It is incredible how much better one can feel after a simple shower.
This has possibly been one of the longest days of my entire life. After landing in Taipei, we quickly, and successfully, transferred to our last flight to Phnom Penh (after having a small pair of scissors confiscated from my carry-on… woops!). As soon as we stepped off of that last plane, we were hit by a wave of heat and the overwhelming smell of Cambodia. Cambodia’s smell is not a bad one, but very distinct and brought with it many many memories.
It is so good to be back.
We stopped by the Phnom Penh guesthouse to meet up with the others, then got into a car for a 5 hour car ride to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city. Really, it wasn’t bad. We were definitely tired, but Cambodia’s countryside is beautiful and mesmerizing and held our attention all 5 hours. Rural Cambodia is full of rice paddies, wandering cows (that cross the road at very inconvenient times), shacks, schools, small stores, and Buddhist Pagodas. Kaillie, a 21 year old girl from Wooster, is interning with Asia’s Hope right now too and it was awesome to have the opportunity to meet and get to know her! Along the way, we were introduced to the fruit produced by the Lotus Flower. They tasted a little like pistachios and were a fun first adventure. The roads were rough, but we finally arrived at beautiful Battambang- greeted by the massive statue of the “man with the stick,” after which Battambang was named.
We arrived at the famous Teo Hotel, which previously has housed Jackie Chan and Angelina Jolie. I quickly remembered the unique aspects of Cambodian culture- Bathrooms are just one room with no distinction between toilet area or shower. This means that everything is wet all the time for the most part. Also, squatty potties. Our hotel has American toilets, but everywhere else for the most part are the glorious porcelain holes in the ground. I really don’t mind them much, however- they really are quite sanitary. Flickering lights- the lights can never simply “flick on,” although they seemed to have sped up since I was here last time. I was overjoyed to discover that the Teo Hotel now has wireless internet! No more internet cafes!! (Well, at least until we go back to Phnom Penh) But this definitely was a perk to my evening.
Finally, we had dinner with a missionary couple from Wooster who have been working in Battambang for over three years now. It was really incredible to hear their story of how they came to know Christ and how they came to live in Cambodia. “Always avoid always and never say never!” This is a good phrase to remember when praying, as we learned from their story.
Overall, it really was an awesome reminder of the power of prayer. I am really looking forward to getting to know those two individuals better. They also are involved in teaching English and some micro-enterprise opportunities!
Well, I’m exhausted. Tomorrow is a very busy day.
Much love!
I am so excited for you and Eric. I pray that God will use you both in mighty ways and that he will sharpen your vision for the work he has for you to do.
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Isn't it weird that you travel around the world to meet people from Wooster, Ohio?? Stay safe - don't forget to photograph each orphan from BB3 as well as the group!
I LOVE YOU!!
PS check your email please!
Hey Jocie,
I love your reminders of the little things that flood your memories. You are right on the "smell of Cambodia" One of last fall's team members, Anna Cook and I, were just commenting on that memory. Have an amazing trip! in our prayers,
Dar
Hi Roomie! :) So glad to have met you!!! and thanks for the chocolate.. you're awesome!!