Cambodia Continued - Day 5

From my hand journal -
So we got up at 8 am Fri and got in the van to head to Siem Reap. Holy long drive! Sam, Vek, and Samoeng came with us. We sang for awhile, then we were just hanging out. I put on my ipod for awhile because I was feeling a little annoyed at my teammates. Not anyone in particular, just that general annoyance that comes from not getting a minute alone for a week. Needed some time for myself. After I got over than, me and Michael had some good conversation about Catholicism. I told him about my feelings that the Catholic church kind of misses the point - it does not focus at all on the relational nature of Jesus. Instead, some of its rituals make the church members even feel like that can;t have a relationship with Jesus - confessions, prayer to the saints - all request intercession instead of going straight to God Himself. And it focuses too much on works, instead of the saved by faith truth of the Bible. However, I still maintain that the Catholic church and its rituals do work to bring some people close to Jesus.
This talk with Michael opened up some good conversation with Kacie, Robot, and Cara. It was nothing short of exactly what you expect a mission trip to be full of!
When we FINALLY got to Siem Reap (~6 hours in a rocky van!), we showered and got ready for our professional outreach. For a minute, we had a minor freak out about the dress of the group - Vek wanted the men in ties! But, what can you do?
The professional outreach was a really nice, 7 course meal. New Life Church members invited their non-Christian friends. There were about 100 people there. The church women did a traditional Khmer dance. Then Michael gave ~ a 10 minute talk on what Christianity means to him - Ephesians 2:45 - " But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive even when we were dead in transgressions. It is by grace you have been saved" Then college students from New Life Church danced to a praise song. Then Kacie spoke about how we all have pain, and how Christ offers us rest from pain. Then more dancing. Then Robot talked about how his life had changed since becoming a Christian. After all 3 of my teammates spoke, Vek wrapped everything up, and told the people how to become a Christian if they wanted - just by professing faith in Jesus and asking Him to to come into their hearts. Then they passed around a card - check A if you accepted Christ tonight, B if you have questions, and C if you just want to make a suggestion. 23 people picked A! I was certainly skeptical at first over the lasting nature of such a profession. However, Sam said that they would all be contacted within days and plugged into the church. Also remember, many of these people have never heard the gospel of Jesus - it's totally opposite from Americans who mostly grew up hearing about it. So it seems like NLC of Siem Reap has 23 new members! Pretty cool. I've always been a little suspicious of such events, truthfully, but God was definitely present there. He spoke through my teammates, apparently straight to the hearts of some of the Cambodians there.

After the dinner, Kacie, DeAnna and I got foot massages in DeAnna's room! Pretty fabulous.

Complacency

Hmmm. Never had more free time in my entire life, but never have I gotten so little done! In the last few days of my trip, I had no internet and was forced to journal by hand. So I was planning on typing it up on here (want to have it all in one place! guess a little of Colleen's OCD rubbed off on me!) but I've been "too busy". What have I had to do? Ride my bike, go to the beach, etc. It has been great, and I did need some real vacation. But it's not the vacation that I'm feeling guilty about - its the complacency. I am so tempted to float along in this feeling of doing pretty good that I allow myself to ignore the things that I claim are number 1 important to me. Reflection (hence the blog) and spending time with God in His word and prayer. I let myself be content with little bouts of stolen time, instead of really prioritizing this extra time I've been given.
But, while feeling guilty - God led me to Romans 3 - ALL have sinned and fallen short. So although I have done badly with my extra time these past two weeks, I know I can count on God's grace to get me back on track. Guilt is a waste of time. Forgiveness is only one prayer away.
BTW - I'm in Michigan. Currently lying on my bed in my new room!

