Actually, the oil the guy was covered in couldn't have been from my bike because although he had it for six weeks, I was having trouble actually finding ANY work he'd done on it (apart from the back brake). Anyway, surprise surprise it wouldn't start but after a bit of fiddling and poking, the said greasy mechanic got her started. Great. But then, just as I was about to take the bike from him so I could just get out of there, he sped off down the road (pulling wheelies), crossed the grass verge, jumped a drainage ditch and disappeared onto one of the many fields surrounding the place.
Putting my hand to my ear, I could hear the faint revving of a bike in the distance and we just chatted amongst ourselves as our mechanic friend was having a jolly on my bike. After about 15 minutes he came back, so I got hold of the bike and, following Danny, went back in the direction of town.
Four breakdowns later I got home. Then it wouldn't start at all and so I had to push it to Danny's mechanic (about 3 miles away) so that it can (hopefully) be repaired competently.
As the Vietnamese school has closed for the lunar new year, I'm preparing to leave Siemreap for a couple of weeks in order to experience more of Cambodia, to be able to further understand the tragedies it has suffered and to witness the ways in which this nation has shaken off the shackles of its past. Hopefully, when I get back, the bike will be ready at long last.
We had a team meeting at a local restaurant the other day and Kim who runs the ministry, happily tucked into her dish of snails. There's been more improvement shown by the students at the school; although sometimes cheeky, they are keen young learners and it is so satisfying to hear them around school speaking the English they have learned. Furthermore, as Than Nguyen becomes more confident and fluent in English, I begin to learn more about plight of the people at the lake. It is not uncommon for people to drown, sometimes through intoxication and even more sadly, there are often incidents of young children who fall into the water.
During the holidays the kids will be working full-time collecting rubbish, some even do 'shifts' from evening into the early hours. Siemreap is not exactly the most dangerous place in Cambodia but like all places, you should have your wits about you at night. So for these kids, they are particularly at risk. And how much do they earn? For a full day's collecting they will receive about 6000 riel which is nearly a pound.
I've taken on a small project to write a training manual for an American Christian organisation called People for Care and Learning who run an orphanage and other projects here in Cambodia. It's something that I've done a bit of in the past so am looking forward to it especially as it is flexible and ongoing.
One downside of meeting great people out here is saying goodbye when they leave. I'd been hanging out with John an American guy who was out here teaching at a local church and he's been a good mate but he's now left for Thailand. We spent hours talking about our respective journeys with God and our testimonies were mutually encouraging. Importantly too, we've had a good laugh especially as he was getting me to say stuff in my 'English' accent!
There are some prayer points for this week:
Montana is an American guy who is searching for truth. We've told him about Jesus - please pray that he is drawn nearer to Him as he is subjected to other teachings out here.
For the Vietnamese ministry; that all will have safe journeys back to their respective families for new year and that the kids and school will remain safe over the holiday period.
For John's travels in Thailand; that he'd remain wise and that his gift of communication would be used for God's glory.
For my travels; for safety and wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to guide me.
For the work of PCL and for the development of the training programme.
Until next time and with love in Jesus,
Dan
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