After arriving in Phnom Penh, David Hall our faithful friend greeted us at the airport and took us to the guesthouse he found for us fairly close to where their family lives. Then gave us the tour, so we could familiarize ourselves with the streets ect. so we could find ourselves around the area, Taking us then downtown to get our bus tickets to Battambang, since we were leaving in day. In the process, Stan forgot to buckle seatbelt! and David got stopped by police, issued Stan a $10.00 ticket! who would have thought! but seeing white guys w/o seatbelt equals $$ signs :))
We then went to their home where he offered the use of his Moto, so we could get around, for the rest of Sunday evening and Monday to begin getting used to driving in the PP traffic :/ . Off we went back to our guesthouse driving ourselves....... I should have taken pictures but, when fearing for life, and not yet really resting after traveling from USA it wasn't what I was thinking of, sorry.... After arriving back at our guest house we decided to try to find "dinner". So we went up the street to a local noodle shop, where we joined the locals on the street for a bowl of noodles, with an assortment of "meats" meatballs, dark red/brown stuff , that Stan thought was tofu, but was really blood they make into a tofu like substance. ( I left that in my bowl) over all very tasty!
Monday we toured around getting brave with our traveling the streets , keeping fairly close to our area, we were familiar with. In the afternoon we returned to the Halls for dinner and returning the moto. (thank goodess still in one piece!) for a delicious dinner of stir fry and rice krispie treats.
Tuesday morning 5:45 am David picked us up and off to the bus station. to head to Battambang!
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| Beautiful flowers in Our room from Rajana |
We arrived in Batambang greeted warmly by the family here! introduced to the new Baby girl of Ming and Rajana :)
We then spent the afternoon helping Vandy and her husband gather tables and chairs, and dishes for the Merry Christmas Party!
Wednesday was the scheduled party day, So off to Vandy's home after breakfast to help get everything ready! between Stan and I we have so many pictures hard to pick what to include here!! first it was helping with decorations then cut up many many chickens, or should I say "hacked" up! Phally mom tried to show me, ( she seemed very concerned I would cut my hand or fingers off! ).
I learned you just take a whole chicken, head, feet & all and cut into small pieces, no deboning at all! easy!:)throw it in the pot! We made 2 very large pots ! chicken curry for all to enjoy with bread,
it was hard to stir that much so they asked Stan to help stir so it wouldn't burn.
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| always a cute baby to take photo of :) enjoying rice for lunch |
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| youth helping to get everything decorated |
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| just a little bread! |
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| girls ready for the khmer dance ( they did a beautiful job) |
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| still more kids to come, waiting for program to start there were well over 130 kids !! |
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| Vandy talking to the kids right before program started |
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| The parents really paying attention!! |
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| the group sang several songs then special groups did a few songs with actions |
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| waiting their turn |
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| Beautiful dance! |
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| A new version of "Jingle Bells!" |
The kids did the
drama it was very good! the parents enjoyed it immensely !
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| sheep & shepherds ready to go onstage |
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| Mary & Joseph! |
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| Vandy explaining the "real "meaning of Christmas & the Salvation message! |
How to feed a lot of hungary kids! on mats on the floor with lots of bread & bowls of curry!
The adults got to sit at table :)
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| "the cooks " |
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| selfies with friends |
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| The decorations now that its dark really look nice |
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| dancing with the youth , they showed me some of the "khmer dance steps" |
Such a brief glimpse at our Day with Vandy Ministry! They did an amazing job, several songs & games to show the parent & grandparents what they are learning about Jesus!! Most of these are Parents & grandparents who don't know about our Lord Jesus! Our hearts were full when we left after the party seeing the amazing job and all the work so well done by everyone!!
There was plenty of food left so the families could take the leftovers home to enjoy later, many of these families are barely surviving , and any "good" food is appreciated! Wish you all were here to enjoy this special time with us!!
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| off to the market this morning on moto with Maht (Phally mom for breakfast) |