Day 4 - CSPO

Today was AWESOME! I spent the day with the students at the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics. In the morning, I passed out my bag of goodies, and I felt like Santa! They were so pumped about the components. They knew all about what they did, and the textbook answers of advantages and disadvantages, but they hand't seen a carbon fiber foot, or a 4-bar hydraulic knee. One of the things they asked for and I was able to get was 1"Dacron, and within an hour I saw 2 students using it on their patient's AFOs for dorsiflexion stops. It was awesome to have that instantaeous knowledge that I was able to do something. I got a tour of the school and clinic, and I was amazed that besides the lack of air conditioning, the school and lab seems so familiar - like the ones Ive been in. I guess the biggest differences are that they use ICRIC components from the Red Cross, and they use a tan polypropylene for everything (even sockets, which they drape form). The scoket designs were the same - one guy was even making a MAS socket. Most of the students I hung out with were in their 3rd year, which seems to be similar to my residency, except they don't get paid. One of the things that was also very familiar about the school was the comaderie between the classmates. They seemed so close, like our group of 10. And this is after not only spending EVERY day together in either school or clinic, but also sleeping at the school, two to a room. I took pictures of their dorm - they even have a punching bag for getting out frustrations! I love my classmates, but I think that we would hate each other by now if we shared rooms and a kitchen and everything else. They literally are together all the time!
I got to observe several patient fittings, incluing two little girls with CP, one little TF boy, and many adult TT, TF, and polio patients. Ron (the lecturer from the states) said that they used to see all landmine and polio victims, but those have been mostly eradicated. Now they are seeing traffic accident injuries and CP.
The students were all very smart and easy to talk with. They all speak good English - all of their classes are conducted in English because of the international nature of the school. One thing Ron and I talked about a lot was the problems with the ISPO classifications. As a developing nation school, they are a category 2. Programs in the US are category I. Ron says they get an inferiority complex of sorts becuase of the lower category. One student (from Georgia! the country!) explained it to me as a ceiling that they will always hit their head against. Its very interesting becuase I knew about the classifications but had never thought about them. I have mixed feelings - they don't have the same backgrounds as us - no undergrad degrees, no university to monitor their classes. However, they are certainly doing a great job fitting patients. And they see some very difficult patients and problem solve around issues we would never have to encounter. There's no replacement for experience! One thing that I know for sure - it sucks how much it costs to go to Tech. A couple of the students asked me and I couldn't even really bring myself to tell them. It costs even more for international students. Many of these students are supported by their country's or from elsewhere, but $80,000, or even more like the $25.000 I paid out of pocket is outrageous to them. I learned today that Cambodian government employess (teachers, policemen, etc) make only ~200 PER YEAR!
One thing I did get a chance to think about today was how amazing it is that I ended up here. I was bummed when I didn't get asked to go on either of the trips I orginally signed up for. But, as I've seen so much, I can think that I know the best plan for my life. Then God comes in, throws my plan out the window, and I'm bummed for a minute, but then He comes through with something much greater than I could have imagined myself!!

Day 4 - BEACH

Today we took the kids to the beach! It was a 4 1/2 hour drive! But it was worth it! They were all so excited! Most of them it was only their first or second time seeing the ocean! We only took the kids from one orphanage (~25), and Smiley wasn't there. Bummer, but there are tons of cute kids! good for me not to have a favorite!
Spent most of the time teaching the older kids how to body surf! It was SO MUCH FUN! For all of us!!

