Luray - Day 1

For the new year, we decided to make a trip down Luray, VA to see Luray Caverns. So far, it's been a pretty interesting trip. We spent 5 hours on the road. An hour into the trip, we stopped by Cracker Barrel for lunch.

This was my first time at Cracker Barrel and I wasn't sure what to expect. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. The service was great as was the food. I ordered the eggs-in-a-basket and it was delicious. Our watress also brought out plenty of biscuits and saw-mill gravy and cinammon biscuits.

Cracker Barrel also had a small puzzle game at the table. It was the pyramid puzzle where you skip pegs and try to leave as few pegs as possible. I didn't think it was possible, but Gene managed to score a 6. On my first try, I was able to score a 2, which made me "purty smart".

Another interesting thing was the the candy that they had in the Cracker Barrel store. Hersheys had different chocolate bars with classic looking wrapping. I wonder how much it costs Hershey to produce custom packaging for Cracker Barrel.

After lunch, it was a long trip through Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia to our hotel. I managed to be lulled to slumber by Jack Johnson, but the majority of the drive was uneventful.

We arrived in Luray a little after 7pm. After a long drive, we working looking forward to just kind of relaxing. Jimmy went to check in, but there was a minor altercation. We had reserved two doubles, but they only put us down for one. The manager tried to give us a single, but the room smelled. We got on the phone with Priceline, and eventually the manager gave us the "suite" for the same price as the double.

Despite everything, we ended up staying at the Cardnial Inn. The place is kind of weak, but it's a place to stay. While we were in the office working out the rooming situation, we were joking that the "internet" was only in the office and you had to plugin to the ethernet. Luckily, there was a repeater near our room.

Once we got the rooming situation sorted out, we set out to explore Luray. The town consists of bars, pawn shops, antique shops, and a Walmart. We inadvertanly drove right by Luray Cavern and did our best not to spoil our experience. By this time, it was close to 9pm and there was not much else to do, so we went to grab some dinner.

We ended up eating at a mexican restaurant which was converted from an old Mcdonalds. The conversion was evident from the doors "push", the drive through window, but most indicative were the tiles used for the playground space. They did a pretty good job of converting it to a mexican joint.

Our waitress had a very endearing southern accent. The majority of us suspected that the accent was from North Carolina, but it ended up being a native Virginia accent. Dinner was surprisingly good. If you're ever in Luray, VA, stop by Rancho Viejo Mex Grill. The food was surprisingly good.

While we were driving around, we saw the "Luray Zoo and Reptile Jungle". The place was real kitchy and we managed some pictures. The doorway consisted of a big aligator mouth. There was also a big dinosaur in the front of the place.

Just looking at the various advertisements and pamphlets in the office, most of the stuff around Luray is pretty crappy. There was this pamphlet for "Dinosaur Adventure" with these cheesy dinosaurs vs civil war people.

Driving around, I thought about the economics of these small towns. It seems like the main source of income is tourism based. The second income is alcohol consumption. I also thought about the higher education opportunities offered to a town of 5000. Even if they had the grades to go to university, that doesn't necessarily mean that they have the means to go to college.

So, our adventure begins.

Cambodia: Day 13

Start at the beginning.

Shopping for Gifts

We were supposed to teach at KCEA today, but both Jeff and I had to buy gifts for our Khmer teachers. Jeff's was easy, gifts for two male monks. I had the difficult task of buying 3 gifts for girls.

First, I asked Soekna to help me, but he didn't really know what to get. I went to the market to ask Kum'Ting to help me but she wasn't around. So I asked Morico, her cousin to help. There was a disparity in age, but I think it would be alright.

She took me back to the same store that Soekna had taken me. We looked at some stuff, but none of it was really appropriate. I suggested maybe some small purses, but they were like $4-6 USD; way too much to spend. Then she had the brilliant idea of getting shirts for them. Too bad I didn't really get a chance to ask them about their favorite color or anything like that. Even still, it was a great idea.

