We're here!

Too many hours and several time zones later...
11:30a.m. Sunday the 17th - We arrived in Phnom Penh at midnight on Saturday teh 16th. Travel went smoothly. All our luggage came...woo-hoo!

After arriving here, Keith would like to retract his negative comments regarding El Segundo. In teh light of day, there was much more than palm trees to enjoy. The staff is friendly, and the service is prompt. We highly recommend it for any 15 hour layovers in LA!

During our two day trip, I (Jen) decided that I would be able to write a book about my travels. I even came up with a title...The Allergic, Germophobic,Dietary-Impaired Traveler's Guide to Overseas Missions. Many of my friends who know my quirks wonder how I am able to do this. (Actually, I prefer to refer to my quirks as little idiosyncracies that make me precious:) One look at my suitcase, and you would understand - under my clothes is my pharmacy and on top is my layer of snacks. I will say, though, that God amazes me with His mercy - When here, He helps me to move beyond those quirks and takes care of all my needs!

One positive thing in our travels...during the 12 hour flight over the Pacific, we were unable to sit with one another, and had to sidt in middle seats between people we didn't know. It was a particular concern when needing to use the lavatory. God blessed us on the next 5 hour flight from Seoul to Phnom Penh. We ended up with the entire last row to ourselves. We both got aisle seats! And, we were right by te restrooms. However, we soon realized that this had its drawbacs. The lines and traffic in the aisle to the bathroom were a little annoying as people stopped at our seats and bumped us as they moved back and forth. Oh well.

On to more mission-minded things...it was a joy to be back in the country. Keith thought it was nice to be hugged by teh only Cambodian there to greet us. Jen thought it felt, in a sense, like coming home. These people are beautiful.

Our drive to the guest house reminded us about the sights, sounds, and smells of Cambodia. The dilapidated houses, people selling items beside the roads, the motos (glorified mopeds), and the dust, the dust, and more dust...just to name a few. The heat hit us as we stepped off the plane. And Jen remembers the smell - it's hard to describe...but Cambodia has a certain scent:)

This morning, some of us (Keith) got up and went to church. Others of us (Jen) tried to catch up to this time zone. (We are 11 hours ahead of Columbus.) The team went to a new church that started in January. It's kind of a house church with one of the partners of Asia's Hope. (The mission organization we are traveling with.) For those of you who know Mike Smith...the pastor of the church, Narin, could be Mike's twin...only, if you can believe this, 20 pounds lighter and a little darker-skinned.

This afternoon, we are going to visit a state-runned orphanage named Kien Khleang. The students at the university student center affiliated with Asia's Hope have planned to bring the children some small bags of candy and soap, and we are going to join them. After that, we will be taking a boat ride on teh Mekong River with the students and then having dinner afterward.

Tomorrow (Monday), we will be going to Prey Veng to a church that is one of the possibilities that we are exploring for Vista Community Church in Dublin to partner with in developing an orphanage. Stay tuned for more details. Also, check in later this week for details on hygiene practices in Cambodia, including brushing your teeth in the toilet and being able to use the toilet and shower at the same time.