious nap time in a hammoc

k, with a book or two.  Will catch up with you guys at the end of next week.

TTFN as Tigger would say – Ta Ta For Now

Halong Bay

Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage site.

[caption id="attachment_160" align="alignright" width="150"] Cruising along in Halong Bay[/caption]

You have seen pictures of this place, you just might not recognize the name.  It is crystal blue water with a multitude of small rock islands that jut nearly straight up from the ocean.  It is incredibly picturesque.  That is why I am sure that you have seen it.

I booked a 3 day 2 night cruise.  They said they would pick me up at my hostel at 8:00 at 8:05 they arrived. It was a 3.5-hour bus drive to get there.  With a stop at one of those very touristy places, set up to sell you over priced souvenirs, however it did have a very clean bathroom with toilet paper – always a good thing on a long drive.

I am constantly amazed how not only here but in Cambodia, that the road to one of the biggest tourist attractions is not given better attention when it comes to maintenance. It was a Friday and the road was torn up almost everywhere, but there were no workman to be found.  Needless to say it was a bumpy ride.

[caption id="attachment_161" align="alignleft" width="150"] Kayaking around the islands[/caption]

There were 12 of us on the cruise and I was the only American. Three college-aged guys from Austrian who I shared a table with.  A French couple who live in China, an English couple on Vacation, and four guys from Spain.  It was a great group, which made the time together that much better.

Our first afternoon found us cruising along, a nice smooth stretch of water until we arrived at a cave.  I wasn’t much interested so I took my book up on top of our boat and enjoyed the view and quiet time.  Then we went and kayaked.  It was one of the main reasons that I wanted to go on this cruise.

Awesome is the only I can say.  See these pictures.  I have been doing a push up regiment for the past 10 weeks, which I am so glad, because otherwise the paddling would have been very difficult.  As it was I was by myself so after 30 minutes I was exhausted, wet and wearing a huge smile.

[caption id="attachment_163" align="alignright" width="150"] Sun, Sand & Swimming[/caption]

The next day we arrived on Cat Ba Island – wandered around in the National Park for awhile, then went to a beach to swim and enjoy the beauty.  Spent the night on the island and then headed back to the port and back on the terrible road to Hanoi.

Upon my return they moved me to a different hostel, so I got to explore a different part of town.  Including a huge Catholic Church with mass in progress.  The church was filled to overflowing, that came as a big surprise.

Off to the night train to Hoi An, check back in a couple of days.

 

 

Hanoi, Vietnam

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignright" width="150"] Aerial View[/caption]

I arrived in Hanoi Tuesday night after a one and half hour flight from Phnom Penh.  The airport is way across town, so I was glad that I had arranged for airport pick up with the hostel where I was staying, it made the transition so much easier.

I love staying in hostels, when I can book a single room.  I am not so much of a person who likes to share a dorm room, and I have a bit more money than the average backpacker.

But sitting in the hostel, allows me to meet some of the most interesting young people, and not so young who are travelling around for extended periods.  They have wonderful stories to tell and info to share on where to go and what to do, and the approximate costs.

The Little Hanoi Hostel has proven to be a hotbed of info and stories.  When I travel often it is by myself so this is a time of good interaction, because I do not speak Vietnamese so the interaction with the locals is limited.

[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignleft" width="150"] Lake in the center of Hanoi[/caption]

Hanoi is surprisingly low rise.  It reminds me of Phnom Penh when I first came in 2000.  I would say the typical building is 5 stories tall with a few beyond that in the business center.

I am staying in the old quarter and it is filled with skinny buildings that house businesses on the bottom floor and homes above.  However they are even narrower than the buildings in Cambodia.   There is no consistency in architecture, so there are really nice buildings intermixed with literal shacks.

It has been awhile since I have been anywhere that I did not have some of the language, so the inability to communicate is frustrating.  I constantly want to respond in Khmer, but no one here will speak that language because we are approximately 1000 kms north of the Cambodia border.

