Rice for Cambodia 2010

Another Adventure

2010-07-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

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!

A couple of things I suddenly realized when I got to Seattle

2010-07-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Seattle Arrival

2010-07-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Cambodia from the air

2010-07-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Heading Home

2010-07-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

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!

Dinner with a new friend

2010-07-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

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?

Angkor Thom - another tree root

2010-07-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Angkor Thom - Tree roots

2010-07-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

I was really at Angkor Thom

2010-07-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

The top of the temple looking down

2010-07-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Angkor Wat

2010-07-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

All I can say is WOW!

Angkor Wat - entrance

2010-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

We have done what we came here to do

2010-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Jim and Cheryl on the tuk tuk ride

2010-07-16T06:12:00.001-07:00

Tuk Tuk ride

2010-07-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

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!

Last Team Dinner

2010-07-16T06:05:00.001-07:00

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!

Silk Weavers

2010-07-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

Visit to the Silk Farm

2010-07-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

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!

Floating Village in Siem Reap

2010-07-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Me and Sarah waiting in the shade

2010-07-15T17:38:00.001-07:00

Handing out rice at the Floating Village

2010-07-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Floating Village at Siem Reap

2010-07-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Floating Village School room

2010-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

Floating Village at Siem Reap

2010-07-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

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!

Audio: Visit to the Silk Farm

2010-07-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

Visit to the Silk Farm
Classroom Visit

Audio: Rice Distribution Report for July 14

2010-07-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Rice Distribution Report for July 14
Classroom Visit

Audio: An unexpected visit to a classroom

2010-07-15T07:11:00.001-07:00

Visiting a children's classroom on the floating village.
Classroom Visit

Buying Women

2010-07-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Boray woman receiving Gospels

2010-07-14T17:07:00.001-07:00

Boray villager recieving Gospel

2010-07-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Pastor SeeNoon and villagers

2010-07-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

School children in Boray

2010-07-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Kampong Thom -July 13

2010-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

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!

Audio: Eating Bugs

2010-07-13T17:50:00.001-07:00

Eating Bugs
Eating Bugs

Audio: Handing out the Gospel

2010-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Handing out the Gospel
Handing out the Gospel

Audio: From Pol Pot to the Pulpit

2010-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Minister of Propaganda under Pol Pot now runs a church.
Pol Pot to Pulpit

Food

2010-07-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-07-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Me eating a tarantula

2010-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Eating a tarantula

2010-07-13T06:23:00.001-07:00

I ate a Tarantula today!

2010-07-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

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!

Slip Sliding Away - On the way to Kampong Cham

2010-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

Sticker fun in Khom Mum

2010-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Khom Mum

2010-07-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Khom Mum

2010-07-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Elderly women in Khom Mum

2010-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Khom Mum - Rathanakiri Province - July 12

2010-07-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

At the Lake

2010-07-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Say San

2010-07-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Say San

2010-07-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Say San

2010-07-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ban Lung - Rathanakiri Province

2010-07-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Ban Lung early enough to do a little site seeing. Pastor Setan took us to the Boeng Yeak Lom Lake which was about 30 minutes away.

The lake has a path that takes about 2 hours to walk...I was hoping that we weren't going all the way around cause I was wearing flip flops.

The lake was very pretty and looked cool. We walked up the path to a little center that is a music hall where local tribal people perform using traditional instruments, song and dance.

We all crowded in and watched the young ladies do some of the dances. The instruments were very unusual. I remember reading in my guide book that one is like a violin but with one string...I saw that one there.

There was also a little store with hand made crafts from the tribe. We all took a look at the beautiful weaving and basket making.

The kids went down to the dock and began to sing some of the songs they are learning in English. It was fun to see the faces of the other people on the dock as they started to sing.

Pretty soon the lake was too much of a temptation and the boys started jumping in. I think Max was the first. Grant got in with one of the Cambodian boys to try to teach him how to swim.

I think the Cambodian kids have never had the chance to travel across their country and to try these new things...like swimming in a lake. They all come from very poor families so all of this is an exciting adventure for them.

Tomorrow we have a very early morning and head to Kohm Mum.

Sali

Say San - Steung Treng Providence - July 11

2010-07-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

We left the hotel earlier than expected because the Governor of Steung Treng arrived at the village early. The village of Say San isn't really a village. It's more of a community gathering place.
As we drove to Say San we were told that this is land mine area. The areas with land mines was not mapped out so we were not to go wandering around the village area or into the jungle to use the facilities.
It took over an hour to get there on very narrow bumpy roads. As we got closer to the village I noticed that there were soldiers along the road...all facing the jungle. We asked SoPaul, our transportation guy, what they were doing. He said that they were protecting the Governor from whatever...raiders, tigers, whatever.
When we reached the village they had a tent lean to set up with chairs with the Governor waiting. The people came by boat, there are no roads to their villages. It took 2 hours by boat - they had been waiting for 3 hours and they had a 2 hour ride by boat home. We hurried over to get started. No drama this time.

