So I sat in the airport waiting. It was getting close to boarding time and I looked up from my book and there was my sister in law Janet!
She was returning from a visit with my other sister in law in Sequim ..and was going to be on my flight. How fun is that!
We chatted away to catch up and I showed her my pictures from the trip. Then we boarded. I asked the person sitting next to her if she would mind trading places...so we got to chat some more!
Then came another adventure! The front landing gear on the plane wouldn't go up...so we headed back to Seattle!
We got off the plane and walked back through the gates to another gate to reboard after about a half hour. Finally got loaded up and took off.
No incidents. We landed just fine. Richard was there to greet me. Janet's husband was waiting with Richard. A little family reunion at the airport.
As we waited for my bag and chatted with them, my daughter and family came in. My granddaughter, Olive who is 4, was a little shy with me. But warmed up by the time we left the airport.
I realized how much I missed home as we drove up to our tiny little house. I also realized my adventure is over.
On to the next!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A couple of things I suddenly realized when I got to Seattle
Here are a couple of things that I realize when I got to Seattle:
- I could drink the water from the faucett
- I could brush my teeth with the water from the faucett
- I can eat fresh vegetable! I had a salad for dinner!
- It's cool in Seattle. I am cold right now....brrrr!
- I need to keep my original plans...when I change them...things happen!
- It's hard to wait in the airport when you know your family is that close - Kevin was right about that.
The Adventure Continues
When I got in last night I changed my afternoon flight to a morning one to Pasco...thank you Kevin.
Got to the airport this morning and couldn't get checked in. Went to the customer service desk and found out my morning flight was canceled for mechanical reasons...good reason - but bummer!
I asked when the next flight was and was told not until 6pm tonight! ARRRGH! I asked for a refund of my change fee. Not happening. I asked to speak to someone about it...and the gal got a supervisor. I asked if there was anything they can do. I was able to get back on my original flight. They didn't charge me for my bag.
So, sitting in the airport for another 4 hours.
Got to the airport this morning and couldn't get checked in. Went to the customer service desk and found out my morning flight was canceled for mechanical reasons...good reason - but bummer!
I asked when the next flight was and was told not until 6pm tonight! ARRRGH! I asked for a refund of my change fee. Not happening. I asked to speak to someone about it...and the gal got a supervisor. I asked if there was anything they can do. I was able to get back on my original flight. They didn't charge me for my bag.
So, sitting in the airport for another 4 hours.
Seattle Arrival
Arrived in Seattle without incident...except for the cramps in my legs from sitting so long.
I shouldn't complain cause I had a WHOLE row to myself! Yes! I was in the middle row on the edge and there wasn't anyone seated by me. So I stretched out and took two seats. After awhile a young lady came and sat in the other end seat. We were both very comfy.
I got to my hotel and I figured out I was more tired that I thought. The lady at the counter was working on checking me in and I said to her that the total was different than what I had on my confirmation. I pointed out the amount...she looked at me strange and said...that's the time. I broke my glasses in Cambodia a couple days out and did a temp fix on them but they broke again a couple days ago....so I didn't have them on. I am reading blind without them!
The other clue was that she told me that breakfast was served at 5 to 10. I thought she meant 9:55 ... you know 5 to 10. duh!
I am tired.
I shouldn't complain cause I had a WHOLE row to myself! Yes! I was in the middle row on the edge and there wasn't anyone seated by me. So I stretched out and took two seats. After awhile a young lady came and sat in the other end seat. We were both very comfy.
I got to my hotel and I figured out I was more tired that I thought. The lady at the counter was working on checking me in and I said to her that the total was different than what I had on my confirmation. I pointed out the amount...she looked at me strange and said...that's the time. I broke my glasses in Cambodia a couple days out and did a temp fix on them but they broke again a couple days ago....so I didn't have them on. I am reading blind without them!
The other clue was that she told me that breakfast was served at 5 to 10. I thought she meant 9:55 ... you know 5 to 10. duh!
I am tired.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Heading Home
Got up super early for my trip home. I was anxious that my wake up call wouldn't come and I would sleep through.
Went down to breakfast and then met up with Lee and Rachel in the lobby for goodbyes and hugs. I will miss them!
Sarah came with me to the airport so that she could change her ticket for another departure city. It was good to have the little extra time visiting with her.
My trip to Phnom Penh was good. I had a longer layover in Phnom Penh. Had to pay an exit fee before boarding. Got in the line behind a large family. They opened another line that two guys jumped into...so I jumped over there. They got up to me and then closed the window! I had to get back into the other line! ARRRGH!