We went deep in to the market to find some shirts. All the shirts that I liked ended up costing about $4, a lot more than I wanted to spend. We eventually picked out two shirts that were both $2. I wanted to give something special to Gentoo, so I decided to give her one of the many white t's that I had worn over the past week.

Then it was back to the other store to buy some boxes and cards for them. Jeff didn't have to because he only needed to get gifts for guys. The boxes were pretty nice, they came pre-wrapped. The store clerk added a pretty ribbon and bow which was a nice touch.

Farewell Temple

It was both a happy and sad time as we approached the temple. I saw my pretty teachers sitting and waiting for me. I was both filled with the sense of excitement that we would be together coupled with the feeling of longing of saying goodbye to a good friend.

Even though my time with them was so short, I feel like I've made an important connection with them. One of those feelings where you just connect with someone despite language or any other barriers.

My intention was to just around and chat, but a new person came around and I ended up practicing my Khmer with her. We didn't get long before it was time to take pictures before KCEA.

We took a few group shots, but I didn't realize how poor the lighting was until later when I downloaded the pictures to my computer. It's a shame too, because one of the key group shots is really good. We'll see what one of the graphic gurus back home can do with it.

Sharing at KCEA

Then it was off to KCEA to share about Acts 9. I'm not used to sharing like this, so it was very difficult for me. I prepared something, but I didn't feel it would really help them at all. Hopefully they were blessed in some way.

After the sharing, they shared their appreciation for us with gifts and prayer. Both Jeff and I got a chance to share a little more about our experiences in Cambodia.

It was definately a great experience for me. Unlike Honduras, where I felt like my mission was done at the end, I felt like mine was just beginning here in Cambodia. I had just started to make those strong connections with the people here and felt like I was ready to take them to the next level.

I felt like it was really difficult for me to leave when there is still so much to do. Even in just the last three years, there's been fruit from what Jeff's team had done so many years ago. To see the potential in such a short amount of time is staggering.

Cambodia is definately on my list of places to do full-time ministry. We'll see if God has it in store for me.

Final Classes

For my final classes at Light for Living and Grace School, I opted to just play games with them. It's been a while since I've played any games with kids so it took me a while to think of some that were appropriate for them. Even then, it was still tough to think of all the rules for the games. Space was limitted, so a lot of games in my repertoire were out. It was even hard just to get them in a circle.

For Light for Living, I taught them the Watermellon Game, I tried teaching them Moo, Chi, Baa, but that didn't go too well. I also taught them the dance game.

At Grace School, I taught them how to play ABC and Black Magic. In order for Black Magic to work, I conscripted Kum'Ting to be my partner, so I told her how the games works. My class was dumbfounded by it. I would've continued to play, but class was getting short and I wanted to get some pictures.

After class, Nara and Lian called and asked if they could stay over. I wasn't too keen on the idea, but whatever. It turned out to be not so good an idea. During the night, after one finished snoring, the other would start. It was a really long and hard night for me, even with my iPod.

Tomorrow we'll be in Phnom Penh and get a chance to be tourists. I really don't want to go back yet.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13

Cambodia: Day 12

Start at the beginning.

Missed Teaching

Even though there wasn't much for us to do, we kind of hemmed and hawed and got to Cherr's pretty late. I was supposed to teach Cherr some computer stuff, but it was too late. I gave her my sincerest apologies and promised to come tomorrow.

Instead, I spent the time chatting with Kum'Ting, one of the original kids from Jeff's first trip. It's really wonderful to see how far these kids have come in such a short amount of time. Because of their English, both Ringsey and Kum'Ting got scholarships to go to University.

These kids are living proof that the work that is being done here is working and necessary. Even in such a short period of time, there is already tremendous fruit. Both these kids have the potential to continue on and make fantastic strides for the kingdom. This is one of the main factors that draws me to Cambodia.

The fact that the country was ravaged so badly, in such a short amount of time, by one man, is also a pretty good reason.