Day 3 - Orphanage

Back at the orphanage on Tuesday. Again, we started out with field day games, and then spent most of the day doing a big art project. The kids had a good time. There was a little tension among the team members, but we got it all together. The kids had fun, and really that's what makes it a success in my book! Who really cares what the mural looks like? Each kid painted a square, and it did turn out to be really nice art, in my untrained eye. It was a good day to do the art project because the shade was involved - it was much hotter! But I'm getting used to just being completely sweaty. Can't really fight it! The ladies who work the orphanage cook us lunch while we're there, and today I walked up while they were doing it. I was totally amazed. The "kitchen" is outside, with our shrimp being fryed over an open flame, veggies and coconuts and papaya from the garden or from a cabinet that is the pantry. They start cooking in the morning and the food isn't ready until noon. I felt bad that they were doing so much for us, but it seems to be a labor of love. and i mean labor, for real. But the food that we eat at the orphanage is the best we eat here, I think! They pull a coconut down from the tree, chop a hole in the top, chop a slit where they fit a straw, and we drink up. Its pretty awesome. Well, in theory. We have cool pictures, but the coconut milk is not that delicious. The papaya really is though. And I tried lychee and sawmow, both jelly-like fruits with seeds in the middle, and they were really good. The sawmow has spines on the outside.
In the afternoon, we played with some water balloons and then gave the kids the beanie babies. wow. those things have been sitting up in the Pipkin family attic for a while now. But they were treasures to them. Each kid picked their own, and they were running around, showing them off, stashing them away, trading them, etc. The look in their eyes was pure thrill. And after we got done passing them out, they sang us a song, first in Khmer, then English. The words were "Thank you Jesus, in my heart." I cried. One of the girls I have been hanging out with a lot picked the only stuffed animal that actually belonged to me - a Bambi that was not a beanie baby. I can't really explain the feeling of seeing her and the rest of them with their new treasures without sounding super cheesy. Really, words would only cheapen it. I feel so blessed to have been part of it.
Straight from the orphanage, we went to the Russian market, a big street market with tons of food and random stuff to buy. There's so much to see that it's very overwhelming. but very cool, and you can get really good prices. you have to bargain a lot, though, which I have a hard time doing without feeling like I'm stealing food right off their table. Anyone want a Northface backpack?
After we got back to the hotel and ate dinner, me and Kacie and Lindsay went to the spa, where they got massages and I got a facial! I've never gotten a facial before, and it was pretty awesome! and it only cost $13.50. tommorrow we might get $7 mani/pedis. yeah that's $7 total. and I still want to get a massage.
Running out of internet time!

Went straight to the orphanage this morning when we woke up. Its a little outside of Phnom Pehn, but only about 30 min. However, traveling in the city is pretty much the most ridiculous traffic you ever saw. Not in the amount, but in the way they drive. There are pretty much no rules except get out of the way! They drive on the right hand side officially, but are not afraid to go off into the left if necessary. In fact, that's pretty much the only way you can make a left hand turn! And I've only seen one, maybe two, stoplights. Not to mention the hundreds of motos, some carrying an entire family, weaving in and out of traffic. Literally a moto is like a Cambodian mini van. It's not unusual to see one with a mom, dad, infant baby, toddler, gramma, etc. The most I've seen on one is 5 people!
When we got to the orphanage, the kids came out to the van to meet us and help carry in the goodies we brought. We started by splitting them up into teams and playing crazy field day games. I was head of the pink team. Just wait until you see my pictures! I had the cutest kid on my team - we called him Smiley. He was only about 3 years old - one of the youngest there. We had 3 translators, all students of the New Life Church Bible college, as well as Cambodian universities. They were able to explain the games to the kids well, and we demonstrated and participated. When was the last time you crab-walked? Wheelbarrow raced? We had fun, and by the end, we were all drenched in sweat. It probably averages 100 degrees and 100 % humidity here! Doesn't seem to bother the Cambodians at all! Then we gave the kids a bunch of the balls that we brought. It was like Christmas! We played basketball, threw frisbees, got our butts kicked at soccer, etc! You know I wasn't even trying to kick the soccer ball around, but I'm not too bad with the frisbee, especially to an 8 year old.
Lunch was the best meal we've had here so far! The women who run the orphanage cooked for us - fried fish, and rice, and chicken soup, and something we've eaten twice now - morning glories. They really are the stems from the flowers! Dad, I'm sure you're jealous! They look like green beans. We also had a chance to talk to Samoeung. Her and her husband are the heads of New Life Church, and the orphanage is her baby, so to speak. She told us about their funding situation very openly, saying that commonly they just have to trust Jesus to bring them the money they need. Its worked so far, but she said it would be better if they could get some consistent sponsorship. Kacie and I were pretty interested - we think this could be a great thing for a couple of small groups to get together to commit to. It only takes $30/month to feed, clothe, house, and educate a kid here. Now I sound like Sally Struthers. But if you could see these kids, you would know that it's more than worth it! They actually have it really well, compared to the extreme poverty that much of the country lives in. It makes you question how God allows this to happen. No good seems to come of it. How can He be doing the best for these kids? But His ways are not my ways, and someday I will have to ask Him. Until then, I have to do whatever I can! It was great today to see the joy on the kids faces. Its also very cool that they grow up knowing about Jesus and what He did for us, unlike the 95% of Cambodians who are Buddhist.
After an afternoon of more games, more frisbee, and much more sweat, we headed back to the hotel for the best shower (and most needed!) I've probably ever taken! I got to talk to Ron at the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, and we worked out a plan where I will get to spend the entire day there on Thursday! And the rest of my team will be meeting me there at 3:00 for a tour. This is exactly what I wanted!
Time to go to sleep. If you read this, please pray for us that we will continue to stay healthy, and that God will shine His love through us, to the kids and to all of the people we come in contact with. Also, please pray that we will really catch on fire with enthusiasm for doing His work and spreading His love!

