A Visit to the Province

So another update is in order!

I have settled into my new host family and have found my role as proh poh quite enjoyable.  Growing up as the oldest in my family I always had to be the mature one.  I am now the youngest sibling in my host family and am enjoying some of the riches of being the spoiled one.  Not that my little sister has ever been spoiled ;).  I have been treated to great food, as well as some interesting food (last weekend I ate some pig stomach as well as some crickets).  We have also played numerous games of dutch blitz and sequence and for the most part I have been on the wrong end of those games, but it has been great fun so far!

Let me look back to last weekend.  I joined some my host family as they traveled to the province for a wedding.  This was my second wedding, so I had an idea what to expect but this time I did not have the safety net of my fellow MCCers.  We arrived in Kompong Thom Friday evening and made the rounds greeting all the family members.  Then it was off to bed because we were going to have to get up mighty early the next day.  Turned out to be 5:30 in the morning early!  This was to attend the first part of the traditional wedding ceremony, the fruit walk.  The grooms family walks from the grooms house to the brides house with platefuls of fruit.  The distance between the two homes was a little far for this, so we just walked a little ways down from the brides house and then walked back.  Somehow I found myself at the front of the procession.

The one Barang among many Khmer.  The guy to my left kept asking me if I wanted a Khmer wife.

After the procession we ate, watched another ceremony called the hair cutting ceremony.  Do not worry the brides lovely locks were not harmed during the ceremony.  They only pretend to cut their hair.  Then it was time to have our noon time nap.  With a two hour nap in me I was ready to get back at it, and by at it I mean the food.  One of the real treasures of Khmer weddings is the food.  Now I know you read earlier that I ate pig stomach and crickets and are probably thinking that doesn't sound much like fine dinning.  That assumption would be correct.  However, those items were not on the menu for the wedding dinner.  Instead we were treated to barbecued beef, fried octopus (slowly becoming a favourite), a big old fish, and I completely forget what we had for dessert but I can assure you it was not cake.

The fish that we ate

Once again we head back to freshen up and then head back to the party for another meal and some dancing. By the time we got back to the party unfortunately all the food was gone so that left one thing, dancing.  I have had a few different occasions to practice my Khmer dancing and though I am getting much better it is still far from being any kind of spectacle that anyone would want to watch.  Unless, that is, you are into car wrecks.  Nonetheless I always have fun out on the dance floor and it was no exception on this particular night.  There were some interesting events out on the dance floor but if you are really interested you will have to ask me about those events.  That concluded the wedding and what a great wedding it was.

Sunday morning we went to the local church where I shared a bit of my testimony and why I was in Cambodia.  After church and lunch we started our journey back to Phnom Penh.  We were stuffed into a 15 passenger van, that by the time we hit Phnom Penh had 28 people in it!  Of all my experiences in Cambodia it has probably been the least pleasant.  Thankfully I had a window seat and could stick my head out and get some fresh air.  We arrived safe and sound thus ending another one of my great adventures in this lovely little country!

1st Semester a howy'

They said time was going to fly, but it is hard to believe that it is February already.  So much has happened in the last 5 months and so much has happened in the last few weeks.

Let me get you caught up on some of the recent events in my life over here in Cambodia.

• Semester 1 classes finished at the university on the 19th of January.  It was nice to have a couple weeks off as I was definitely starting to feel burnt out.  I think I can be forthright in saying that teaching is not in my future career plans.  However, having one semester under my belt now qualifies me as an expert, as I will be having student teachers observing my class this semester.  They will be taking notes on my technique, which will be a little nerve wracking.   The benefit of this this situation is that these students will then be teaching my classes for a couple of weeks.  Ahhhh the perks of teaching, maybe I should rethink the teaching thing altogether.

Giving some serious direction to my students

•  Us Cambodian SALTers were blessed with the presence of Isaac and Jenny, fellow SALTers from Vietnam, last week.  We had a great time checking out some spots in Phnom Penh as well as up in Siem Reap.  Up in Siem Reap we were able to check out one of the partners that MCC works with.  Philip Hosler, one of the current SALTers, is currently helping them with there ceramic studio, and you can take a look at the project click here.  We of course spent a day up at the temples.  I have never really been a museum guy, so although these are the Angkor Wat temples I still had a feeling it might get boring rather quickly.  I was pleasently suprised that I was able to be entertained throughout the entire day.  There is just so much to take in and you spend a lot of time walking and tuk tuking from temple to temple.  Most of the structures are awe-inspiring especially their size.  By the end of the day we had visited most of the temples near Angkor Wat, but there were many more that we did not get to. 
We also had the opportunity to bike around Siem Reap and take in the countryside.  Being a country boy at heart I am always happy to get outside the city and be amongst the rice paddies.  Phil was an excellent guide and showed us some of the different attractions that are must sees when traveling to Siem Reap.  It was sad to say goodbye to Jenny and Isaac, but it was great to spend a week with them hearing about their stories.  Now I have to return the favour and meet them in Hanoi.