Temple

At the temple today, Gentoo was very strict and made me repeat a lot of words she had just taught me. It was good, it forced me to learn the words.

We were surprised to see another American at the temple. She had been studying Khmer for 6 months. I was surprised that her Khmer wasn't as good as it could be. Everyone we had been talking to says that we should be able to pick up Khmer in around 6 months.

We spent a long while at the temple. It was almost time to go teach guitar class. I really didn't want to go teach guitar. I felt it was so frustrating and didn't really get anywhere. I opted to go visit Gentoo's house instead. I could tell that Jeff wasn't too happy.

Gentoo's House

In some ways, Gentoo's house was similar to Sun Howee's house. There was a very apparent lack of furniture. She maybe had only two chairs which Mr. Soek and I took. Gentoo showed me the rest of her home which had a tiny kitchen in the back. Instead of gas or electric, they had a coal pit. For water, they had a old fashioned handle pump.

Behind her house was some water and a pagota. She took me to the pagota to take some pictures. It was really pleasant and kind of nice and serene. All the while, we were followed by these little kids. I'm sure they found me and oddity or interesting.

After seeing Gentoo's house, I finally had a chance to really experience the poverty in Cambodia. I didn't really get a chance to see the homes in Honduras, but I imagine that it isn't any better than it is here. Here, at least the houses are better built. Gentoo's family is so poor, they cannot afford a fan. Now that's really poor.

Part of me wanted to go to the market to buy them a fan. But at the same time, I would feel really weird about it. For me, it wouldn't be really expensive, but I wouldn't want to give them a really extravagant gift. I definately want to give the girls something to remember me by, I'm just not sure what.

It's such a different experience when you know someone who is poor and actually seeing their home. This is what they have to live with every day. All the other homes, I had only experienced from the outside. The fact that they are well built fails to convey how stark and simple the interior is. You watch old Kung Fu movies, and even they have stools and tables. Here, you may have a bed or a hamock.

We were hanging out at Gentoo's house when I spied a large storm cloud approaching. They asked the neighbor, who happened to be a moto taxi, to drive me to Light for Living. He was a little more expensive than he should've been, but whatever.

Not long after I arrived, the rain just pounded down.

Sharing at Light for Living

I was surprised when they asked me to share at their Bible study. I wasn't sure what I should share, so I shared part of the message I had prepared for Tuesday. Hopefully, it was effective.

As we begin to get ready to leave, I definately feel a sense of wanting to stay. In Honduras, I was kind of looking forward to returning home. But I had entered a good routine here. I had also made a lot of good friends. The biggest difference is I feel like my work here is not complete. We had pretty much completed all that we could in Honduras, but there is still so much to do here. At the end of Honduras, I didn't feel that I would return for a long time. But I feel like I can and want to come back here for a longer time.

We shall see what God has in store for me. I don't even know what's going to happen in the next two months, let alone the next few years. All I can do is trust in God and what he will be doing with my life.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13

Cambodia: Day 11

Start at the beginning.

It's My Turn

This morning we went Chreybak church. On the way, I was feeling a bit tired and lethargic. I thought it was just remnants from the sleeping pills that I took the night before. But even when I arrived at the church, I was still feeling really lethargic. It wasn't until we sat down to worship that I really felt it.

My joints ached. My head was light. I instantly knew that I had a cold. I am guessing that I got the virus from either Soekna, who was sick the previous day or Mr. Soek, who was sick the previous week. On top of that, I had spent two days driving long distances on the moto and spent two nights in cold AC. It was probably a combination of these different factors that gave me the cold.

I apologized and lied down while they were having worship. I didn't really get a chance to sleep, but it was better than staying up.

After Jeff finished sharing, we excused ourselves and made our way back to Kampong Chnong.

We stopped by a shop to get some noodle soup. We had left so early that we did not have an opportunity to get breakfast. I ordered pork noodle soup and was surprised to get pig intestines and pig liver.