[caption id="attachment_157" align="alignright" width="150"] Me at the Happy Coffee Bean - doing some writing[/caption]

Today I took a cyclo ride.  This is one of the many things the French introduced to French Indochina.  We are seeing less and less cyclos in Phnom Penh, because Tuk Tuks have taken over, but here I have yet to see a Tuk Tuk so the cyclo is alive and well as a transportation option.  We used to call them the Cambodian pick up truck, because they can haul just about anything. (including entire dining room sets)

One of the things I am enjoying is the amount of Vespas on the street. So many old ones intermixed with the new ones.  I finally found a shop and was able to buy a few accessories for my Vespa in the States.

I am off on a 3 day 2 night cruise of Halong Bay, will check in again after that portion of my trip.

Trip to Preah Vihear Temple

[caption id="attachment_144" align="aligncenter" width="762"] Spectacular view[/caption]

I have lived in Cambodia a long time, but I was working, so traveling around the country was not a high priority.  I drove around a lot in the middle years doing ministry.  So, for vacation I wanted to get out of Cambodia and enjoy a nice Thai beach or head into Bangkok where there were movie theaters and fast food.

I once tried to vacation in Kompong Som (Sihanoukville) but when you speak the language it is a lot harder to ignore the beggars and pushy little kids selling things.  So, I always figured there was more time to go and see some of the sites of Cambodia.

So, here I am 13 years later and my list is quite long of things I want to see in Cambodia.  Admittedly I will probably not get it all done, but am making a valiant effort.  On the other hand it gives me something to look forward to upon my return.

A rather long intro to explain what put me in the taxi for the 3.5 hour trip to Preah Vihear.   I was picked up by a rather nice taxi guy, who was explaining to me that when we arrive, I would have to rent a moto or a 4x4 truck, to get me to the actual temple.  That they do not allow his Camry to go up the mountain.

[caption id="attachment_145" align="alignright" width="191"] 2nd Level Temple[/caption]

A side note on language; Phnom as in Phnom Penh means mountain.  If you have ever been to Phnom Penh, you know it is an exceptionally flat city.  So, I am always a bit hesitant when a Cambodian calls something a mountain – usually they are referring to a small hill.  There is one mountain range in Cambodia running down the western side of the country all the way to the coast, called the Cardamom Mountains.  They truly are mountains.

So, I was taking, a I will wait and see approach to making a decision about this.  But as we got closer, he pointed out the mountain, and it truly was a mountain that was rather steep, I could tell by the switchbacks in the road.  Needless to say I opted for the truck.

[caption id="attachment_147" align="alignleft" width="186"] Selfie - I am getting better at it - note the sneer[/caption]

As I was walking to the window to pay, all of the truck and moto drivers were talking about me.  When I got close enough, I said, “I speak Khmer.”  To my right was the taxi driver nodding in agreement.  I love doing this because they get so embarrassed, because they know that they were not saying things they would have wanted me to overhear.

The truck ride was rather short but steep.  We arrived at the parking area, where there were places to g

et food, and a huge group of soldiers playing volleyball.  Most of the soldiers have been moved to Phnom Penh to assist during the political rallies.

[caption id="attachment_149" align="alignright" width="150"] Thai Border & Walkway[/caption]

I had to walk up a wet rocky surface to get to the actual temple.  Which consists of 4 temple sections, connected by 7 walkways of approximately 200 meters each.  The taxi driver, who was still with me pointed out the border of Thailand.

My first thought was, “why are they fighting over this.  It is in the middle of nowhere and although the views are spectacular, it is clearly in Cambodia, attested to by its Unesco World Heritage Site status.

[caption id="attachment_150" align="alignleft" width="150"] This is the view from the front seat[/caption]

I was the only foreigner there that day, luckily I finished my wanderings, grabbed some rice and pork for lunch and we were down the mountain when the rain started.  I would not have wanted to make the drive in that rain.  There was one point in the truck where it felt like we were looking straight down.

Pictures did not do it justice.  There are only 2 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Cambodia – the Preah Vihear Temple and Angkor Wat, so check I have those covered.  Stay tuned for further travels and musings.

