When we first learned of our assignment in Siem Reap we were
informed we would be provided bicycles for our main means of transport. We were all really excited about this because
we were ready to get some physical activity as well as save some money on
transport. When we arrived at our
ministry site at Pouk, we were sad to find out that our contacts only had 2
bikes, one of which was broken, and one motorbike. The two bikes and the motorbike were also the
only means of transportation our contacts have to get into town as well as get
around to the other villages so obviously we would not be able to use
them. We were disappointed since
transport to the city is expensive on our limited budget and we also needed
transport to get to surrounding villages for ministry.
We talked to our contacts and they mentioned that we could
rent bikes from Siem Reap for $1 a day.
But they also mentioned that a bike could be bought for only $30 so it
would be more cost efficient to buy a bike rather than rent it for an entire
month. So our team got together and
talked and prayed about it. We decided
that we wanted to buy some bikes to be able to use this month as well as bless
our contacts and provide transport for future volunteers that come here. It’s obviously not in our budget to buy five
bikes so I quickly contacted my parents asking if they knew anyone who might be
willing to help. In less than a day, we
had a church back in Huntsville, AL willing to give us money for the bikes as
well as a little extra.
Oh man we were so excited!
We couldn’t wait to get to town and buy the bikes. We had to wait for the weekend though so the
money would be in my account and we had time to get to the city. We wanted to surprise our contacts with the bikes
but soon found out that we would need a Cambodian to go with us in order to get
a good price because they would definitely overcharge Westerners. So at church Sunday evening, we told our
contacts what we wanted to do for them.
They were so happy and excited!
They couldn’t believe we were going to bless them like that. So right
after church, we had a Tuk Tuk take us to the bike shop. Our Tuk Tuk driver actually came and helped
negotiate and get a good price on the bikes.
He was absolutely amazing! We
definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.
Ok these bikes we got are really awesome! They each have a light and a basket and an
extra seat on the back. We were able to
get all 5 bikes plus bike locks for each of them and have a little money left
over. Thank you Jesus and Seven Mile
Post Road Church for providing bikes for us!
I love our bicycles from heaven!
