So, I continue to keep an eye out for interesting sights. On the way back from the immigration office the other day, I saw a herd of goats eating the trash on the side of the road. I guess that's one way to deal with refuse removal:) That same day, I went to a bookstore to get a few items for teaching. When we walked in, I was greeted by...
...a giant Christmas tree and blowup snow globe.
It struck me as really funny. One...because it still seems like summer here, and I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that it's already November and getting cold in the states. Two... because it still seems early to have Christmas items out. And three...this is a predominantly Buddhist nation. Who here wants to buy a blow-up snow globe - where it never snows? And who in a third world country can afford it? And where would they put it?? Today I went to a different bookstore, and there was a set of blow-up reindeer! If I ever see a Christmas scene outside someone's house, I will be sure to get a picture:)
I have spent a lot of time riding around Phnom Penh on my bike this week. Part of what I am doing here is creating materials to be used at the school. So, I have been trying to find what I need at the different bookstores. It's been a good way for me to get to know the city a little better - and good exercise too:) When I first got here, I felt pretty intimidated by the layout. But, I know the main roads now and have been finding out how some of the back streets connect. Each day, I try a different route so that I can make more sense of it all. It's a big sense of accomplishment when I can find my way somewhere and then get back home. There are no street signs...so most directions are given using landmarks. In fact, even the moto drivers don't know the names of the streets.
A quick story about my continued lessons in patience and holding loosely to my plans. I found some books that I wanted to download off the internet for teaching. Each day it's been one thing after another. First I took an hour finding the store to get paper. And then when I got back and was ready to print, the power went out for a couple of hours. The next day, I found out that it wouldn't print without the color ink cartridge...even though I was printing in black and white. Which meant another bike ride, to two stores this time because the first didn't have the cartridge I needed. And then the printer would only print a couple of pages before it quit on me. But you know, I have come to the realization that this is just how life is now. I can't control the printer or the power or the traffic. It's peaceful to be able to let those things go. I hope I can continue that when I am back in the states!!
Here are some more pictures of the kids from school on Wednesday.
This is one of the newest little girls. She comes to find me for hugs now:)
The kids from Prek Eng 4 enjoy lunch.
Some Vista kids eating...and hamming it up for the camera.
A little hopscotch action at recess. She was leaping toward the last square. Don't worry, she didn't fall:)
They have so much fun with so little.
It struck me as really funny. One...because it still seems like summer here, and I still can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that it's already November and getting cold in the states. Two... because it still seems early to have Christmas items out. And three...this is a predominantly Buddhist nation. Who here wants to buy a blow-up snow globe - where it never snows? And who in a third world country can afford it? And where would they put it?? Today I went to a different bookstore, and there was a set of blow-up reindeer! If I ever see a Christmas scene outside someone's house, I will be sure to get a picture:)
I have spent a lot of time riding around Phnom Penh on my bike this week. Part of what I am doing here is creating materials to be used at the school. So, I have been trying to find what I need at the different bookstores. It's been a good way for me to get to know the city a little better - and good exercise too:) When I first got here, I felt pretty intimidated by the layout. But, I know the main roads now and have been finding out how some of the back streets connect. Each day, I try a different route so that I can make more sense of it all. It's a big sense of accomplishment when I can find my way somewhere and then get back home. There are no street signs...so most directions are given using landmarks. In fact, even the moto drivers don't know the names of the streets.
A quick story about my continued lessons in patience and holding loosely to my plans. I found some books that I wanted to download off the internet for teaching. Each day it's been one thing after another. First I took an hour finding the store to get paper. And then when I got back and was ready to print, the power went out for a couple of hours. The next day, I found out that it wouldn't print without the color ink cartridge...even though I was printing in black and white. Which meant another bike ride, to two stores this time because the first didn't have the cartridge I needed. And then the printer would only print a couple of pages before it quit on me. But you know, I have come to the realization that this is just how life is now. I can't control the printer or the power or the traffic. It's peaceful to be able to let those things go. I hope I can continue that when I am back in the states!!
Here are some more pictures of the kids from school on Wednesday.
This shot is easily my favorite.
This is one of the newest little girls. She comes to find me for hugs now:)
The kids from Prek Eng 4 enjoy lunch.
Some Vista kids eating...and hamming it up for the camera.
A little hopscotch action at recess. She was leaping toward the last square. Don't worry, she didn't fall:)
They have so much fun with so little.
I'll end with a little song today. This is Rose, the daughter of our orphanage directors.
2 comments:
Several things;
1) Giant snowglobe in a bookstore? Love it.
2) PRAYING you do not find yourself stuck between countries again!
3) Secretly wishing I could make the trip to Cambodia with my sister in Feb (if God sends her) though I know the timing is not right for my family just yet.
4) The dance - my new favorite video clip!!!
precious songs... and I understood her. love and miss u.
Kim
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