 

 

40 & Single - The Reality

Sometimes in the church I feel like I am looked upon as lesser, because I do not have a husband or children.  But other times I am esteemed like many other single missionary ladies of the past and present.  I would have to say that I am happy with my life and singleness about 80% of the time.  However, I do not believe that married women are happy with their lives 100% of the time either.  It probably works out about the same.

[caption id="attachment_139" align="alignright" width="183"] Singleness is a not a state of mind[/caption]

The single journey really began for me, when one night at a Bible study with 4 of my favorite girl friends, we committed to becoming the Godly Women, that would be ready to meet that special man, when the time came.  For me that was in my early thirties.

Little did I know as I undertook trying to discern and live a life that would lead me to that goal, that I would end up as a missionary.  In my life missionaries were those old guys in fat ties, (when skinny ties were popular) who showed slides and told stories of people very far away.  How could that possibly be relevant to me?  Kind of the same way I wondered how the verse that talks about never eating food offered to idols worked in day-to-day life.

But when I was 34 I read Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “call out to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”  It is so very true.  Here I am nearly fourteen years later, living in Cambodia, being fairly confident of the fact that if I had married, I would never have found my way here. This has been the greatest adventure of my life.

The hardest thing to do was to let go of finding a husband and trust that to God and his timing.  Sure there are times when I have been lonely, and wished someone was there to walk with me on a day-by-day basis.  But it is in those times God, has proved his faithfulness. I always think about the song, In the Garden, which starts like this:

I come to the garden alone


While the dew is still on the roses


And the voice I hear falling on my ear


The Son of God discloses.

 

And He walks with me,

And He talks with me,


And He tells me I am His own;


And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

 

As I look forward and listen for God’s voice, I wonder what mystery he will unravel, where this journey will take us next.  Singleness is a box on a form, not a state of mind.

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Is a famous quote from the Tennessee Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire.

After a day in yesterday, where I got plenty of rest and reading accomplished, I needed to get out.  I seem to write better at coffee shops.  Which is a real misnomer, considering I am a tea drinker or connoisseur, as I like to call myself.  Here in Cambodia the choices are limited, so I typically stick with English Breakfast when I want a black tea.

This morning I went to one of my favorite spots Spinellis and placed my order only to be told that they are out of English Breakfast tea.  What?  I thought. The delightful girl behind the counter made me aware of the alternatives.  None of which was sounding good.

[caption id="attachment_134" align="alignright" width="266"] English Breakfast tea @ Spinellis[/caption]

(Which made me want to hire her for my restaurant, because this is a rare quality in a Cambodian employee)

So, I was just kind of standing there, when a man walked up and gave me an individually wrapped English Breakfast tea bag.  I was a bit stunned.  Thanked him and he told me where he purchased them.

I realized that I have stopped depending on the kindness of strangers.  Here in Cambodia, it is a dog eat dog kind of place.  Even in driving you had better be looking out for yourself, because no one else will.

I was blessed by a simple act. Then it dawned on me that not only had I stopped relying on kindness, but I had stopped giving it as well.  As I drank my tea, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I mused on this topic.

My conclusion is, I can only see the world through my perspective, but I can choose to change my behavior, which changes my outlook.  There is lots of talk about worldview, and yes we see the world differently, but if we want the world to be different, it requires action.

Today I was blessed by the kindness of a stranger, and I plan to pay it forward.

When was the last time you did something unexpected for someone else?

Not Wrong Just Different

Recently, I hired a new house helper, after having the last one for nearly 3 years.  It has taken some training and getting used to each other as we find a routine for the days she is here.

[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignright" width="266"] I know what you are thinking it is just different[/caption]

Not too long ago I bought a couple of rugs like this.

After the first day of Serey working, I came home and found all three of the rugs like this.  I know that I have been living here for quite some time because I just laughed and turned them around.

I also knew what she was thinking.  You need the bigger part of the rug to wipe your feet so why would you put that next to the wall where it is hard to use.  Which she confirmed when I asked her.  Actually she was probably thinking foreigners, doesn’t she know that rugs are rectangular?