Jenny, Isaac, and I in front of one of the temples (Bayon I believe)

• The last significant event happened this past Sunday when I moved in with my new host family.  My family actually hosted a SALTer last year and one of the members of the family was an IVEPer 2 years ago.  One thing I have already learned is that they love to play games.  The first night I brought dutch blitz and even though I was sick and went to bed early they continued to play until 11:30.  Looks like my remaining months will be filled with lots of fun.

It is hard to believe that I am coming up on the halfway point of my term here.  I want to thank all of you for your support so far and look forward to sharing the second half of my journey with you.

New beginnings

So who else is still trying to get used to writing and saying 2012? I am sure I am not the only one having that issue.  The turn of the calendar has given me a nice boost of energy.  The difficult Christmas season is over, and I am extremely excited about the next 6 months here in Cambodida.  The beginning of 2012 has also become a period of transition.  I am currently living at the MCC Guesthouse getting ready to move into a new host family.  What, what, what!  That's right I am switching my host families.  My host father from my first host family recently left for Malaysia where he will be working for the next 8 months.  This past Sunday I moved out, but not before my host brother took me to wade through some lotus flowers on piece of land that the family owns.  Not sure why he waited this long to take me there, but I was glad he did because it was a lot of fun.  After multiple goodbyes, and promises to meet up again for dinner I made my way to my new home.  

The family with a lot of motto hair going on

As disappointing as it has been to move away from a place that had been my home for 4 1/2 months, I am looking forward to meeting my new host family.  Right now the plan is for me to move into my new host family in early Februaury, right around the time I start my second semester at RUPP.  It is funny that all of this is happening around the same time.  It reminds of my early days here in Cambodia, when I was living at the Guesthouse and waiting for my job to start at the university.  

On another note I was able to experience my first Khmer wedding last weekend.  One of my Khmer colleagues at MCC got married in her hometown of Kratie.  A crew of us from MCC rented a bus and headed out to Kratie Friday morning.  About halfway along we picked up our Prey Veng workers, and then continued on to Kratie.  We arrived for lunch which was the quiet part of the wedding.  In the evening we pulled up to music that could be heard blocks away.  The way it works at a Khmer wedding is that you find a table and once the table is full they start serving you food.  Our table took a while to fill up so we had to wait awhile as the other MCC table got their food.  After the food (probably the best beef I have had in Cambodia) a number of us partook in the dancing, both traditional Khmer and Western style.  My traditional Khmer still needs a little work, but it is coming.

The scene from our table

The next day Michael, Lisa, Ryan, Daphne, Grace, Mok and I all went to take in the famous Iriwatti dolphins.  I would love to put up a picture of them, but unfortunately all my attempts failed.  Because of that I have a whole album of  beautiful water photos.  There were some really neat moments when 3 or 4 dolphins came out of the water at the same time near our boat; It was certainly worth visiting.  That afternoon we all climbed back into the bus and made the trip back to the big city.  At that is my story of my first Khmer wedding.

Tip of the week:  When students ask whether you are married or not the right answer is always married.

Happy New Years

Well It is now nearly 2012 across the world.  I hope that you had a satisfying 2011 and can look back at the highlights and be happy with the year that was. 

Over the past couple days I have been trying to think how to define my 2011.  Often you hear people say if you could sum it up in one word what would it be.  I have been trying to do that, but it has been tough to pin point one word that could some up the entire year.  This morning I got up and the word Faith popped into my mind.  A year abroad had never really entered my mind as something to do.  I certainly would not have done if it weren't for God poking me and prodding me to sign up. 