Normally, I probably wouldn't have issue eating these, but being in Cambodia and being sick, I thought it was the better decision to pass. Jeff offered me his beef and beef balls even if I didn't accept. I didn't eat the beef because it looked a little more raw than I would have liked. But I ate the beef ball with glee. After eating, I felt a little better.

We went to drop Lian off at his house. On the way, we ran in to Gentoo and Sun Howee. It was very coincidental that they had just arrived at Gentoo's house. Gentoo had invited me to visit her sometime. I would have been glad to stay, had I not been sick.

It was really interesting during those few minutes. While we were talking, all the neighbors heard us and came out to see the foreigners talking to one of the girls. And even more surprised when they saw it was a Chinese person speaking English with a little bit of Khmer thrown in. We bid Gentoo farewell and went back to the hotel.

We got back to the hotel and I hit the shower, popped some Tylenol, and downed some hot water. We stayed up briefly, watching TV before I decided to sleep. Even though I was out for almost 3 hours, it wasn't good or restful sleep. I kept drifting in and out and getting really hot.

Jeff left to go to Patrick's house. I would have liked to go and just hang out there, but Soekna had invited us over for dinner. I rather rest up and skip Patrick's and go have dinner.

Soekna Blesses Us with Dinner

Soekna was very kind to open his home to us. While they were still preparing the food, he showed us the house that he had designed and was building. It's really cool how they build their own houses out here.

Dinner was fantastic. After eating, I felt much better. Of all the food we've had, the best food has always been the homecooked. There's something about a homecooked meal that is always so comforting and invting.

During dinner, I got the opportunity to chat with Patrick a bit and get an idea of full-time missions. Cambodia is definately on my list of possible places to be. Phnong Penh and Cambodia in general is really begining to develop. There is a need for English teachers and programmers and English is such a powerful ministry tool.

It's kind of weird seeing how powerful knowing English is and how many doors it opens. It is a wonderful way to empower the people to break the cycle and get in to positions where they can really do good for the country and its people.

Ringsey Teaches Dancing

On the way back to hotel, we picked up Ringsey. He was eager to stay with us and I was eager to learn some Khmer dance from the world champion dancer.

We wanted to wait for some music before we saw his dance, but we were so unfortunate that the TV did not show any. While we were waiting, I taught him how to play Texas Hold'em. I think I taught him too well, because when we played for well, he was playing ultra-aggressive; going all-in on bottom pair. Eventually, he got caught and lost.

We were tired of waiting for the TV to give us Khmer music, so he just began to teach me. Some of it is pretty simple, but combining everything makes it a little difficult. It's hard to believe that this is the dance that they do at the parties and clubs. But Ringsey insists that this is what I would dance with a pretty girl.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13

Cambodia: Day 10

Start at the beginning.

Thmoripe

We woke up early this morning to go to this church on the countryside. Soekna came by to lead the way. When he got here, he told us that he was sick. He did some stuff with a coin and medicine to his body to heal him. We urged him to stay home if he wasn't feeling well, but he insisted on going.

It was a far drive to the church, about an hour. First, we played a few games. Then it was time to teach. At first, it seemed like a good opportunity because there were so many non-believers there. But as Jeff started to teach, the kids just ran off. One of them stayed, but I don't think he was really paying attention.

Lian, one of Jeff's friends from his previous trip came with us. He wasn't a believer yet, so it was good that he heard everything. After Jeff's lesson, Lian and Soekna got in to a big discussion. Neither of us knew what they were talking about, so we kind of wandered off. In many ways, we reflected the kids. What's the point in listening if you don't understand?

In the end, there was a purpose to Soekna coming. Had he not been there, he would not have had the opportunity to share with Lian. Lian's still not a believer, but every little bit helps.

Temple

After a quick lunch, it was to the temple to learn Khmer. Mr. Soek was running a little late, so I started with the girls.

Gentoo brought the book she had learned from. She started teaching me how to put together questions and answers to those questions. It was a really good time that pushed my Khmer skills.