I meet a couple of young ladies from Australia who were heading home after a mission trip with friends in Svay Rieng. They were in a village to dig a well. I told them that we had just been in that area to deliver rice. We chatted about how wonderful the people where and how sad it was to leave.
As we flew over Cambodia to Taiwan I wondered about the Mekong River and how dirty it looked from the air. It's very brown. They must have a lot of silt run off.
Got to Taiwan without incident...except it took me FOREVER to get internet access! I figured out the problem after about 3 hours of fussing with it. Bother!
So, now I am up to date! I think.
I am waiting for my flight to Seattle...it's now 10:30 pm Friday night...but to you it's 7:32 am Friday morning!
Have a great Friday!
Went down to breakfast and then met up with Lee and Rachel in the lobby for goodbyes and hugs. I will miss them!
Sarah came with me to the airport so that she could change her ticket for another departure city. It was good to have the little extra time visiting with her.
My trip to Phnom Penh was good. I had a longer layover in Phnom Penh. Had to pay an exit fee before boarding. Got in the line behind a large family. They opened another line that two guys jumped into...so I jumped over there. They got up to me and then closed the window! I had to get back into the other line! ARRRGH!
I meet a couple of young ladies from Australia who were heading home after a mission trip with friends in Svay Rieng. They were in a village to dig a well. I told them that we had just been in that area to deliver rice. We chatted about how wonderful the people where and how sad it was to leave.
As we flew over Cambodia to Taiwan I wondered about the Mekong River and how dirty it looked from the air. It's very brown. They must have a lot of silt run off.
Got to Taiwan without incident...except it took me FOREVER to get internet access! I figured out the problem after about 3 hours of fussing with it. Bother!
So, now I am up to date! I think.
I am waiting for my flight to Seattle...it's now 10:30 pm Friday night...but to you it's 7:32 am Friday morning!
Have a great Friday!
Dinner with a new friend
The team was all given some money for a tuk tuk and dinner so Sarah and I decided to find a good place that served authentic Cambodia vegetarian food - she is eating veggie on this trip too and liking it.
We got our tuk tuk and headed to the restaurant that the girls at the front desk suggested. The food was great! We shared veggies and noodles and a curry dish. Yum
It was really neat cause we sat outside and watched the crowds go by. There was a storm coming too...say a bunch of lightning.
After dinner we went to the night psar to look around and then to a bookstore for Sarah to find a Cambodian cookbook.
It was raining when we got into the tuk tuk...those things are great fun! They should have them in the US!
Back to the hotel so that I could pack...can't believe that it's time to go home already! I would like to have stayed the next two weeks too!
Lee and Rachel and the drama team will be on their own as they hand out another 100 tons of rice. Fortunately they will all be Red Cross style. They will also be visiting the woman's shelter, the orphanage - David Center, and the tech school.
Maybe I can convince my husband Richard and Kevin to let me go again next year?
We got our tuk tuk and headed to the restaurant that the girls at the front desk suggested. The food was great! We shared veggies and noodles and a curry dish. Yum
It was really neat cause we sat outside and watched the crowds go by. There was a storm coming too...say a bunch of lightning.
After dinner we went to the night psar to look around and then to a bookstore for Sarah to find a Cambodian cookbook.
It was raining when we got into the tuk tuk...those things are great fun! They should have them in the US!
Back to the hotel so that I could pack...can't believe that it's time to go home already! I would like to have stayed the next two weeks too!
Lee and Rachel and the drama team will be on their own as they hand out another 100 tons of rice. Fortunately they will all be Red Cross style. They will also be visiting the woman's shelter, the orphanage - David Center, and the tech school.
Maybe I can convince my husband Richard and Kevin to let me go again next year?
We have done what we came here to do
After dinner we had a short debriefing meeting with the USA team.
Lee and Rachel had cards for all of the transportation team and the drama team for us to write notes on. There was also an evaluation sheet for us to fill out.
Lee told us that guilt was a common emotion that people feel when they leave from the mission trip.
Lee shared a story about returning home with Bobby after the tsunami. She told how she couldn't get the images out of her mind and go to sleep even though she was very tired. She said that she felt God's presence near her and heard Him tell her that though she and Bobby weren't with those people in that tragic area...He was with them. Their work was done and He had others to step in.
She said that we have done what we came here to do. We may be leaving but the LORD is still here.
The Lord is using this time to give us a healthy perspective our lives and how we need to balance things out and how we look at our lives and the things we value.
Definitely something to think on.