Today September 12th marks my 13^th year anniversary of being in Cambodia.   If I have learned anything in that time, it is the phrase, “It’s not wrong, just different.”

Being an American it has been a difficult lesson to learn, because I was raised with self-confidence and a work ethic that there is right and wrong.  Yes, there is right and wrong when it comes to morals, laws, etc..   But how the rug is placed on the floor; does it really matter?  Are looks more important than function?

Moving to a new country requires the mindset of a learner.  Things are done here the way my mom taught me.  I have had to be taught and trained like a small child.  If I am not fully vested in the process then, it falls apart really quickly.

It made me think of new Christians.  They come to church so eager and excited, and those of us who have been at this Christian thing for quite some time, can be the biggest killjoys.  They are trying to absorb, learn and grow, when we often want to set them straight.  Why not teach and train them?  They could be the next Billy Graham.

I have to check myself after this many years; I have to remind myself that I still have lots to learn about Cambodia, its culture and people.  I have just as much to learn about Jesus, and how to be in this world and not of this world.

Things around me are not wrong just different, and I need a learner’s attitude to ask the questions and engage the culture so I can function and flourish.  That does not make me a native, but and interested sojourner in this place at this time.

It teaches me lessons; I get to take with me on the journey.  Missions is not a destination it is a journey.

When was the last time you approached something from the attitude of a learner?  Was the result different than when you are sure you know it all?

 

 

Liebster Award

I was recently nominated for The Liebster Award by the author of wheresthescript Chris Bowman.  A friend from Phnom Penh, who now lives in Australia. 

What is that you ask? 
 The Liebster Award is a chance for smaller blogs to promote and endorse other great small blogs!

Here’s the deal: 
My “nomination” came with a list of 11 questions for me to answer. 
Next I choose up to 11 other small blogs to bestow a Liebster upon,
and write a list of 11 questions for them to answer as their own Liebster acceptance.

 

So here are my answers:

1. If you could have dinner with three of your heroes (from anytime in history), who would they be?

The Apostle Paul, Anne Frank & Elizabeth Dole – a woman who made her mark in politics – all the way to running for President

2. What’s your go-to Karaoke track?

The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’

3. What got you blogging in the first place?

If I had not become a missionary where I had to write to stay connected to my supporters and churches I probably would never have realized how much I like writing but I would say my friend Michelle kept encouraging me to do National Write a Novel in a Month and it just naturally followed from there.

4. If you could interview anyone, who would you choose?

That is an easy one – Barbara Streisand.  I think she is amazing – she acts, sings, directs movies, is politically active, even though I don’ t agree with her politics it would make for a great interview

5. What’s the first thing that you think of when you wake up? (For me, its where’s the snooze button and can I reach it?)


         Another day another dollar – it is something my grandpa used to say, and it kind of just stuck with me, and me reminds me of him.

6. What’s your dream job?

This has changed so many times over the years, but right now I would have to say being an Author.  I truly enjoy writing and getting better at my craft, but I love to learn and that is part of that passion, is what fuels the output of writing.

7. If you could live in any point in history, which would you choose?

I know this sounds a bit crazy, but I think WWII Europe – I have always thought I was born on the wrong continent – I should have been European (I love to sit around drinking wine or tea and discuss religion and politics) – I think people rose to the occasion through difficult circumstance to be the best or the worst of humanity.  I often wonder if I would have been heroic or meek and quiet – hopefully the first.

8. Which writer/journalist/blogger has most influenced you as a writer?

Maeve Binchy – She is Irish and she knew people and could describe relationships in a way no one I know does.  But my favorite book is As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer.

9. Why did the chicken cross the road? (Really…I need to know).


         No, idea – I have not often seen chickens run in a straight line, so it was probably on accident as they wandered around.

10. When was the last time you laughed?

While writing the answer to the above question – I love to laugh, and many things strike me as funny and others just look at me, with that questioning look.

