It's been over a year since Musicianaries founder and our Rice for Cambodia team leader, Bobby Michaels, passed away. This is the first trip back to Cambodia for his wife, daughter and son-in-law. We asked his daughter, Rachel, what it's been like.
The Mission Trip Without Bobby
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Audio: Rice, Scriptures, Candy and Dragon Fruit
Thursday, July 8, in Cambodia
Rice, Scriptures, Candy and Dragon Fruit
Rice, Scriptures, Candy and Dragon Fruit
Kampong Cham - Day 3
Today we went to the island of Kampong Sdei.
We drove about about an hour to the ferry...which barely fit all five vans. The air was so cool and such a nice breeze after the heat of the city.
There are houseboats and little dugout canoes that the people fish from. We watched a dad and two little boys, about 4 -6 years old, pulling in their net. On the other side of the ferry a little boy stripped down and jumped into the river and was splashing around with a little friend.
We were told that this island doesn't have roads and that we would be taking pony carts to the village. Way cool! But, when we got there, there was a road so we drove on it...which was probably better because of the heat.
This is Pastor Setan's mothers home village. We met his aunt and saw the well that his grandfather dug for the village.
As the drama crew was setting up some of the other team members got out their guitars and started to sing and have fun with the crowd. It was great seeing the people getting into the music...even if they didn't know the words.
I got to get out the bubbles again...I have really enjoyed playing bubbles with the kids! I asked one of the translators how to say come here...and was able to get the kids to come closer. It didn't take long for them to have fun with the bubbles.
While the rice was being handed out, I and 3 other team members handed out Bible tracks for the adults and candy and stickers for the kids.
It was rather difficult handing out the candy. We didn't have enough for all of the kids...so we gave some stickers. But those with stickers didn't understand why they couldn't have the candy too.
We finally had all the kids sit down and if they didn't have a sticker to hold their hand up so we can give them candy. It was difficult. I felt so bad about not being able to give them all a treat since they never get that kind of thing...or at least not that often.
I talked to Lee about it and she said not to worry, the kids share whatever they have with their siblings...and to think about the 200 kids that did get the treat as a blessing.
I am trying to remember that but their little sad faces are hard to forget.
Sali
We drove about about an hour to the ferry...which barely fit all five vans. The air was so cool and such a nice breeze after the heat of the city.
There are houseboats and little dugout canoes that the people fish from. We watched a dad and two little boys, about 4 -6 years old, pulling in their net. On the other side of the ferry a little boy stripped down and jumped into the river and was splashing around with a little friend.
We were told that this island doesn't have roads and that we would be taking pony carts to the village. Way cool! But, when we got there, there was a road so we drove on it...which was probably better because of the heat.
This is Pastor Setan's mothers home village. We met his aunt and saw the well that his grandfather dug for the village.
As the drama crew was setting up some of the other team members got out their guitars and started to sing and have fun with the crowd. It was great seeing the people getting into the music...even if they didn't know the words.
I got to get out the bubbles again...I have really enjoyed playing bubbles with the kids! I asked one of the translators how to say come here...and was able to get the kids to come closer. It didn't take long for them to have fun with the bubbles.
While the rice was being handed out, I and 3 other team members handed out Bible tracks for the adults and candy and stickers for the kids.
It was rather difficult handing out the candy. We didn't have enough for all of the kids...so we gave some stickers. But those with stickers didn't understand why they couldn't have the candy too.
We finally had all the kids sit down and if they didn't have a sticker to hold their hand up so we can give them candy. It was difficult. I felt so bad about not being able to give them all a treat since they never get that kind of thing...or at least not that often.
I talked to Lee about it and she said not to worry, the kids share whatever they have with their siblings...and to think about the 200 kids that did get the treat as a blessing.
I am trying to remember that but their little sad faces are hard to forget.
Sali
Learning Khmer
I have been trying to learn some of the Khmer language so that I can say something to the people. We all learned how to say thank you and how to hold your hands when you do. But I wanted to learn a few more words...so I asked SoPaul how to say baby -(con-nah). You have to use the back of your throat and your nose to say it. It was hilarious.I think have it now though...con-nah tutu means small child.
