From Spinach Lakes to Garbage Mountians

As our week here in Cambodia progressed Oliver and I kept thinking to ourselves: "How cool is it that we ended up coming here!" What we first thought was going to be a glorified border run, has completely turned divine! The missionary couple from Namibia that we have been staying with has given us so much wisdom and laughs. When asked what their country is like they responded: "Have you seen The God's Must Be Crazy?" That movie being a childhood favorite of mine, I emphatically responded a yes. They have shared much about their lives before, and during their time on the mission field. The last week has been full of some of the best fellowship I have had overseas. They also have two sons: Gideon and Anton, they are totally turbo tots. We babysat them last night, Oliver and I totally out-turboed those boys. But the after effects are hitting us; I have a headache and some swole glands, and Oliver has a lot of bodily problems. This is the first time on the trip we have both been a little ill on the same day, but it's all part of the experience. Come to think of it, Sunday afternoons really are the best times to regain your health, especially when you have a big outreach the next morning. Tomorrow morning we will be waking at 5 am (which is possible in Cambodia, remember they have real coffee), and beating to city traffic to a small village in middle-Cambodia. So please pray that we are in health when we wake tomorrow! Oh, just in case you have never been blessed by "The God's Must Be Crazy", here is a quick clip:

We have visited many orphanages as well as some important Cambodian historical sites in this past week. The NGO (Non-Government Organization) that Mordegi (our contact) is working with has connections with most every orphanage in Phnom Penh. We have gotten to work with three orphanages this week, and played with a lot of ninos. Here are some of the favorite pictures and a video montage of the week from orphanages:

And the baby with the Texas doo rag!

We also got to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and "The Killing Fields." Visiting these two places really broke my heart for the Cambodian people. I understand a myriad more about the current state of this place. Cultural research is invaluable! I am convinced of this more and more every day. I wish I did more before I left the States! To inform yourself f the bloody past of Cambodia watch the below video and be informed:

This is a poem that describes what the Khmer Rouge leaders enacted during their rule. Click the picture to inlarge it.

S-21:

The Killing Fields:We gear up for another week, and much travels. From Phnom Penh to Bangkok to Rachaburi. Keep us in your prayers!
-Josh