Cambodia...the 2nd Time Round

My second trip to Cambodia this year had given me another new experience and a totally different view of Cambodia.

the streets of Phnom Penh

In September, the hot weather greeted us at the airport, Phnom Penh and Baray but surprisingly, in November, the cold wind and temperature of only 20'C greeted me as I came out of Phnom Penh International Airport. Something which I did not expect from this land of Cambodia. I felt as if I was in another land and mind you, I was shivering the whole day and night and I did not bring any sweater. I thank God that because of such cool and cold weather, my clothes was enough because I hardly sweat.

the students in one of the schools...5 to a small table

Previous trip I was the young ones with the older ones managing most of the responsibilities, but on this trip I was the not-so-young ones with responsibilities to hold. Keeping and handing out money is my job and indeed a quite confusing job because of the 2 currencies this country is using, paying in USD but getting the change in Cambodian Riyal which holds not much value. Delousing and washing hair for I have no idea how many children and some youth was a new experience for me and though my hands and legs were tired but every work done is for God and His people and I am glad I was a useful tool for Him.

children in Preh Cheak Tuel

God was really good to me this time round, He knows how much I can handle a situation. Most of the time, I will definitely somehow be involved with children but this time, I was not directly involved with children but I just cannot help but 'kehpoh' with children. My heart just cannot go far from them because everytime I see them, the more my heart goes out for this land and it reminded me, the future of Cambodia is in the hands of this young generation and of course, the future is in God's hand. So, it is very important for children to know God before they grow too old to accept anything.

along the Mekong River...

I'm most of the time, almost all the time a solo traveler that includes this trip to Cambodia and carrying some medicine which I have no idea to declare or not. I've prayed much before the trip, during the trip and as I go through the immigration that I would be able to go through it smoothly. Indeed, God showed His goodness once again. They did not ask anything, they did not open anything and I just handed them the declaration form and walked through it. Thank God for such a smooth journey.

the dusty roads

I was 3 hours up North in September to Baray. Now, I was 2 hours down South to Takeo. The journey went through the main roads and also the roads in the village. It was cool season but very dry as well and the roads in the villages were those roads with orange soil. So, when we passed through, the ground will be totally filled with orange dust. I pity the villagers on the road. Their white shirts will definitely turned orange in no time.

The places we went was more than in September. We visited 3 villages, Ang Krosang, Preh Cheak Tuel and Trapeng Reang, all in the province of Takeo. We visited the Methodist School of Cambodia, Methodist Bible School, the garbage dump, a local church in Phnom Penh, missionary's house and a shopping mall (there are many shopping malls in Phnom Penh!!). We walked through the side of Mekong River, the park near the palace and passed many parks and Naga World, the one and only casino in Phnom Penh.

beef noodles...from a shop...not the one in Russian Market

Last but not least, food. Got to try out more types of food and some were same food but at different places. Cambodia is quite rich with food especially Chinese food. The best food still can be found at the local hawker stall. People dare not eat from the hawker because they were afraid of the cleanliness of the stall and food but it's proven quite safe. I finally managed to eat a bowl of beef noodles at a still inside Russian market and a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. It was the best breakfast I had in Cambodia. The traditional and unique way of eating. We managed to see a little bit more of Russian market. That place actually sells everything.

medical mission

That's all I would like to share this time round. There's so much to share but I guess this is enough. Lastly...to God be all the glories!!! =)