I also am trying to learn how to say hot...but keep forgetting...need to practice it more.
At today's rice distribution I learned the word for come here. I wanted the kids to come and play with bubbles as they group was setting up...so one of the drama kids told me how to say it - monet.
I also learned the word for sit - which I have forgotten! - and water (duc).
I think by the time I get home I will have at least 10 words...I am going to pester the team until I do!
Sali
I also am trying to learn how to say hot...but keep forgetting...need to practice it more.
At today's rice distribution I learned the word for come here. I wanted the kids to come and play with bubbles as they group was setting up...so one of the drama kids told me how to say it - monet.
I also learned the word for sit - which I have forgotten! - and water (duc).
I think by the time I get home I will have at least 10 words...I am going to pester the team until I do!
Sali
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Prey Veng - Stuck in a hole and Scroll-crop
Yesterday we went to Prey Veng which is about a mile from the Vietnam border.The government doesn't pay attention to this village because the vote for a different party.
In the past there have been a lot of raids from thieves from across the border and it isn't safe after dark. Since starting a church there things have improved greatly for the people. Pastor Setan said that he has seen an improvement in the people over the last year.
The road to the village was very bad. At one point we came to a very large hole in the road...washout from a heavy rain...after some discussion the lead van made a try for it and got high centered in the middle of the hole. The hole was full of clay and mud and there was nothing to grab onto. Everyone piled out and started pushing but that didn't help. Finally a big truck came up and pulled them out.
One of the funniest things that we saw the motos with pigs on them. They were tied onto the back of the motorbike on their backs with their legs in the air. We all thought that it must be market day and they were heading in to sell the meat. One of the guys went to check on the progress of the stuck van and said that as the motos were going over bumps, the pigs squealed! They were alive! They weren't moving at all on the back of the bikes.
We headed to the village on another road. As we drove through little housing areas the children would run out and wave or just stand and watch. In our van one of our people started throwing candy out the windows. Our transportation leader,SoPaul, told us the word for candy is Scroll-crop (phonetic).
What fun it was to see the kids dive for the candy as she yelled, scroll-crop to them!
When we got to the village the pastor had a tarp set up and the rice was ready for handing out. The drama group got their set ready and we began. It was VERY hot! The drama group did great and then we all pitched in to get the rice out to the people.
There were two men from the village that were anxious and determined to help hand out the rice. The pastor told the group that they were very poor and they know what it feels like to be hungry and wanted to see others fed.
I was able to help with the handing out the bags of rice. They are heavy! We had two team members lifting...and putting them on the shoulders of each person. Sometimes one of the team would shoulder it for the villager to take to their transportation. It was very hot work. Rachel made sure that we all were drinking lots of water...but two girls from the drama team got heat exhaustion.
We are heading out to our next site...will write more this afternoon!
Sali
In the past there have been a lot of raids from thieves from across the border and it isn't safe after dark. Since starting a church there things have improved greatly for the people. Pastor Setan said that he has seen an improvement in the people over the last year.
The road to the village was very bad. At one point we came to a very large hole in the road...washout from a heavy rain...after some discussion the lead van made a try for it and got high centered in the middle of the hole. The hole was full of clay and mud and there was nothing to grab onto. Everyone piled out and started pushing but that didn't help. Finally a big truck came up and pulled them out.
One of the funniest things that we saw the motos with pigs on them. They were tied onto the back of the motorbike on their backs with their legs in the air. We all thought that it must be market day and they were heading in to sell the meat. One of the guys went to check on the progress of the stuck van and said that as the motos were going over bumps, the pigs squealed! They were alive! They weren't moving at all on the back of the bikes.
We headed to the village on another road. As we drove through little housing areas the children would run out and wave or just stand and watch. In our van one of our people started throwing candy out the windows. Our transportation leader,SoPaul, told us the word for candy is Scroll-crop (phonetic).
What fun it was to see the kids dive for the candy as she yelled, scroll-crop to them!
When we got to the village the pastor had a tarp set up and the rice was ready for handing out. The drama group got their set ready and we began. It was VERY hot! The drama group did great and then we all pitched in to get the rice out to the people.