All this time, while I was learning Khmer, I had been keeping a small journal of all the words I was learning. She wanted to make sure I had the right pronunciations written down, so she had me go through every word I knew. Needless to say, it took a long time.

Afterwards, we were tired and just sat around having conversation. They asked me about my experiences in Cambodia thus far and asked if I had plans to come back. I flirted with Gentoo a bit, suggesting I would come back for her.

All in good fun.

Jeff's Herpes

A lot of stuff has been happening to Jeff these last few weeks. First, he got a stomach virus. Then he found some spots on his arm that turned out to be hyperpigmentation. Now, he's developed this growth on his cheek and the corner of his mouth.

I joke with him that he has herpes, even though I know it isn't. Since we don't actually know what it is, it's just easier to say he has herpes.

He looks at it everyday and scratches at it and puts random creams and lotions on it. I try and tell him that most of the stuff will do no good, but he doesn't listen.

The growth is starting to grow into the shape of an arrow, which makes it kind of funny.

I feel bad for Jeff and all the problems he's been getting. But at the same time, his over-reaction to the hyperpigmentation and now to this, is starting to get annoying. I do my best to try and tolerate it and ease his concern. But it's tough when he keeps looking at it and expounding on how it can be different things. I honestly believe if he didn't obsess with it as much, he wouldn't be so afraid of this stuff.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13

Cambodia: Day 9

Start at the beginning.

For some reason, I couldn't fall asleep last night. I kept tossing and turning. Even after I took some sleeping pills, I was still up for awhile. Needless to say, I was pretty tired during the day.

KCEA

In the morning, we went to KCA to teach. We didn't really have anything prepared, so we just played games instead. First, we played a bunch of Khmer games. Then, out of the blue, Soekna wanted to arm wrestle. I had arm wrestled him before, and even though my arm is bigger than is, we were evenly matched. This leads me to believe that my arm wrestling technique is lacking.

After everyone's arm got tired, Jeff and I taught them how to thumb wrestle. Since we had so much more experience with it, it wasn't difficult for us to beat them.

Once the festivities were over, we got a nice group picture. Then I sat around with Simone and surprised her with the amount of Khmer that I knew. Most people didn't know that I was studying Khmer, so when I bust it out, they are pleasantly surprised.

More Budgeting

Then it was off to Life for Living where I taught the staff about budgetting. This class was a lot easier because I didn't have to wait for Soekna to translate it. It seems like this kind of knowledge is really useful to them. We'll see if they actually keep up with the books.

The girls had been cooking for us pretty much all week. In order for us to return the favor, we took them out to one of the nicer restaurants in the area. I think it was a nice change for them.

One of the dishes they ordered consisted of fermented fish. It tasted alright, but I didn't want to eat too much. It was a good thing too, because not long after, I had to hit up the WC with some hershey squirts.

We ate lunch early, so there was still time before we had to be at the temple. We wanted to hide in the hotel because of the blistering heat.

I hadn't realized how tired I was until I got back to the hotel. When it came time to go to the temple, I had to make a hard decision. Take a quick nap and try and get some energy for teaching tonight or go learn Khmer with a pretty girl. In the end, my tiredness won out.

Guitar Class

It wasn't long after that we went to teach guitar class. I don't know if it was the tiredness or what, but I had a really hard time teaching this class. I tried explaining the dotted note to them, but they just couldn't understand.

We eventually wised up and found Soekna to explain it to them. In retrospect, we probably should've just spent the time teaching Soekna and a few of the other students with better English. This would've made a lot more sense because they could, in turn, teach the other kids what they had learned.

Worship

Since Soekna pretty much took over my class, I popped on the iPod to listen to some worship music. It's been a long while since I truly got to worship God and it felt so good.

Sure I go to service every week. I sing songs, I pray, I learn from the messages. But none of that really felt like I connected with God. And now, when it happened, it felt so good. It reminded me of my early days as a Christian, not concerned about anything other than loving God. It reminded me of my experience in Copan, Honduras last year, as I heard God call me to full time missions.

