Monday, July 23, 2012
From the beach to Bantey Meanchey - Trouble Afront
After the second day of beach fun where all the kids from all three orphanages were having a blast and all three Global X teams were together and well and having fun with the kids, it was time to travel to the 3 separate orphanages - Phnom Penh, Battambang, and our group to Bantey Meanchey, a 10hr excursion. Not long after starting the travels it was apparent that the AC in the bus wasn't as cool as it had been before. Shortly thereafter we found ourselves getting out of the sweltering steamy bus which was had been pulled off on the side of the road. We took advantage of the situation as time to chat with the kids and other Global X team members we weren't going to see again for the rest of the week. We were in true Cambodian countryside, beautiful, National Geographic-esque. At this "pit stop" we noted some local villagers harvesting rice the same way it's been done for centuries. See the pictures below. I was shown how to harvest the rice and replant the younger rice while the older rice is turned into the white or brown rice we all know and enjoy. After an hour or so, the bus was back up and running only to die again about 10 minutes down the road. This time we were hit with a rainy season flash rain shower which only lasted a matter of minutes and was actually quite refreshing and a blessing amidst the the heat of the day and no AC on the bus. This time we witnessed village boys championing their catch of the day, a pig. See the pics. The pig is still alive and squirming in the picture FYI. Once again the bus got back up and running and once again died what seemed to be minutes later. This time we had a clear view of the country side and mountains and this time we decided to consolidate buses to get further up the road to meet the new bus that was heading to meet us from Phnom Penh. Finally, 12 hours after the start of our travels, the Bantey Meanchey team arrived at our luxurious hotel, Pyramid Hotel and Spa at 1:45 AM, 2:45 PM EST. The hotel is quite nice actually considering how far away from the big cities we are; the rooms come with two complimentary bottles of water and wifi. Not to mention 60 minute sauna and aromatherapy massage for $16 or the 60 minute sauna and standard body massage for $8. Not sure if we'll have time for that or not but would be nice with all this travel and trying to keep up with the kids with games, particularly soccer for the boys - they're phenomenal and love to play.
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Take time to get a massage!
ReplyDeleteLove to all!
Momma Ann
Dear All,
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry that you had AC problems, but also glad that you had the opportunity to see "real life" up close. The pictures are beautiful.
We are at the beach as well, and it is hot, but you probably have us beat as far as temperature goes! It was wonderful to stand on the beach in the early morning, meditating upon the greatness of our Lord, the wonder of His creation, and to remember that through Him, we are connected - by His Holy Spirit and His creation! You are in our thoughts and prayers as you endeavor to minister to the precious children in His name. He will produce much fruit in the lives of the children due to your faithful service.
We are praying that the children - and you! - will be changed as you share the gospel with them and demonstrate its power through your lessons. We are also praying that all of you will be healthy! Hopefully, your massage was a step in that direction.
In Christ,
Mark's Mom and Dad, Jenny and Paul, Ryan and Miles
What an adventure! I'm exhausted just hearing about it! But what great times and memories you are making ! Take time to renew yourselves! Keep up the GREAT work! Oh, the impact you all are making on these lives...... There are no words!
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