Lee and Rachel had cards for all of the transportation team and the drama team for us to write notes on. There was also an evaluation sheet for us to fill out.
Lee told us that guilt was a common emotion that people feel when they leave from the mission trip.
Lee shared a story about returning home with Bobby after the tsunami. She told how she couldn't get the images out of her mind and go to sleep even though she was very tired. She said that she felt God's presence near her and heard Him tell her that though she and Bobby weren't with those people in that tragic area...He was with them. Their work was done and He had others to step in.
She said that we have done what we came here to do. We may be leaving but the LORD is still here.
The Lord is using this time to give us a healthy perspective our lives and how we need to balance things out and how we look at our lives and the things we value.
Definitely something to think on.
Tuk Tuk ride
Sarah, Jim and Cheryl and I went on a tuk tuk (a moto with a surry on the back)ride to a pharmacy that they know of. They wanted to pick up a few things but also wanted to connect with the lady who runs the shop.
It was a nice visit she seemed really glad to see them.
Sarah and I took the tuk tuk to the market and found some fun stuff. It was fun too look around and bargain with the shopkeepers.
The tuk tuk was fun too!
It was a nice visit she seemed really glad to see them.
Sarah and I took the tuk tuk to the market and found some fun stuff. It was fun too look around and bargain with the shopkeepers.
The tuk tuk was fun too!
Last Team Dinner
On Wednesday night we met in the lobby and headed for our last team dinner and meeting.
After we ate, Jim got up and thanked the group for all they have done. We said good bye to two of our transportation guys as they were heading back to their families in Battambang.
Forrest Smith from Yakima performed one of Bobby's songs, To the Ends of the Earth, that brought tears to many eyes. He did a wonderful job.
We headed back to the hotel to get an early night in because the next day was a day of sightseeing at Ankor Wat!
After we ate, Jim got up and thanked the group for all they have done. We said good bye to two of our transportation guys as they were heading back to their families in Battambang.
Forrest Smith from Yakima performed one of Bobby's songs, To the Ends of the Earth, that brought tears to many eyes. He did a wonderful job.
We headed back to the hotel to get an early night in because the next day was a day of sightseeing at Ankor Wat!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Visit to the Silk Farm
After the last rice distribution it was time to play and relax. Our work was over.
Lee and Rachel had told us that there is a wonderful silk farm outside of Seim Reap, Les Chantiers Ecoles Silk Farm. The farm is a school that specializes in teaching wood, stone carving and silk production to impoverished young people.
They walked us through the silk making process from the worm to the coccoon to the silk separation, dyeing and weaving.
I know understand why silk items are so expensive! What a huge undertaking!
I have some great video of a young lady weaving - boy was she fast!
Lee and Rachel had told us that there is a wonderful silk farm outside of Seim Reap, Les Chantiers Ecoles Silk Farm. The farm is a school that specializes in teaching wood, stone carving and silk production to impoverished young people.
They walked us through the silk making process from the worm to the coccoon to the silk separation, dyeing and weaving.
I know understand why silk items are so expensive! What a huge undertaking!
I have some great video of a young lady weaving - boy was she fast!
Floating Village at Siem Reap
Our second food distribution for the day was at a floating village outside of Siem Reap. The village was sort of floating...there wasn't a lot of water in the canal so some were on the land and some were on the water.
We arrived and learned that the governor, Happy, was going to be there. He has been a friend to Pastor Setan and to Bobby for many years. He was the governor at a different province but has been given the n Siem Reap province recently.
We were told that only a few of us could go to the presentation on the community center boat. Setan, Lee, Rachel, Dion, Jim and Cheryl and myself. The rest of the team found a shady area and waited. No drama today.
While we were waiting for the Governor, I found a classroom in session. I climbed over the railing between two boats and poked my head in the door to see if it was ok for me to take pictures. The Teacher spoke some English and said it would be fine.
It was so cute! The kids all stood up and greeted me like I was someone special. I took a couple of pictures and then got out my stickers. I asked if I could hand them out and he said yes The kids wanted a sticker on the back of the hand, on their workbook but one little guy wanted it on his forehead!
I gave the rest of the sticker book to the teacher for the kids later.
Governor Happy arrived with his staff and the presentation began. He was very vivacious. I can see why they call him happy. He spoke some English to us as a blessing for what we were doing for the people and that he know that Bobby was with us during the trip. It was very touching to see how Bobby affected so many lives.
After the honorary presentation of bags to some of the people we headed out. Our work for this trip was over.
I think that many of us were surprised how fast it went. I know I am. It was hot and sweaty and hard work at times and long drives at times...but it was wonderfu1!