There were two men from the village that were anxious and determined to help hand out the rice. The pastor told the group that they were very poor and they know what it feels like to be hungry and wanted to see others fed.
I was able to help with the handing out the bags of rice. They are heavy! We had two team members lifting...and putting them on the shoulders of each person. Sometimes one of the team would shoulder it for the villager to take to their transportation. It was very hot work. Rachel made sure that we all were drinking lots of water...but two girls from the drama team got heat exhaustion.
We are heading out to our next site...will write more this afternoon!
Sali
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The First Rice Distribution
Today was our first distribution in one of the poorest areas of Cambodia. The guide book says that there is nothing here to recommend it. People zip by on their way to Vietnam...the people are mostly farmers but the ground is not good for farming.
The first distribution was at a temple that is also used as a community center. We handed out 10 tons of rice and bags of salt, vitamins and the Gospel tracts. Pastor Setan and his people organized some youth from around the country to do a drama presentation on the 7 Miracles of Jesus. The crowd loved it! You should have seen their faces when Lazarus came out of the tomb and when Jesus walked on the water!
The mayor of the village told Pastor Setan that he had been listening to Christian radio every once in awhile but didn't understand it...now after seeing the 7 Miracles he does. One of the local pastors told Pastor Setan that he had been trying to disciple the mayor for a long time and he was impressed on how clear the gospel was presented by the kids. I have video that I will send tomorrow!
As the rice was being handed out, I took a few minutes to play with some of the kiddo's in the crowd. I brought large bottles of bubbles with me...and it took a few minutes for them to warm up but they had a great time chasing those bubbles...and their mommys seemed to think it was great fun too. Babies are sweet from any country and love to play!
On the way to the next distribution site Pastor Setan gave me some background into the history of the area and about the civil war and the beliefs of the country now by the young people. He also told me why there can be a really nice house mixed in with the not so nice houses...it's because someone in the family has left the country and is sending money home or after the civil war many people from the farming areas moved into the city, took up residence in the houses or apartments that were vacant. But many couldn't make a living because farming was all they knew...so they sold their house in the city and moved back to the farm and had the money to build a really nice home. Pictures tomorrow!
The second distribution site was in a very rural and very poor area. Many of the children were obviously malnourished. I was able to get some great shots of the little ones again!
This distrubution site was at a temple/community center as well. As we did the presentation and the youth sang songs for the crowd, up in a house sat several young monks...all listening intently.
As we go into another day of sharing tomorrow, please pray that it will go well and that the hearts of each of those people will be touched by the message the kids share and that they understand that the God in Heaven is the one who sent this food to them.
Sali
The first distribution was at a temple that is also used as a community center. We handed out 10 tons of rice and bags of salt, vitamins and the Gospel tracts. Pastor Setan and his people organized some youth from around the country to do a drama presentation on the 7 Miracles of Jesus. The crowd loved it! You should have seen their faces when Lazarus came out of the tomb and when Jesus walked on the water!
The mayor of the village told Pastor Setan that he had been listening to Christian radio every once in awhile but didn't understand it...now after seeing the 7 Miracles he does. One of the local pastors told Pastor Setan that he had been trying to disciple the mayor for a long time and he was impressed on how clear the gospel was presented by the kids. I have video that I will send tomorrow!
As the rice was being handed out, I took a few minutes to play with some of the kiddo's in the crowd. I brought large bottles of bubbles with me...and it took a few minutes for them to warm up but they had a great time chasing those bubbles...and their mommys seemed to think it was great fun too. Babies are sweet from any country and love to play!
On the way to the next distribution site Pastor Setan gave me some background into the history of the area and about the civil war and the beliefs of the country now by the young people. He also told me why there can be a really nice house mixed in with the not so nice houses...it's because someone in the family has left the country and is sending money home or after the civil war many people from the farming areas moved into the city, took up residence in the houses or apartments that were vacant. But many couldn't make a living because farming was all they knew...so they sold their house in the city and moved back to the farm and had the money to build a really nice home. Pictures tomorrow!
