Kampong Cham Near Vietnam Border

Today was a long and grueling day.. We ate breakfast early today and some folks had to switch hotel rooms because of reservations that were in before ours. Then we went to Kampong Cham orphanage near the Vietnamese border. There we were presented with paint, paint brushes and rollers. So we began painting and it took all but ten minutes for my tank top to be half drenched and my hair soaking wet with sweat because the temps were extremely high just like the humidity. The air was so thick and heavy it was even affecting a team member or two with some slight ill effects. But no worries, everyone is back to normal and all is well..

We painted a building on the outside and inside (which was even hotter) and we did it in about 4 hours. In between coats we ate some lunch that they had prepared for us. After the painting I had to sit down for a good half and hour before I strapped on my guitar and started the children's program that our team had once again prepared for the kiddos. We sang songs with motions in English and Khmer, Bob told the story of the good Samaritan with the acting assistance of a boy named "Lee" who was one of the younger boys who visited our church in Aug 2007 for the tour. We talked about Jesus' love for each of us and our response in praise and the kids sang Jesus Loves Me in both English and Khmer, which is one of the most touching things you've ever seen.

After that we had the chance to pray for each child with the laying on of hands as we have with most of the other children's programs that we've done. Then it was balloon, candy and puppet time. I learned a few more Khmer words today such as "Mud Kiholm" which translates to "My Friend". The driver of our van this week, Arun, told me today that I was his friend and he hopes that when I come back in 2011 that I will again use his services and bring a team with me. He appreciated all the laughs that we've had this week with him, the sense of humor and the free food :)

Its been great hanging out with other friends here also such as Sokholm, Sothea, Boeurn, Vanna, Pastor Sinai and Somalay and the kids from the orphanages. One other thing I think that I forgot to mention from yesterday's adventures was that we had the opportunity to visit the IJM Cambodia team at their offices (International Justice Mission www.ijm.org). This was a highlight for many because it made our relationship more personal (we support IJM on a monthly basis, the Cambodia branch) and was very informative to those who had not known about IJM or the significance of what they do.

Well thats all for now, I am falling asleep yet again and its only 9 pm Saturday night. Tomorrow I preach in two different church services, the team will do Sunday school with the kids and we will distribute rice and oil to 40 families and have the opportunity to pray with them and chat.

Blessings from our team! Keep praying for us as we have two more full days then a long trip home. See you soon!