I want to go back next year!
We arrived and learned that the governor, Happy, was going to be there. He has been a friend to Pastor Setan and to Bobby for many years. He was the governor at a different province but has been given the n Siem Reap province recently.
We were told that only a few of us could go to the presentation on the community center boat. Setan, Lee, Rachel, Dion, Jim and Cheryl and myself. The rest of the team found a shady area and waited. No drama today.
While we were waiting for the Governor, I found a classroom in session. I climbed over the railing between two boats and poked my head in the door to see if it was ok for me to take pictures. The Teacher spoke some English and said it would be fine.
It was so cute! The kids all stood up and greeted me like I was someone special. I took a couple of pictures and then got out my stickers. I asked if I could hand them out and he said yes The kids wanted a sticker on the back of the hand, on their workbook but one little guy wanted it on his forehead!
I gave the rest of the sticker book to the teacher for the kids later.
Governor Happy arrived with his staff and the presentation began. He was very vivacious. I can see why they call him happy. He spoke some English to us as a blessing for what we were doing for the people and that he know that Bobby was with us during the trip. It was very touching to see how Bobby affected so many lives.
After the honorary presentation of bags to some of the people we headed out. Our work for this trip was over.
I think that many of us were surprised how fast it went. I know I am. It was hot and sweaty and hard work at times and long drives at times...but it was wonderfu1!
I want to go back next year!
Audio: An unexpected visit to a classroom
Visiting a children's classroom on the floating village.
Classroom Visit
Classroom Visit
Buying Women
As we were heading to the first rice distribution in Boray, Pastor Setan pointed out a house on the right.
He said that he had bought 40 women out of prostitution from that brothel. He said it cost him $250 to get them out of that life forever. Amazing.
The women went to the Transform Asia Woman's shelter where they learn a trade.
He said that he had bought 40 women out of prostitution from that brothel. He said it cost him $250 to get them out of that life forever. Amazing.
The women went to the Transform Asia Woman's shelter where they learn a trade.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Kampong Thom -July 13
We left Kampong Cham early for Kampong Thom, about a 3 hour trip on pretty good roads.
We have two rice distributions today. The first is in the city of Boray and the second is on the other side of Kampong Thom.
When we arrived the rice, which was suppose to be setup Red Cross style was still in the back of the truck. The men quickly unloaded it while we set up the drama team and played with the kids.
I walked over to the school, which was out for a break, and took some pictures of them and their class room. I also got the bubbles out and had fun blowing bubbles for them.
Lee and Rachel told me that the pastor of this village. Pastor See Noon, was the Director of Propaganda for Khmer Rouge. Years later he became a Christian and now his church is growing well.
It was very hot...the drama kids were wilting. The did a wonderful job again...even in the heat they are troopers. We had to practically order them to stay in the shade and cool down after their performance. I gave them stickers and asked them to hand them out to the kids...from the shade.
We formed a couple of lines...2 people to lift and place the rice, a line of people to carry the rice bags if needed, a couple of people handing out the bags of salt, a couple people handing out the Gospel book and people to replenish the supplies as they got low.
I helped with the salt and the Gospels and carried a bag of rice to a waiting area. Mostly I ran around getting supplies for people and taking pictures.
While we were handing things out, Betsy asked Lee how to say God Bless you (prayah pro tee em poh)in Khmer. Betsy started saying that to people and was pleased at the response by the people. Many times they said it right back to you!
Cheryl from Hawaii played with the kids with her squirt bottle. They love that. Grant jumped in and started bubbles too.
Soon the rice was all delivered and we headed out to our next distribution. The cool of the vans was very welcome!
We have two rice distributions today. The first is in the city of Boray and the second is on the other side of Kampong Thom.
When we arrived the rice, which was suppose to be setup Red Cross style was still in the back of the truck. The men quickly unloaded it while we set up the drama team and played with the kids.
I walked over to the school, which was out for a break, and took some pictures of them and their class room. I also got the bubbles out and had fun blowing bubbles for them.
Lee and Rachel told me that the pastor of this village. Pastor See Noon, was the Director of Propaganda for Khmer Rouge. Years later he became a Christian and now his church is growing well.
It was very hot...the drama kids were wilting. The did a wonderful job again...even in the heat they are troopers. We had to practically order them to stay in the shade and cool down after their performance. I gave them stickers and asked them to hand them out to the kids...from the shade.
We formed a couple of lines...2 people to lift and place the rice, a line of people to carry the rice bags if needed, a couple of people handing out the bags of salt, a couple people handing out the Gospel book and people to replenish the supplies as they got low.