11. What blog post of your own are you most proud of and why?

Time Does it Fly or Walk?   It helped me to communicate what has been the biggest change in me since coming to Cambodia.

My Nominations are:

Michelle Knowlden Writes: This is my friend that has been a constant source of encouragement on writing – she writes about mysteries, writing and engineering

My favorite post is : The Teahouse from Dushanbe

 

The Sabbath Journey:  This is a friend from Phnom Penh, who is taking a year sabbatical and is documenting her thoughts.

My favorite post is :  Magic

 

Nominee Questions:

1. What is your favorite season, and activity for that season?


2. If you could interview anyone who would it be and where would you conduct the interview?


3. Which Bible character do you most relate to?


4. What inspires you the most?


5. What places are on your list to visit?


6. What were you like in High School?


7. What/who made you want to write/blog?


8. What is your Dream Job?


9. If you could go back to college, would you change your degree if so to what?


10. What piece of advice would you give a younger you?


11. What is your favorite all time movie?

The Slow Down Challenge

The Slow Down Challenge was the opportunity I needed to step back a bit and decided what is important and what I really want to do.

[singlepic id=1 w=320 h=240 float=right]

Recently I have been memorizing James.  And as everyone is probably aware James 1:2-4 says “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.” 

If you are like me, this is a passage I wish were not in the Bible.  Why? Because it means I am going to have to deal with trials, I do not know about you but I am not usually grateful for trials.

Let me summarize the Slow Down Challenge, it consisted of 5 days and here is the link if you would like to check it out yourself. http://goinswriter.com/slow-down/

Day 1 – Noticing – am I so distracted that I forget to notice the things around me – beauty, sadness, joy, the child enthralled at the ladybug on the leaf.  These are the things that make each day special.

Day 2 – Savor Every Moment – do I rush through meals, or savor the tastes, sights and smells, around me through out the day.

Day 3 – What Really Matters – am I trying to be so productive that I try to multi-task – which is really a way of diluting my focus from the important things.  Focus is needed; but first I must decide what really matters.

Day 4 – Interruptions – they happen whether we want them to or not.  I can embrace them as an opportunity to grow and learn, or I can allow them to ruin my day – Why?  They are a normal part of life.

• They teach us to let go of control.


• They remind us life is not just about “me.”


• They help us become more patient.

Day 5 – Gratitude – say Thank You – it is good practice to be grateful for the small things that make life exciting; a unique journey for each of us.

Now you probably understand why I started with James.  The various trials are part of a complete life.  Life is what we make of it. We have choices.  I am choosing to notice and savor the interruptions.  Because I have decided what really matters; and am grateful for the people and things that teach, support, encourage, challenge and allow this journey called life to be lived one day at a time.

 

Have you thought about trials recently and what they could do for you if you embrace them?

5 Day Slow Down Challenge

[caption id="attachment_119" align="alignleft" width="150"] Scenic Route[/caption]

I will be participating in a 5 day Slow Down Challenge, starting next Wednesday the    28th.  I will be posting my thoughts and challenges based on the daily instructions here, so please check back in to see what is happening next week.

Crossing the Street - you thought your mom taught you

Traffic is a funny thing.  Here in Phnom Penh there are a variety of vehicles that can be found on the roads.  Car, trucks, buses, motos, bicycles, three wheeled tuk tuks, fruit carts, and more.  That does not account for the variety of animals you might run into as well.  For most of the day the traffic flow is rather heavy, so crossing the street can be a challenge.

[caption id="attachment_108" align="alignright" width="150"] Phnom Penh - Traffic[/caption]

I do not know about you, but my mom taught me to come to the edge of the street, look both ways and when no one was coming, cross to the other side.   In my late teens I traveled to London, and was saved a few times, by the signs painted in the road reminding you to look right.  I was always looking the wrong way and would have stepped out into traffic.  Obviously that has happened too often, thus the signs.

However in Cambodia a sign painted on the street would not help.  The traffic, or vehicles can come from any direction, or all of them at the same time.  It took me quite a while to learn how to drive, in the craziness, but somehow it flows together.

