Bowling

Recently I went to a party in a bowling alley in Phnom Penh.  It was a private space that had two lanes and a karaoke machine.  It was for a Birthday party for a friend.  He had invited the staff from Divine Pizza & Ribs along with friends, and my sister and I. 

All the Guys

The Cambodian staff from Divine had never bowled before, so there were a few of us trying to help them understand how to hold the ball and what to do.  We were focused on the mechanics and how to do it right.  The Cambodians were focused on  trying it and having fun. The same goes for singing Karaoke. I would not choose to sing unless I could sing the song well, but the Cambodians jumped right in and sang their hearts out.  A few were pretty good but a couple were less than proficient but they sure had a good time singing and bowling.  

It made me wonder do I focus on the process too much. In my Christian life I try to do things the right way.  That goes for ministry as well.  Maybe I should step back and just enjoy the experiences I have with Jesus and allow that to drive my sharing about Jesus and how I choose to worship Him.  I am I too caught up in the way it should be done, should we sing hymns, or praise music, should I fast every week, or on special occasions.  I am confident that occasionally I over think the process, and that drags all the fun and enjoyment from the experience.  

I am often excited about what I learn about life from my Cambodian friends.  Their worldview is so different from mine.  I have said repeatedly in the past, if I taught them half of what they have taught me, then my time spent in Cambodia would be successful.  I am convinced that I find joy in the freedom of the experience, instead of getting bogged down in the details.  May your day find fun and pleasure in your walk with Jesus. 

Coming Home

Coming Home

When I left Cambodia 9 months ago, I had lived here for 13 plus years and I could not wait to leave.  This past Saturday I stepped off the plane and was amazed at how excited it was and how much it felt like I was coming home.  

I have not written much in the past months, I think I was just tired, and nothing was sparking my mind to talk about.  It involved much sleep and mindless actives, but my mind in renewed and has been a bit on sensory overload.  

The heat is as oppressive, but I am used to that.  Things have changed, new businesses have opened and old friends have closed their shops and moved into new ventures.  Projects have been completed and new projects started.  It is the way of life, change and progress. 

But underneath it all are friends, smiles and great memories.  It has been a busy week catching up with people and helping Divine get a new foot hold and vision for the future. Jet lag won out the other day, but I am pretty sure the smile has not left my face, since meeting a friend who picked us up at the airport.  

Not slowed by the rain or the heat they days are quickly passing and soon I will be headed back to my apartment in Kansas.  It is a sign of the modern times, jet travel and moving around.  But what I have learned in the past few months, is home is where you have friends, a sense of purpose and want to hang your hat, literally. 

I am a blessed girl, because I can feel at home in Cambodia, Southern California and now Kansas. 

A view of Pike’s Peak

So often in life, I go about my day to day and fail to look up and enjoy the beauty around me.  It is usually in times when I stop and take time to be still and revel in the solitude that I become aware of what is around me.  This week I am at Quaker Ridge Camp - enjoying wonderful fellowship, food and laughter together with my cohort in the Masters of Transformational Leadership.

But the most profound time up to now is the times we meet together in worship.  We meet in a room called the Great Room, and we gather in a semi-circle, which has an unobstructed view of Pike’s Peak.  We have shared scripture, prayed and sung together, but also enjoyed times of silence in the Quaker tradition.

In those times of silence, I have been gazing upon the mountain.  We have many references to mountains in our Christian walk, and through out the scriptures.  But in the last few days I have been reminded of many times where I was metaphorically standing on the mountain top and shouting God’s praises.

As well as when I was literally standing at Uhuru Point on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, a number of years ago.  Uhuru mean Freedom in Swahili.  What I realized in this time of contemplation is that the God I meet and walk with in the valleys, is the one who gives me the freedom to sing his praises on the mountain top. 

My prayer is that this week you, relive some mountain top experiences with God, and sing his praises to anyone who will listen. 

Kindness

Tv and Movies lie to us.

I realized that coming back to the states from a third world country has made me a bit wary about people and their motivations. When you live where you are the target of begging, and any possible scheme to part me from my money, I think cynicism is a common response.

[caption id="attachment_206" align="alignright" width="150"] Kindness begins with me[/caption]

But I find that I am more wary here in the United States, and after pondering it for awhile I think it is because of TV and Movies. All these crime shows, helps me to believe at a subconscious level that everyone is out to get me or at least my money. Basically to live in fear.