So I signed up for SALT in February 2011, and specifically requested placement in Africa.  After about a month I was told that the African spots had been all filled up and that I would be placed on a waiting list.  Shortly there after I received a call that there was a position in Cambodia and that MCC Cambodia was interested in me.  This was another instance where I had to put my faith in God.  I can distinctly remember telling Eva, the SALT coordinator that I felt that God was calling me to Africa, and only Africa.  I could have easily used this as an excuse to back out and say no thanks but no thanks.  I quickly realized though that maybe it was just myself who was calling for Africa and not God.  I emailed Eva back the next week and told her that I was interested in Cambodia, and within a couple weeks it was settled. 

These past 4 months here in Cambodia have been full of ups and downs, and I think I will experience similar things in the next 6 months.  It isn't easy entering a new culture, and having create new relationships (at least not for me), but it has been a challenge that I have embraced and enjoyed.  I have learned to take joy in the little things like fighting through conversations with my neighbors or students, learning new Khmer words and actually remembering them, and making new friends.

With that in my mind I have some sad news.  My host father has just taken a job in Malaysia and will be moving there in a week, and my host mom is moving there at the end of the month.  That means that I will be moving out and will have to find a new host family.  It is sad because I have developed a good relationship with my host dad, as well as with my host brothers and one of our neighbors.  I am really going to miss them and it will be tough to move out from a place that had felt like home for awhile.  That said there is a bit of excitement when it comes to change.  I will be moving into the MCC guest house for awhile during the transition, which will allow me to have a little more alone time.  After that I will get the chance to meet a whole new family, which like I said is a little bit exciting.  I ask that you keep me in your prayers in the next couple weeks as I go through this transition.

Thing to remember this week:  God works in mysterious ways.  On Thursday my computer cord went missing, which basically renders my computer useless until I can find it.  In the last few weeks I had been spending a lot of time in my room on the computer, and I think this was Gods way of  saying "you have a week left with your host family spend some quality time with them."  So I am trying to listen to him and spend as much time as possible with them. 

Many of you may have already read about my Christmas on facebook (thanks to those who filled out the quiz), but for those of you who do not have facebook here is a look at my Christmas weekend.

1) Washed my motto(car)
2) Got a hair cut
3) Got pulled over by the Police 

4) Paid a $2 fine;) to said Police
5) Ate Indian food for Christmas Eve
6) Went to a Candle Light service
7) Sang Silent Night (unfortunately not in German)
8) Went to Church on Christmas morning
9) Ate Khmer/Thai food for lunch on Christmas day
10) Exchanged gifts with friends and acquaintances
11) Had the worst excuse for a steak for Christmas dinner

 Thanks for reading!

Christmas is here!

I'm sure most of you will be caught up in the joys of Christmas over the next week or two, so I won't be too hurt if you don't have time to read this post.  However, if you do have time here it goes!

On the 10th, which happened to be the last time I wrote, one of the service workers, Amanda, had birthday cruise on the river here in Phnom Penh.  After months of anticipating one of these river cruises it was exciting to finally get on one of the boats.  The boats are pretty nifty with seating area on the upper deck as well as the lower deck.  Most of our time was spent on the lower deck eating, talking and dancing.  Yes dancing on a Mennonite river cruise.  I'll admit there was not a lot of dancing on my part, some toe tapping, but not too much dancing.  You might be wondering why the dancing?  Well turns out Amanda's husband is in a bluegrass band and so we were treated to a couple hours of their music.  We got a lot of peculiar looks from the Cambodian's on the boat as well as other boats passing by.  All in all it was a fun evening, and a good chance to catch up with all the MCCer's.

The following Monday MCC had there Christmas party at the water park here in Phnom Penh.  The party was organized by our national staff here in Cambodia and it was the first chance for me to meet some of their extended families.  It involved a number of games including a scavenger hunt, Christmas songs both in English and Khmer and some baay(rice).  It was a little chilly in the morning so the plan was to swim in the afternoon, unfortunately I had to work in the afternoon so there was no swimming for me :(

On to this past weekend...

The weekend involved some sleeping in which does not happen very often and a number of different Christmas activities.  Friday a group of us went to a local restaurant to partake in some carol singing.  It was packed with a lot of kids running around so we didn't end up staying to long.  We escaped to the solitude of a nearby cafe, where we could actually hear ourselves think.  On Sunday the Khmer church that I go to had their Christmas program.  The whole family attended, which is the first time that has happened since I have been here!  It was full of singing, drama, dancing and as usual a very inspired sermon from the preacher (he does a great job of keeping your attention for the 30-45 minutes he speaks).  After the service we had a meal together and then it was back to the church for the afternoon youth program.  I stayed for a little bit of the youth program, but after being at the church for 4 hours, I was getting a little overwhelmed and decided to slip out the back at get some alone time at home.