This is how it works, because the vehicles are coming from multiple directions, so the traffic is never really moving rapidly;  you just have to step out into the madness.  It requires inner fortitude, to start walking and continue at a consistent pace.

The motos will go around you, but you cannot lose your nerve and stop; the consequence would be that they would probably hit you.  The driver is judging where you will be as long as you continue to move and they are planning to go around.

In the beginning it just about terrified me, but now I step out and walk with confidence and faith that those driving will not hit me but allow me to pass.  Sometimes that means I probably undertake unnecessary risks.

By now you are probably wondering where I am going with all this talk about traffic and crossing streets.  Here it is.  I see a parallel between crossing the street and the way we approach our faith.  If we look both ways and wait until it is safe, we are not challenged, and although it might take some waiting we will get across the street eventually.

The other way, takes a step of faith that those around you are participating in the process and allowing you to move forward even if the circumstances seem congested or a bit scary.  You have to learn to read the patterns and have a high degree of trust in those who are on the path with you.  This is accomplished through stepping out and using confidently moving forward.

My faith is stretched when it is used, not usually while I wait for safety.  I am not advocating that you run with abandon, but that our faith journey requires forward movement, with adjustments along the way to get us to the other side.  Life is never simple nor is the plan usually a straight line.  However the old saying goes, it is easier to steer a moving ship.

Have you ever given crossing the street much thought?

Pausing

The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.  Mark Twain

Its Raining Tigers & Elephants

I am sitting at Spinelli Coffee Company in Phnom Penh and looking out my window as it is absolutely pouring down.  A good friend of mine to make fun of sayings we use, in America says it is raining tigers and elephants, he says that makes the saying Cambodian.  The streets are starting to flood, but it has not slowed down the traffic too much - it just makes driving a bit trickier.

[caption id="attachment_63" align="alignright" width="266"] Street #61, Phnom Penh - rainy season[/caption]

The tuk tuks have zipped down their side panels, which protects their riders from the rain, but creates a sauna effect inside the green flaps.  So wet or sweaty, not sure which is worse.

What I am thinking is life is a funny thing.  We take a shower daily and enjoy going to a pool to swim, but rain will stop many people in their tracks; it is just water and water dries.  I understand the problem if you are on your way to an important meeting, but really it is just an inconvenience.   I will freely admit I am having these thoughts sitting cozily in a coffee shop with my hot tea in hand, safe and dry, with no where pressing to go.

One of the things I enjoy about living in Cambodia, is that even though at this time of year it rains nearly daily, life kind of gets put on hold until the rain stops and then it resumes.  It is like pushing a pause button.

Wouldn’t life be great if we had a pause button?  When I was a kid I was always frustrated when I turned off the TV, that when I came back it did not resume the same program I had left earlier.  But alas life does not work that way.

Yes, I have been rambling a bit, but here is the point.  Ready for it.  Life is not the destination it is the little parts that add up to the whole story.  I don’t want my story to be more about staying dry and avoiding the inconveniences of life, but instead shouting Carpe Diem and enjoying each moment as it comes.

I walked out into the rain to take the above picture and guess what I did not melt.  A few strange looks were cast my way, but so what.  I want to venture into a life lived.  I named this blog Two M Ventures for a reason.  I refer to myself as two m because of my initials.  My tag line is “life is a daily adventure.”  But venture can be used as a verb which means to dare, journey, set out, to stick one’s neck out.  This is the type of life I desire.

 

How about you what kind of life do you desire?

 

Time does it Fly or Walk?

Time - Does it Fly or Walk

I was asked the other day what I like most about living in Cambodia.  The answer is quick and easy, the pace of life.  The question asker looked at me a bit puzzled so I started to explain.

In America we talk about time flying by, but in Cambodia they talk about how time walks.  She was still a bit perplexed. I continued, it is a matter of worldview.  In America time is money, which makes it so very valuable to us.  In Cambodia time is plentiful but people are important. So, their day to day, moment to moment choices are different.  Often I want to think that it is wrong, but when I embraced the saying it is not wrong just different, I opened myself up to chance to join in and try something different.