The rice had already been placed in front of the people - Red Cross style. We went through the presentation and then went out and handed out the salt, vitamins, stickers for the kids and Gospels.
Each of us was asked to find a family and formally present them their rice and salt. Then the Governor gave each of the families 5000 riel (real) to help pay for the transporting the rice home.

Along the way we stopped at a farm to use their corn field then headed down the road to find a place to have lunch.

We stopped at a little roadside restaurant and asked the owner if we could use her tables for our lunch. Very nice of her!

We headed to our next destination - Ban Lung in the Rathanikiri Province.

Rice Distribution in Tribal Village in Kratie - July 10

2010-07-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today we distributed 10 tons of rice to a tribal village in Kratie.
As I was walking around taking pictures, Pastor Setan gave me a little info on the village. The road is very new and the people in this area are not used to seeing Caucasians. Pastor Setan also told me they are fairly new at wearing clothing. He also pointed out several women who were smoking opium in poppy leaves. He said this was a common thing.

They were already ready for us and waited patiently for the drama team to set up. The local official had a couple of desks from the school set up for us to sit on. It was very hot and luckily the transportation team had umbrellas for us to use.

The rice was stored in the school house and the people were very organized. We had three people at a time go in to get their bag of rice and bag of salt. As they came out our team handed them vitamins and the Gospels.

I got to haul several bags of rice over to waiting vehicles or out of the way. It was very hot work but lots of fun.

One thing I have noticed is that they are pretty friendly people. They usually don't mind having their picture taken...the kids are rather shy...and think it's great when you show them the picture.

We stopped for lunch on the side of the road...Sarah shared the pomellop and I shared my dragon fruit with the team.

Tomorrow we head to Steung Trang Province.

Kratie rice distrubution

2010-07-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Tribal village in Kratie

2010-07-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Tribal Village Kratie

2010-07-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Kratie- Me and the girls waiting to see the dolphins

2010-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Cheryl, Jim and Pastor at Kampong Sdei - 4th disribution

2010-07-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Corn and Bananas - Kampond Sdei

2010-07-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Pigs on a moto - 3rd distribution - Prey Veng

2010-07-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

4th Distribution - Kampong Sdei

2010-07-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

2nd Distribution - Svey Rieng

2010-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

2nd Distrubution - Svey Rieng

2010-07-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

Svey Rieng

2010-07-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

First Rice - Svey Rieng

2010-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Our Team

2010-07-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Killing Fields

2010-07-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Drive to Kratie (craw-cheh)

2010-07-11T03:38:00.000-07:00

Today I drove in the van with the kids from the drama and the American boys, Nathan and Max. Max brought his guitar to Cambodia so they were singing a playing the whole way. It was loud but great!

Kratie Province is along the Mekong River so we got to see the boats and a lot of the small towns along it.

As we drove through a town I saw a young monk, must have been 8 or 9 years old going to a shop for his food. The lady at the shop was honoring him, making a wai (pressing palms together) and bowing after she put food in his kettle. It was strange to see this.

We stayed at the Ou Dom Sambath hotel which was a nice place right across the street from the river.

After we got to Kratie, since it was a travel day there were no rice distributions. My roommate Sarah and I decided to explore the local market (psar). The drama team went with us and helped with the translating. I was able to get a couple of the sarong type skirts and a traditional childs outfit for my grandaughter and a red checked scarf (krama)that everyone here wears to keep their head cool.

I learned from my travel book that the red scarf is Cambodian but the blue one came from Vietnam. It came over the border when some Cambodians went to Vietnam during the Khamar Rouge fighting but were deported. They were given blue krama's. This actually saved thier lives...because the Vietnamese thought they were one of their own.

That afternoon we went to a village on the river that has boats to go see fresh water dolphins. The dolphins are endangered. Unfortunately we couldn't go out as we planned because it was very windy. We did sit on the waters edge and watch for them. They finally showed up and poked their heads out of the water.

We headed back for dinner at the hotel and the end of our day. Early wake up tomorrow for the next rice distribution.

Audio: The Mission Trip Without Bobby

2010-07-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

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

Audio: Rice, Scriptures, Candy and Dragon Fruit

2010-07-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 8, in Cambodia
Rice, Scriptures, Candy and Dragon Fruit

Audio: The Ferry Ride

2010-07-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

A nice cool ferry ride
Talks about the ferry ride to an island.

The ferry to Kampong Sdei

2010-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Kampong Cham - Day 3

2010-07-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

Learning Khmer

2010-07-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

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

Prey Veng - Stuck in a hole and Scroll-crop

2010-07-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

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

Audio: Things I Miss From Home

2010-07-07T11:39:00.001-07:00

Things I miss from home
Talks about what she misses from home

Audio: Describing What I See

2010-07-07T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Things I See

Audio: Giving Bubbles to the Kids

2010-07-07T11:35:00.001-07:00

Giving Bubbles to the Kids
Giving Bubbles to the Kids

Audio: Outline of the Team Members

2010-07-07T11:33:00.001-07:00

Outline of the Team Members
Outline of Team Members

The First Rice Distribution

2010-07-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

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 Far Side of the Sea...

