How To

As I was riding my bike to my friend's house today, I was thinking about all the things that I have learned how to do since arriving in Cambodia. Thought I would pass on a little helpful information to you. You know, in case you ever decide to drop everything and move here. So, here are a few helpful how-tos...

• Making a Left-Hand Turn on a Bike: If there is traffic coming in either direction, just turn left onto the shoulder of the left-hand lane. (Yes, the traffic will be coming directly at you, but don't worry. They will go around you.) It's quite common and an absolutely acceptable form of driving for both bikes and motos...and the occasional car. Once traffic clears, you can scoot on over to the right side of the rode. Generally, the rule is never stop moving.

• Disembarking From a Moto: Always get off a moto on the left-hand side. The reason: the exhaust pipe is located on the right-hand side, and it gets extremely hot. More than a few people have gotten leg burns. Luckily, I have chosen to learn from others on this.

• Using a Squatty Potty: This requires balance and coordination. These directions are best relayed in person.

• Taking a Shower in an Asian Bathroom: There is no shower stall, so make sure to the aim the shower head away from the toiletpaper.

• Getting a Lower Price: Tuk-tuk drivers and vendors at the market see a westerner and automatically raise the price. So, I have learned from my Khmer friends that when the price is given, one should register a shocked look, and let out an exasperated and emphatic, "Oh! Tlie nah!" (Which means very expensive.) They usually laugh and go lower. Always be willing to walk away. Chances are good that you will find another driver or the same item a few feet away.

• Surviving a Power Outage on a Hot Night: Have a flashlight handy in every room. Drink lots of water and have a battery-operated fan. Even a little air moving makes a difference.

• Giving Directions: There are very few street signs here, which doesn't matter because the Cambodians don't use them anyway. (And most generally do not read maps.) So, it's best to use landmarks when giving directions. (Today I actually used the phrase, "Go straight and take the road that's directly across from the mermaid's face.") I have to confess that I have gotten several delivery guys lost trying to tell them how to get to my house.

• Riding a Moto in a Skirt: Side-saddle. Hang on. And watch your knees. (The drivers get very close to the cars.)

• Eating at a Roadside Restaurant: Don't. Just my advive.

• Preventing an Upset Stomach After Eating: I was told that drinking a Coke a day would kill whatever might be lurking in my stomach. I have no idea if this is true, but whatever excuse I can have to drink Coke. (Or rather Diet Coke in my case. I am telling myself that it will have the same effect.)

Sometimes, I wish that there were specific survival directions for daily life...especially those particularly challenging times. Most of my time here, I have been operating without a how-to manual and without anyone else to show me the ropes. My inadequacy and human limitations have become very apparent!

But then I remember, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Which is good news for me, because most of the time I feel incredibly weak! And God is not surprised by that. In fact, I think He's just waiting for me to stop trying to figure it out on my own so that He can show me His goodness.

I have seen the proof of this continuously as I recognize my weaknesses and call out for God's mercy and grace. He is able to accomplish so much more when I come to the end of myself and express my need for Him. And I get the blessing and joy of seeing what He can do, knowing that it absolutely was all Him and not an ounce of me! I could recount story after story from the last six months of how He has more than made up for my shortcomings. Just the fact that I am actually here is a little 'miracle' of it's own.

So, I guess I don't really need that how-to manual. Because then, I might just think I am capable of doing this on my own and miss out on witnessing what only He can do. That, my friends, is where the true joy lies. Even in the midst of those particularly challenging days. I suppose especially in those days.

But...if anyone wants to tell me how to keep cockroaches from coming in the house, I will gladly accept that advice!


PS: If you want to here a great message on this topic, listen to God's Access Point - Part 2.