The second distribution site was in a very rural and very poor area. Many of the children were obviously malnourished. I was able to get some great shots of the little ones again!
This distrubution site was at a temple/community center as well. As we did the presentation and the youth sang songs for the crowd, up in a house sat several young monks...all listening intently.
As we go into another day of sharing tomorrow, please pray that it will go well and that the hearts of each of those people will be touched by the message the kids share and that they understand that the God in Heaven is the one who sent this food to them.
Sali
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Far Side of the Sea...
When I checked email this morning, my husband had sent me an email with this text:
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast." Psalm 139: 9-10
My worship this morning was so appropriate too! From Sarah Young's book, Jesus Calling:
"Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you."
So today I am going to be on the lookout for a glorious adventure that the Lord has prepared for me!
Monday morning
It's super early.
We head for the Killing Fields and the museum this morning. Then to our next destination -a four hour trip and over a ferry which will be great fun.
Last night we went to dinner with the whole group. There are about 30 people traveling together. 13 rice volunteers, 18 Cambodian drama group, the transportation guys, a couple of translators, Pastor Setan and his daughter Sandra. I will try to get a group picture today.
The people have been very friendly. I am excited to get on the rest of the trip!
Sali
We head for the Killing Fields and the museum this morning. Then to our next destination -a four hour trip and over a ferry which will be great fun.
Last night we went to dinner with the whole group. There are about 30 people traveling together. 13 rice volunteers, 18 Cambodian drama group, the transportation guys, a couple of translators, Pastor Setan and his daughter Sandra. I will try to get a group picture today.
The people have been very friendly. I am excited to get on the rest of the trip!
Sali
Arrival
I arrived early Sunday morning in Taiwan and waited for about 4 hours to catch my flight to Cambodia.
I met a couple from Texas who were visiting family in Phnom Penh. She hadn’t been in the country since 1979…her husband and sons went last year.
We chatted for a few minutes about how this trip was a first for both of us.
We also had a laugh as I squealed over a HUGE beetle type bug that walked by my feet. I didn’t get a picture of it…I should have because it was huge!
When I arrived at the airport in Phnom Penh I went through customs then had to go through it again because I didn’t have part of my visa filled out. It was pretty painless…I was really expecting them to check my bags but they didn’t. Oh yah! I got my bag!
Rachel and Lee met me at the airport with a beautiful jasmine blossom bracelet. It smells wonderful. I am going to see if I can take it home with me. Maybe it will dry out while I am here.
Driving downtown was exciting…Rachel and Lee were filling me in on what was happening tonight with the team, so I didn’t get to take pictures of the area but there were some close calls! The drivers don’t obey traffic laws…mopeds zip in and out of cars…going in either directions on either side of the road. Same with cars. A car drove against traffic until it was able to make a left in front of us. Maybe this will help me be a better rider when I get home…I am sure Richard would like that!
I did see two guys on a moped carrying a tall tower of bucket, a family of 4 riding together..but no livestock yet!
Right now, you can’t see the Mekong River from my window because it’s storming out. Lee said that last night they had a wonderful electrical
Storm. That would be great!
Meeting all of the group tonight in Rachel’s room. We will be talking about the week and when we are leaving for the Killing Fields tomorrow morning. I know that part of the trip will be emotional. Pastor Setan will be leading us through and sharing his story.
More tomorrow! Happy July 4!
4th of July early!
I just realized that it’s the 4th of July here. So Happy 4th of July early…and don’t forget to go to one of our concerts tomorrow!
I've Arrived in Taiwan
I just got to my gate in Taiwan and have a 4 hour layover to get to Cambodia.
The flight was fine. I sat next to a young lady who was traveling in the US for a week with her father. They went to LA and Vegas…two very untypical American cities! She is 16 years old and was trying to improve her English. She did pretty well.
The strangest thing about the flight was that it was dark the whole way. I was hoping to see the ocean or some other continents.
Most of the passengers in my part of the plane slept. And they served dinner at 4am! I dozed through that meal.
There was a GPS map to show us where we were and how far from our destination…which was rather neat. We fly over Alaska, Russia and Japan. Can I count that on my “I have been to these places” list?
More soon!
Sali
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