In the evening I went to the international church and once again took part in singing a number of Christmas carols.  It was a little more satisfying this time around as I could see the words and actually hear myself singing.  We even sang one verse of Silent Night in German.  Talk about feeling like I was at home for a little bit!

Talking to people who have been here for more than a year, Christmas has become a lot more commercialized here in Phnom Penh.  When you drive at night you can see lights and Christmas trees, and lots of restaurants are playing Christmas music.  However, it still does not really feel like Christmas, and more than likely this weekend will pass without too much hoopla.  And that might be a blessing for me.  Christmas has always been a time to spend with family and close friends and this year it will be a new experience for me.  So Merry Christmas if I don't talk to you before Sunday and also a Happy New Year.

P.S.  Tip of the week - Teachers make sure you erase everything you write on the board before giving out a quiz 

No clever title to think of

I seem to get into these spurts were I am able to post multiple blogs in a very short window.  It has been just a short few minutes since my last post, but the actual time between these two posts is closer to 1 month.  So a quick update of some of the events of the last couple weeks.

• I was an honorary American for American Thanksgiving last month.  The MCC workers down in Prey Veng put together a dinner, which rivaled any Thanksgiving dinner I have ever had.  The fellowship and the food was great, and it was also really fun to get out of the city for the weekend and spend some time with my hosts, the Bades.  And I had my first hot shower in Cambodia while I was out there.  Funny that I had to go all the way out to the country for that!
• I have started going to a local International Church on Sunday evenings which has been a blessing so far.  It has been nice to hear God's word in my native tongue especially around this time of year.  
• I also recently started running at the Stadium here in Phnom Penh.  Now I have never fancied myself a morning person, but I have been running at 5:30 in the morning.  My body keeps asking me why, and my brain keeps answering 'they say its good for you'.
• There is about a month left in the semester so things are heating up and at the same time us teachers are already looking to next semester.  I have become more comfortable in front of my students, but there are still times where I fumble to get the right words out or explain the meanings correctly. 

That kinda sums up my life in the past few weeks.  When there are no holidays there are definitely less adventures to be spoken of.  I will add that the weather has been very pleasant recently.  It is hovering around  the mid to high 20's, but most days there is a breeze.  It also rained a couple times this past week, which it hadn't done in a number of weeks, so that has also helped to keep it cool as well.

Lastly I battled a cold all last week, and this week I have been up and down with flu like symptoms.  Wednesday I was in bed nearly all day, and I'll spare the details.  I just ask that you keep me in your prayers not only for the health reasons, but also for this holiday season.  It will be a new experience for me being away from family and friends, and I suspect that there will be some hard days along the way.

As always God Bless and thank you for the support!

And the remaining two days of my adventure...

On day 4 we were up early for some complementary breakfast and back onto the boat.  Most of the morning was spent cruising through the Delta and the floating markets.  It was quite a site to see and probably the highlight of the tour.  We also got a chance to walk through one of local markets which was neat, but really not much different than any market here in Phnom Penh.

After another long bus ride back to Ho Chi Minh we found some home cooking in the form of Pizza Hut.  Overall the pizza was pretty good, but the pasta was awful!  We spent the rest of the night at the market and Crazy Buffalo.  While relaxing outside the Crazy Buffalo we were treated to an impromptu Vietnamese rally.  The street in front of the Crazy Buffalo was completely shut down as hundreds if not thousands of mottos clogged the street.  Many people had flags and were chanting “Vietnam! Vietnam!”  This went on for a good 15-20 minutes.  During our trip, the Asian games were being played and on that specific night Vietnam had beaten Brunei 8-0.  Experiencing that was definitely another highlight.

Our final day included a trip to the Notre Dame church to take in Sunday Morning Mass.  The church was beautiful, maybe even a little too beautiful as half way through the service I began to feel a little light headed.  I knew things were not looking good when the sound around me started to fade out.  Now I have never fainted in my life and wasn't in mood to make that my first time so I made a somewhat labored dash for the door.  I found the nearest local vendor and quickly replenished some of the electrolytes that I was in need of.  Moral of the story don't skip breakfast, and go to a stuffy hot church.

And that there really wraps up the end of the trip.  Our bus was slightly delayed coming home Sunday, but that was about the only excitement to speak of.

Stay tuned for another update shortly!