2010-07-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

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

Arrival

2010-07-04T02:11:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-07-04T00:45:00.003-07:00

I just realized that it’s the 4^th of July here. So Happy 4^th of July early…and don’t forget to go to one of our concerts tomorrow!

I've Arrived in Taiwan

2010-07-04T00:45:00.001-07:00

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?

It all seems so unreal still…I think that when I get to the group and we start visiting the villages and towns and meeting the people…then it will feel real.

More soon!

Sali

Getting on Board

2010-07-03T01:24:00.001-07:00

It’s 1:20 am and it’s almost time to get on board.

The last time that I stayed up this late was when I helped my daughter, Alexis, move to MO. Which was amazingly, the same time last year.

Got to go!

Sali

Home away from Home

2010-07-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my home for the next 8 hours or so.

I am a little bit afraid that my backpack is the only thing going to make it to Cambodia with me. I was able to check my bag all the way to Phnom Penh when I boarded in Walla Walla.
I had a little bit of seperation anxiety when I left it with the bag checker.

If it doesn't make it...I brought an extra set of clothing with me just in case. Thanks to the listener who called in the suggestion!

Listening in the airport

2010-07-02T16:26:00.001-07:00

Wow. Sort of wonderful to tune into the station from the airport. I’ve never had the chance to really try this out before and it’s REALLY great

Sitting in the airport, sipping a mocha and listening to Positive Life Radio. Can’t get any better!

A nice cushy chair would be nice too I guess!

Sali

A Long Night

2010-07-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

I just arrived at SeaTac and found that I can't get booked into my next flight because the ticket counter doesn't open until 10pm...so, I can't get to the rest of the airport.

I have found a little coffee shop out of the way by the ticket counter and have wifi access...so all is good.

It's going to be a long night but I can sleep on the plane.

The beginning to a wonderful adventure! So far so good!

Sali

There's a lot "I know"...

2010-07-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

I leave tomorrow. I don't know if I am ready for this.

I know I am being anxious about nothing. It's leaving my family - the nurture part of my personality is coming out more. I just haven't traveled enough I guess.

I know I am not going to be gone forever...just two weeks...which can seem forever or not.

I know that Richard, my husband, is going to be ok while I am gone. I worry about him though. Long story made short: Richard had brain surgery a couple years ago and still has bad days - not very often. I am just a worry wart.

I know that the two concerts on Sunday are going to go just fine without me. I think I have all in order and made lists and left instructions and files and...I am just a worry wart.

I know that I am over cautious. I have gotten everything on the must bring list and
the suggested list.

Pants/skirts that cover my knees when sitting or standing
Bug spray
Worship book and Bible
Bubbles and stickers for the kids
Comfort food (thank you Kevin for the micro brownie suggestion!)
My favorite comfy sweater - the ones my kids hate and keep trying to make me get rid of

My suitcase is getting very full. I hope that I haven't forgotten anything.

Mostly, I hope that I haven't gotten so worrisome that I have forgotten how to have an adventure! And to have fun!

I know that time is going to fly by for me.

I just hope I get some good pictures.

Getting ready - never ending questions

2010-06-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is my first post about my trip. I have to say that I am both excited and anxious about the whole adventure...

Excited because I haven't traveled all that much. Both of my daughters are world travelers - Africa, the Middle East, South Pacific, England, Ireland. The farthest I have traveled is to Boston and to Victoria BC. The world is such a smaller place than when I was younger...have you noticed that too?

So, being the non-traveler that I am...I have lots of questions and anxiousness!
What do I do without a cell phone? How do I remember not to brush my teeth with the water? Will I pack the correct things? Am I going to be able to remember all of the great people and wonderful things that I see? Am I going to be a better person when I get back?

I hope that I will be a better person by this experience. Someone said today that yes it will change me. I will look at my life and the freedoms we have here in the U.S. in a whole different way...appreciate it more...for about 3 weeks. Then I will be back shopping at IKEA.

I hope not.

Sali

Handing Off

2010-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

   What a privilege it was to represent the entire Positive Life Radio listening family during the 2008 Cambodia mission trip. The memories and the change that happened in me will last a lifetime. It's an honor for me to introduce you to Sali Miller who will be our representative in Cambodia during this summer's mission trip.
   Sali will be taking hundreds of photos and a lot of video. She'll be calling us with regular reports you can hear on the air or online at www.plr.org (stream us with Windows Media, Real Player, or AAC+). And of course she'll blog as the story unfolds during the trip.
   Last November, over 800 Positive Life Radio listeners contributed $134,000 which will feed tens of thousands of people for a month. This blog is just one of the ways we report back to you exactly how those funds are invested in lives. It's a form of accountability.
   The mission trip begins July 4 and continues for 4 weeks. Sali will be our representative for the first 2 weeks of the trip. Check back to this blog often, link to it on your Facebook page and tell a few friends.
   Thank you as well for praying for Sali and the entire Rice for Cambodia team. Based on experience, I can tell you that they'll run into some pretty unusual things - pray for safety. Pray that God would guard and protect them as they represent Him to so many in need.

- Kevin Krueger (afternoons on Positive Life Radio)