I have been truly blessed over the first seven months of the World Race. I have been graced with comfortable living situations. Most months I had a nice warm bed to sleep in and when I did not there was AC or fans. The weather has been fantastic everywhere. The hottest it has been was in Malaysia, and that was only in the 80s. I expected to be sweating profusly and living in huts on the ground. This has just not been the case.
When we learned about our host home in Cambodia, I thought that streak had come to an end. Previous racers had made coments about the living conditions of our hosts, U Mong and Nari’s, home and it looked rough. All I knew was we were going to be in a stilt home in the middle of a sugar cane field. The “city” we were going to could be described as rural at its best. I didn’t know if we would have power or water, let alone a shower. The home had only been there for a year or so, so perhaps it had some modern perks.
At the begining of February we headed to Kampong Cham. We didn’t know we would be passing through Kampong Cham and going up the Mekong River to a little village called Prek Por. The roads here were all dirt and dust flew everywhere. People used horses and cows as much as they did motos. Every so often a loaded down truck would fly down the street and kick up a massive dust cloud. I was getting a little nervous about my comfort level for this month.
Eventually we made it off the main road, away from the dust, and to our field of sugar cane. We unloaded our van that took us from Pnom Penh and headed up the steps to our wood slatted home on stilts.
Upon entering I noticed it was very simple. One big room with two small bedrooms on the left. We would be sleeping in the great room. The back of the home was the kitchen and bathrooms. Yes, two bathrooms. We each had a mat layed out with bug nets draped ove them. There was no way to keep the bugs out of the home. You could see through the flor and the walls in some places.
There were a few fans to use for cool air. We had the two bathrooms, and they had showers. Cold showers would be our luxery for this month, so I thought.
After living in this home with the family and their nearly two year old, Martin, my idea of comfort and luxury changed.
First, the weather has been absolutely wonderful. U Mong said that it is usually very hot by now and that it being this cool is unusual. Thank you Jesus. No sweating constantly. Everything else, however, seemed to be even more of a blessing. My perspective changed very quickly.
Staying in the field of sugar cane kept us away from all the dust back by the road. We were able to get breezes sweeping across the field. And we got to watch the farmers harvest the field throught the month. So amazing to see the whole process from harvesting, to burning, to plowing, and then planting again.
Sleeping was wonderful. Cool nights with all the sounds of nature. Some nights I needed earplugs due to a party nearby or the baby having a bad night, but every night I slept better than anywhere else on the race.
The primitive kitchen has yielded some of the best meals on the race. Every meal has been prepared so well. We all have cleaned our plates every meal. From grilled meat and tilapia, to stir fried vegetables, even mashed potatoes, eating with the family has been one of my highlights. The best part has been geting to try all sorts of new fruits we have never heard of. There are do any different and delicous fruits in SE Asia.
The ride that Ashley, Jake and I took every day to teach English across the city has been so fun. We see new and amazing things every day. All the overloaded bikes, motos and trucks are a sight. Every night people bring all their trash to the streetside and burn it. It makes for a smoky and dusty ride home, but it is cool to see all the fires lining the street. We have fun and deep conversations every day. The best part is waving to all the kids. Every time we go past, no matter when or where, they all yell “hello” and wave. We come up with different responses, but it is fun. I will miss those rides.
When I think back on the month, my favorite parts were more often than not the things I thought were going to be the most uncomfortable. All the breezes felt because of being in the middle of nowhere and in an exposed home. The rides on a bumpy, dusty road. Fresh, locally grown meals, because we had no refrigerator or food storage. Afternoons laying in my hammock, because there was no “entertainment”.
And lastly, living in a home with a young family and their baby. Although, at times, Martin had his not so appealing fits(he is a baby). Spending time in community with these people of God and seeing what they are doing here in Cambodia. I loved their hearts. They took such good care of us and the people who they open up their home to.
I pray such blessings on them that they cannot comprehend. We will miss you all – You Mong – Nary – Martin – You Try – Srey Nich
Here is the video for this month as well. Enjoy.