I helped with the salt and the Gospels and carried a bag of rice to a waiting area. Mostly I ran around getting supplies for people and taking pictures.
While we were handing things out, Betsy asked Lee how to say God Bless you (prayah pro tee em poh)in Khmer. Betsy started saying that to people and was pleased at the response by the people. Many times they said it right back to you!
Cheryl from Hawaii played with the kids with her squirt bottle. They love that. Grant jumped in and started bubbles too.
Soon the rice was all delivered and we headed out to our next distribution. The cool of the vans was very welcome!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Audio: From Pol Pot to the Pulpit
The Minister of Propaganda under Pol Pot now runs a church.
Pol Pot to Pulpit
Pol Pot to Pulpit
Food
I have done very well with the food...except for the tarantula!
I usually have french bread and and an omlette and their special white coffee for breakfast. Fried rice for lunch and some kind of rice or noodles with vegetables for dinner.
There are a couple ladies on the team who decided to go vegetarian during this trip too. So the others in the team think it's great...especially when they serve prawns.
I would like to try on of those durian fruits but they are suppose to be really stinky. There the big prickly one in the picture.
I usually have french bread and and an omlette and their special white coffee for breakfast. Fried rice for lunch and some kind of rice or noodles with vegetables for dinner.
There are a couple ladies on the team who decided to go vegetarian during this trip too. So the others in the team think it's great...especially when they serve prawns.
I would like to try on of those durian fruits but they are suppose to be really stinky. There the big prickly one in the picture.
I ate a Tarantula today!
Today I ate a tarantula.
I have pictures to prove it!
Sali
Ps: Not really! I did hold it by it's leg...I thought it was going to be crunchy but it was mushy! I screamed and flung it across the table. Then I got a napkin to hold it for the picture. I still have shivers from it! I am brave!
I have pictures to prove it!
Sali
Ps: Not really! I did hold it by it's leg...I thought it was going to be crunchy but it was mushy! I screamed and flung it across the table. Then I got a napkin to hold it for the picture. I still have shivers from it! I am brave!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Slip Sliding Away - On the way to Kampong Cham
It's weird how the road turns to slippery clay mud as soon as it starts to rain! We had about a mile of rain and one of our vans slid off the road into a small ditch.
We stopped and called the other vans back over the i-com as the kids climbed out of the van and the boys tried to push it and wedge branches underneath.
30 minutes later and lots of muddiness.i..the van was back on the road again. No one was hurt...and Pastor Setan got to drive so he was happy.
Sal
We stopped and called the other vans back over the i-com as the kids climbed out of the van and the boys tried to push it and wedge branches underneath.
30 minutes later and lots of muddiness.i..the van was back on the road again. No one was hurt...and Pastor Setan got to drive so he was happy.
Sal
Khom Mum - Rathanakiri Province - July 12
We left Ban Lung and headed deep into the mountains to the village of Khom Mum (I think that's how you spell it - it isn't on the map).
Once again we saw a lot of military and police presence because the Governor was to be at the distribution.
The drama team set up and about half way through the Governor showed up. The Governor is a woman, which I understand from Jim is rather rare. He said she is the first one he has seen.
The people gathered close to see the drama teams presentation and there were lots of smiles and ahhs at different parts. At dinner tonight, Jim said that there were several people asking if we could stay longer .. they wanted more. Good job drama team!
The government agency took over the distribution of the rice. We did an honorary handing of the bags but the officials and military took over the handing it out. Since we were free from handing out the bags or toting them, I gave the team kids several books of stickers to start handing out to the children.
We also handed out the vitamins and the Gospels.
We packed up and headed down the road. We had an 8-10 hour ride back to Kampong Cham where we are spending the night.
A long trip!
Sali
Once again we saw a lot of military and police presence because the Governor was to be at the distribution.
The drama team set up and about half way through the Governor showed up. The Governor is a woman, which I understand from Jim is rather rare. He said she is the first one he has seen.
The people gathered close to see the drama teams presentation and there were lots of smiles and ahhs at different parts. At dinner tonight, Jim said that there were several people asking if we could stay longer .. they wanted more. Good job drama team!
The government agency took over the distribution of the rice. We did an honorary handing of the bags but the officials and military took over the handing it out. Since we were free from handing out the bags or toting them, I gave the team kids several books of stickers to start handing out to the children.
We also handed out the vitamins and the Gospels.
We packed up and headed down the road. We had an 8-10 hour ride back to Kampong Cham where we are spending the night.
A long trip!
Sali
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