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.
posted by w3y at
8/19/2006 11:41:00 PM