As I sat there silently singing, I couldn't help but feel the welling up inside me. These moments of perfect communion are rare and oh so precious. Even if I didn't accomplish anything on this trip. Even if nothing else came out of it, this singular moment would've made it all worth it.

Grace School

Then it was to Grace School to help Dee with some computer stuff. The things that he was asking me were all cosmetic and seemed kind of silly. Still, I was more than happy to oblige.

The English class that I was teaching had asked me to sing for them. I didn't really know what to sing, so I chose the song that had touched me so back in Honduras and not that many hours ago: Only You, by David Crowder. I figured, if I'm going to sing, I'm going to sing about something that I truly cared about and meant something to me.

Tomorrow brings the weekend and the beginning of the end. Soon, I will be back in the states. These posts will be online and it'll be back to the daily grind. Hopefully this is not the end, but a step in to the greater things that God has in store for me.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13

Cambodia: Day 8

Start at the beginning.

Malaria Dreams

The malaria pill I took last night gave me the some weird dreams. One of the dreams that I had, was there was "secret" book in the Bible with incantations. When they were read, a portal would open up. Inside the portal was this huge blue escalator going down. At the bottom was another portal to a parallel version of our world. The parallel world was similar, but had enough differences that set it apart from ours.

Computer Tech

Jeff left for Phnom Penh at 8. So I would be responsible for driving myself around Kampong Chnang.

At 10, I went to Grace School to held Dee with some computer stuff. Most of the questions were really simple, so I was finished pretty quickly. As I was trying to answer some of his Powerpoint questions. I found some porn hidden in a Powerpoint file.

I also got a chance to check my email very briefly. I had forgotten what it's like to use dial-up. I didn't really get to read any emails except for one.

The place that I had interviewed at the day before I left for Cambodia wants me back for a second interview. This has been some of the best news that I've heard in awhile. It definately brightened my day.

Broken Moto

Then it was off to Light for Living. Chaan borrowed our bike to go buy some fried frogs. It was taking her longer than it should've taken. We were joking that the moto had broken down. It was funny because when Chaan got back, the moto actually did break down.

It cost 3$ USD for the part and the repair. So, in total, we've spent 9$ USD repairing the moto, which is a lot compared to Cambodian standards.

Sun Hi's House

After lunch, Guh lead me to the temple. I passed Mr. Soek and Mr. Gun on the way. When I got to the temple, the girls were not there, to my chagrin. Mr. Soek told me they had just come from Sun Hi's house. Everyone was still there, so we made our way over.

This was my first time in a Cambodian house. One of the things that struck me was the starkness of the rooms and the lack of furniture. I guess if have to build your own house, it would be tough to afford anything else. Even still, they seem a lot better constructed than the shanty houses I saw in Honduras.

Jeff's Arm

Jeff returned from Phnom Penh in the middle of guitar class. It turned out that the spots on his arm was an allergic reaction to some chemical reaction between something he had put on his arm and the sun. The reaction caused his skin to produce more melanin than normal.

As the trip winds down, the time is just flying by. Looking forward, there's still so much to do. I feel like my mission has just begun. I've been teaching about budgeting and a little accounting. I have been teaching computers. I have been teaching English. And right now, is the point where I am starting to build relationships.

Some of the kids that were really shy when I first arrived are becoming bolder and approaching me after class. Even the people I see regularly everyday are becoming warmer and more jovial. It's at this moment, I feel as if I could stay here forever. Obviously not literally, but for a long time. I could definately see myself here for around a year, if not longer. The things I would miss most would be broadband internet everywhere and rock climbing.

• Cambodia: Day 1
• Cambodia: Day 2
• Cambodia: Day 3
• Cambodia: Day 4
• Cambodia: Day 5
• Cambodia: Day 6
• Cambodia: Day 7
• Cambodia: Day 8
• Cambodia: Day 9
• Cambodia: Day 10
• Cambodia: Day 11
• Cambodia: Day 12
• Cambodia: Day 13