Day 1 - Phnom Penh

We made it! Endless plane ride (23 hours!) and we arrived Sat night. we essentially missed 7/7/07! Oh well! Today we've been sightseeing - Church first (7:00 AM!). There were about 1000 Cambodian people there! The songs were in Khmer, but the sermon was in both English and Khmer!
After church, we went to the Killing Fields, where the Pol Pot regime executed about 9000 cambodians. There was no other purpose for the camp - just a place where people - including women and children - were bussed for execution. Very sobering. And this only happened about 30 years ago. Clothing and bones from the victims are all over the ground. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge killed over 1 million people total when they were in control.
After the killing fields we went to lunch, where our guide, an employee of the church, ordered us real Khmer food. It was really good! Very Thai - like, with coconut soup, sweet and sour dishes, and rice. I also had a lychee drink - a kind of fruit soft drink. And - so far - feel fine!
Then we took a bit of a tour of the city - going to Wat Phnom and the Royal palace, and walking down the water front. Now its monsooning (daily thunderstorm!) so we're waiting it out in the hotel. We have lots of plans to make before we go to the orphanage tommorrow.
Keep praying! More updates when possible!

Countdown - 13 hours

So, after a long day, I'm pretty much ready to go. It was touch and go at the sprint store, crying to the guy behind the counter, trying to explain how it was vital that I have my phone because I was expecting a call from a woman about some feet for Cambodians. They thought I was crazy. Guess I needed a good cry.
Anyways, that's all settled now. Seriously, I can't wait to leave. God has so clearly paved the way to get me to Cambodia that I know He must have some awesome plans for me there. I need to remember that He is in control of every second. He has proven to me that He is a far better planner than me. So be it with the kids, or the prosthetic students or patients, or my own teammates, or any random person that I come in contact with, I know God made me to further a part of His plan over there. Please pray that I am listening for His call and that I have the courage to act when necessary.
I don't think that my gifts are in sharing God's gospel. Although I hope that if I am called to do so, I can. But instead, my goal is really to shine God's love! God told us through John that when we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. I want to be an example of that kind of love! I want the Cambodian people to know in their guts that there is a God who loves them. I want to be living evidence of that. I want them to know that nothing good I do comes from me - it only comes from the Holy Spirit living in me.

Finally - blog!

Kept saying I was going to do it! Just wanted everyone I know to be privilege to my brilliant inner thoughts. Just kidding. I'm leaving for Cambodia tomorrow and for Michigan at the end of July. I want to use this as a way to keep up with my friends. Really so you guys can laugh at how I look in 10 layers of clothing, my excitement over the first snowfall, the first time I hit something because I'm trying to drive in ice. But luckily, got a few months before that fun starts. For now, I'll be telling you guys how I watch God's plans unfold in Cambodia! Start the praying now, please!