I do not know about you but I do not want to live in fear. Thankfully in the past 2 weeks I have had multiple encounters that have helped to refute this out to get me belief.

My friend Lisa and I went to a wood company to purchase baseboard to put in my condo, and when we got there, we were informed that they only come in 16 foot lengths. Well, the biggest mini-van I have ever seen isn’t close to being able to carry something that is 16 feet long. We were blessed by a wonderful Mexican man who volunteered to take it to my condo. He tied it on his truck, I jumped in and we followed Lisa, and unloaded it right into the garage and he was on his way.

The this past Monday I was out riding Trixie, my Vespa scooter and I locked the keys in the compartment under the seat. A long story short we were not able to break in and could not find the spare key, so I ended up walking it home; nearly 2 ½ miles. Given I did not run into many people walking on this street, but those I did asked if I was out of gas and could they get some for me. I wish that would have been an easy solution. I had an older gentleman stop and offer to put it in his truck, but between us we would not have been able to lift it. Then as I was nearing our street, two guys in a van pulled over. One walked it the remain way to the house and into the garage. My mom and I were blessed.

She asked if they were angels? They both looked a bit perplexed and said, “I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that before.”

I think these experiences helped to break down the idea that all people are greedy, out for themselves and want the worst for me. So, as I am prone to do, I started thinking about how I live out my witness as a Christian. Am I quick to offer help? How am doing at helping people to believed that Christians are different?

Galatians 5:22-23 says, “ 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Then there is the famous quote from A Streetcar Named Desire, “I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers,”

Am I the kind of stranger that offers kindness? Kindness is a fruit of the spirit how does it play out in my life? I have started to look for opportunities to be kind, giving a stranger the change they need at the register, giving food to a homeless person. Offering work to those who are struggling.

I was blessed and convicted these past two weeks. How do people see Christ in you? Do you see Christ in others?

God's Not Dead

On Good Friday, I was with my sister and niece at the movies watching God’s Not Dead. It was a bit of a juxtapose considering that Good Friday is the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. I did not know much about it going in, so I was pleasantly surprised.

A college freshman is challenged by his philosophy professor to write on a piece of paper that God is Dead, and sign his name. Everyone else is the class does, but he holds to his conviction as a Christian, he cannot do this. He gets a variety of advice, from just sign the paper, its only a piece of paper,  to drop the class, but almost no one encourages him to accept the challenge. The local pastor asks him how many students are in the class and does he think they will ever set foot in a church.  Maybe this is there time to hear.

Josh (the student) takes the challenge and has 3 - 20 minutes sessions in class to convince his classmates that God’s not dead. He is putting all kinds of time and effort into this as well as prayer time  to the detriment of his other classes.

Based on the title you can probably see where the movie is going, somewhat predictable with a few twists to keep it interesting. However, I would recommend you go and see it for yourself. Support faith based films, so we can see more of them.

It got me thinking about my life and ministry. One of the things I learned as a missionary it that there is no separation between life and being a Christian. God brings me opportunities, that allow me to rise to the occasion and live out my faith. Some of you might think well that's great you are a missionary, isn’t it your job?

Yes and no, we are all called to be missionaries, to share the gospel with the lost world around us. The test lies in my day to day life; is it different so as to create the opening or moment where that conversation can begin or continue.

I thought about this idea all weekend, as I went to Good Friday service and then Easter service, and ultimately to the park with my extended family, which is our tradition. One of the things I realized is that I have a harder time stepping up to meet the opportunity here in the US, then when I lived in Cambodia.

Just Sunday at the park, I missed the opportunity to lead my family in prayer over the food and the day. I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the day, good food, interaction with family members. Even though I prayed for my own food, I missed a huge opening. I’m not perfect, actually far from it, but I do know one thing for sure.

God’s Not Dead.

7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

[caption id="attachment_196" align="alignright" width="150"] An experimental mutiny against excess[/caption]

I am in week 6 of this study, which is a total of 9 weeks, There is an intro and 7 weeks of varying fasts and a wrap up. I have been going through this study with my mom & dad and a very dear friend.  We meet on Thursday mornings for about two hours to discuss the study and then just discuss life in general.  I was most interested in this study, but it has gone far beyond what I expected.