Appointments get pushed off if you are with someone right now.  Whatever you are doing right now is more important than the next thing.  You will deal with the next thing next.  I will freely admit that in the beginning this idea nearly drove me mad.  It always seemed like I was the one waiting around.  When my Cambodian friends would show up and I was annoyed they would look at me with that “What?” expression, not even a shoulder shrug, with no concern that they might be 30 minutes or more late for something.

It took a couple of years for me to ease into this mind set.  I will honestly admit, it was a difficult transition, but one that I am happy I made. I live a much slower life focused on people and relationship rather then the almighty day planner.  Freedom is what I have found. The freedom to choose this moment, not be so focused on the next that I miss this one.  Freedom to pursue relationships, by having an hour and a half lunch.

The main difference I see is in the approach to the day.  I schedule things for the day, but I limit them to 2 or 3 things, not something for each hour slot.  The day flows, I accomplish my main tasks most of the time, but I spend time on the things that really matter people, me included.

One of the first things I noticed when I came to Cambodia is that the crescent moon is on the bottom, where in Southern California it is on the side.  It is a visual reminder to me that Cambodians see the world differently than I do.

I have come closer to their way of thinking, but my Americanness continues to win out sometimes.  Especially, when it comes to consumerism.  I have that urge to buy the newest, biggest & brightest thing.  Where Cambodians are reuse, make do or do with out types.

Again they have been the teachers and I the student.  Pace of life is part of what makes it good, simple and easy.  I have always said that life is a daily adventure and living overseas, has made it better and challenged my worldview.  I believe I now have the best of both viewpoints.

How has your worldview been challenged recently?

Selah - Pausing

When I was younger and I would read the Psalms, I often wondered about this word Selah.  But at that age, I did not follow through to find out it’s meaning.  It was one of those mysteries of the Bible.  Then a few years back, I came upon a singing group named Selah, but even then when I liked their music I did not pursue the meaning of the word.

But this past Sunday the pastor at church was preaching in Psalm 3, and we see Selah 3 times in this passage.  So, finally you say, I looked up the meaning after she explained it in church.

There is no consensus on its actual meaning but it has been narrowed to at least two 1. Stop and Listen, or 2. Pause.  It is used primarily in the Psalms which were sung so the feeling is it is used in terms of a musical direction. But it is also found in the Habakkuk.

So less than clear. but both of those ideas seem to make sense in terms of this particular Psalm.  David is crying out to God, and then he pauses, cries out again, pauses again and cries out one last time, then a final pause.

Please read the text below.

1 Lord, how many are my foes! 
How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, 
“God will not deliver him.”

SELAH

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the Lord, 
and he answers me from his holy mountain.

SELAH

5 I lie down and sleep; 
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side. 7 Arise, Lord! 
Deliver me, my God! 
Strike all my enemies on the jaw; 
break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

SELAH

This past Sunday was the Parliamentary election in Cambodia.  There have been many accusations of election fraud, people not allowed to vote, people who claim that someone else voted for them.  It looked like it might come to violence.  There were a few incidents at voting locations.  But it dissipated that evening, even though there is still tension in the air.

But there seemed to be a calm after the original agitation, and now we are eagerly awaiting the results.  We are in a time of pausing or stopping and waiting.

 

I have found the same thing happens in my life.  I cry out to God and he promises he will answer, but when the answer does not come quickly enough, I call out again, and again.  I think I need to apply Selah to my own life.  I need to stop and listen, waiting patiently and yet eagerly for God’s reply.  Selah seems to be one of those God ideas, that is just backward to our humanness.

 

Has there been a time in your life when you needed to apply the concept of Selah – to wait with patience and eagerness?  Did God respond in a timely manner for you or for him?

