Into the New Year

It has been a challenging week for one reason or another and I'm glad that I've a few days off due to a national holiday, which is a day to celebrate the fall of the Khmer Rouge. I have been feeling the pressure of being the only foreigner at the Cambodian ministry as they themselves are under pressure and I've realised that some expectations are more than that which I am gifted at. Due to language differences, it is sometimes difficult to get across the fact that at times, I've been a bit out of my depth and stress has been an issue.

I told them I was taking things a day at a time; I'm not out here to put my health at risk and whilst as foreigners we are often reminded about respecting the local conservative culture, it is also of vital importance for local ministries to also take into consideration the needs and limitations of the those wanting to help them.

Last night, I spoke to Chris Brockway via Skype and it was good to have a conversation with a familiar face. It was good to receive some encouragement and to have a bit of a laugh as well as my humour is a bit lost on the Khmers (as it is on most).

Today I was due to pay my rent at the guest house and to my surprise (well, nothing really surprises me anymore!) they'd checked me out of my room again and rented it to 'Didier'. Sometimes I wonder if they are trying to tell me something. So, I packed my bags (again) ready to move into the guest house over the road but then the owner knocked on my door and said that I could stay after all! Communication and misunderstandings go hand-in-hand out here.

On the way to the church school last night, my motorbike broke down and so I am now totally motorbike-less as my rented trail-bike is still in the repair shop (been there 3 weeks – mechanic is still 'resting'). This means I'll have to get a tuk-tuk to school on Monday but I can get to the Vietnamese school by mountain bike so that's OK. In fact, I like cycling as it's keeping me fit and I do go to the gym whenever I can too.

Things at the Vietnamese school are running well, Than Ngyuen's fluency is coming along well as is her confidence and the kids are all doing fine.

Until next time..

God bless,
Dan