Week 1 was a fast from food.  For all of you thinking I could not possibly fast from food for a week, you could do this.  There were a few options but I chose to limit myself to 7 food items, which were; chicken, eggs, rice, apples, broccoli, cauliflower and yogurt.  The week flew by, I did go out to eat, once at panda express and once to el pollo loco, it was much easier than I thought and with limited choices it was easier to shop and prepare food.

Week 2 was clothing.  Yes, limiting my clothing to 7 items.  I had to modify a bit.  I was speaking at church that week, and going to a play so I used the same outfit.  I have my workout clothes and that was an outfit, because I am working out 4 times a week, and then I chose, 1 pr of capris jeans, yoga pants, a t-shirt, short sleeved sweater and a jacket - yep I rode Trixie my vespa and I need a jacket for that.  Again easier than I thought but required a bit more planning and time with the washer, but since all the items mixed and matched it was 1 load of laundry.

Week 3 - stuff.  I got rid of 7 items a day.  However the goal was to try and give them to someone who could use them.  Not that the goodwill is not a choice, but to be more relational in pairing down and assisting someone who needs help.  I collected some clothing for a person who got a new job and did not have the appropriate clothing.  Then cleared through some of my other things, I have had for quite some time in storage in my attic. It felt good and I have continued to give things away.

Week 4 - Media - I did not find it really difficult to disconnect my screens for a week.  I already take a sabbath rest from the computer.  I spent time writing and reading actual paper books, imagine that.

Right now we are winding up week 5 which is waste - This week, we have been challenged to look at the amount of waste we create, and make some choices that are better for creation care.  You know those reusable bags, that have been in my trunk, well they moved into the car and were used or I did not take a bag.  I have long loved shopping at Thrift stores, and just today I purchased a new shirt and capris, and since I am using the 1 in 1 out rule, I will be getting rid of 2 items in my closet.

We have two weeks to go, which will be spending and stress, I am looking forward to them.  But I wanted to share what I have learned up to this point.

Have you ever watch one of those decorating shows on HGTV?  If you have they always take all the furniture and items out of the room and then decide what to put back in.  Well this experiment has been like that.  Each week as I have undertaken the fast, it frees me to make the choice what to put back in my life, a positive choice, verses removing things from my life which seems negative like I am restricting myself.

This new perspective has been refreshing and invigorating as I am making choices about how I want to live my life.  I am choosing to eat healthier, spend less, give more, develop a capsule wardrobe, and drink more water.  I think I was on autopilot for so long that I did not take the time to really look at my life and make the choices, instead it took a mutiny to challenge me to change.

I hope that you are at a place in your life where you are making the choices to live an abundant life.  Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  Are you?

Transitions and Genesis

Nearly two months ago I transitioned from Cambodia to the United States.  After living outside of the US for 13 years, that means I have been making many adjustments in my day to day life. I am dealing with sticker shock - everything is so expensive, and far from me.  I used to live in an urban setting so I could walk out my gate and there were shops selling necessary items, it was easy.



A couple of weeks ago I listened to a sermon on Genesis 1.  Five times in that chapter it says, “and there was evening, and there was morning.  The preacher was talking about how different the Israelites view a day.  Their day starts in the evening, then they sleep through the night and then there is morning and the rest of the day.  Instead of the typical American view where the day starts in the morning, groggy and caffeinated to shift into go mode.

I have to admit that I stopped listening to him at one point  and started thinking about transition.  That is because all transitions starts with and ending, then the transition and lastly the new beginning. I am here to work on my health, lose some weight and spend some time with God, listening for what’s next.  Is that back to Cambodia, off to a new location or settling back into life in the US.  I will freely admit that I am still in the beginning phases of this transition.

Two months in I feel like the ending is finishing up, and I am entering the transition part.  I have a car, insurance, and am staying with my folks at the moment.  I have been weeding through my stuff and simplifying, by getting rid of things that don’t make sense for this time in my life.  It is hard knowing what to keep and get rid of when the future is fuzzy.

I think this is a personal Genesis for me - the meaning of this word is “the origin or mode of formation of something.”  Yes, this is the formation of the next part of my life no matter what it brings, but the thing I know to be true is that it will become clear as I walk faithfully with God and I am in the place to hear, which unfortunately means waiting for right now.

 

Are you transitioning?  Does it involve waiting faithfully?  How does that make you feel?

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.