Elections and Politicians

I have been living in Cambodia for the past 13 years, so I have been kind of out of the American political loop, but with each election, I feel like I understand a bit more what is happening here.  Voting is something many young people in America take for granted. Conversely, it is something that is being cherished and brings hope for change and a better life in Cambodia.  Unfortunately, corruption is very high, so often, the hopes are dashed.

It made me think of Abraham Lincoln.  He lost every election but the presidency.  He was the one who said, "No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent."

One of the things I see most often these days is people desiring change.  However they are looking for other people to affect that change, but true change comes from within.  Like the quote says we choose to consent to let others govern us.  Yes there are situations where we have no control, ie corrupt governments.

But that is where the above quote comes to play.  Change almost never happens quickly.  My mom says change is a wide curve that is best taken slowly.  It requires us to continue to put one foot in front of the other, no matter how slowly but walking forward toward the goal of change.

Having a degree in political science, I enjoy reading, watching and analyzing the process.  But at this age, I have realized that I can expect very little change from any politician no matter what they promise.  The change starts with my own decision to face reality and move in the appropriate direction to change myself first.

I am not saying that voting is bad, I believe in the process.  I think people need to be informed and participate, because if not one day the politicians will say they don't really care. So why do we have elections?  It is cheaper and easier for us just to decide for them, besides we know better then they what they need.

Life is a daily journey and true joy does not come from the things around us.  Yes they impact us but our own choices, experiences and expectations are what continue to drive us.  Choose to have the life you want by taking that first step. Choose Joy today.

What first step really made a difference in your life?

 

 

Learning by Giving Class

The son of a friend of mine had been diligently working on a mooc        ( massive open online course ) by the Learning by Giving Foundation.  This really sparked my interest, so I signed up for the class.  Yep, it started this week and it lived up to its billing.

After a very thorough introduction to who gives, how much and the different non-profit sectors there was an interview with Doris and Warren Buffet.  Yes, that is Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway fame. They were talking about Philanthropy.

Philanthropy is defined as - the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. 

They had a few really choice ideas to share, 1^st make sure that you have the correct heroes, so you will emulate character and goodness.  They both started young with intentional plans to give to others. Giving is a habit that is formed and developed over time.

Samuel Johnson said, “the chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are to strong to be broken.”

But here was the real kicker.  Every person has a tool box, for some it is money, but everyone has passion, time, enthusiasm, etc..  It is important for each of us to look at the tools we have and use them to positively affect people around us. Giving time to help just one person is a true gift.

I was inspired and cannot wait to consume the info in the remaining three weeks of the course.  I want to be a good giver, not just of money but of the gifts, skills and abilities that God has blessed me with.

 http://www.learningbygivingfoundation.org

What do you find to be the most effective way to give?

The Big Year

This past weekend, I watched a movie called The Big Year.   It is about 3 guys who are competing for a Big Year.  Ok, so what is that you ask?

Apparently, in the Audibon Society there is a contest for who can see the most birds in North America in 1 calendar year.  There is a great line in the movie when, it looks to be a European who says, “only Americans can make a contest out of bird watching.”  I am pretty sure that it was not meant as a compliment.

As the movie progresses you have Owen Wilson who is trying to protect his reco, while Steve Martin and Jack Black (almost any movie with Jack Black is a winner for me) are heading out on the adventure for the first time.  There is a lot of smack talk back and forth, with no one actually admitting that they are going for the record, until feelings get hurt, and people get manipulated.  Relationships get strained and broken, repaired and encouraged, as these guys pursue their dream  It was a delightful movie.  I won’t tell you who won, you will have to watch it for yourself.

But what it did make me think of was the fact that we should all be attempting to have our own big year’s.  Meaning that we will seek God in a big way.  That relationships would be strengthened  and encouraged.  That we would walk closer to Him, like the song says.  How awesome if we teamed up to accomplish a Big Harry Audacious Goals, when it comes to deepening our faith and discerning how to know God more.  I am pondering this and starting in July, I started  my Big Year.  A little bit of a hint, it will include fasting, memorization and periods of solitude and silence.   Stay tuned for more to come.

What would constitute a Big Year for you and what would you need to do to get started?