- The Race life began as the squad headed to New Hope school/hostel and got to play with the students right away. You can imagine the chaos as we (sleep deprived, 35 new racers) played with the 45 students ranging from age 4-14. The language barrier didn’t stop the laughter, tickling games or the high-fives. These kids’ smiles and hugs were a relief and refuel.
- Meeting Pastor Thyvenn. He is filled with such a great caring, youthful, fun and seeking heart. He has been great at showing us around and introducing us to the culture and the community.
- Being introduced to our first home!!! We have a home to our selves this week, complete with a room for our beds, a bathroom including a shower and a storage room for all our belongings. We can walk out of our home and are instantly greeted by the neighbor kids. They love saying ‘hello’ and giving high-fives.
- Playing soccer! Every afternoon the neighborhood plays soccer on this field that is a pond when flooded ..but for now it’s our place to spash in the mud and try to improve our skills as the days go by. The first day we laughed the entire 12 goals as we ran, slipped and said “is this real life?’
- Playing worship music for the church service. Although we would not claim ourselves a musically talented bunch, we got our limited skills together and played 3 songs. The people of the church really enjoyed it and showed great appreciation. It was also really great to hear Pastor Thyvenn’s message!
- Trying the Cambodian food. We have a regular place already. Hi-tea is served like water and their cooked pineapple is sooooo good on rice. Also, if you’re looking for a new seasoning for rice and food trying mixing lime juice and pouring it on top. SO YUMMY! It’s a team favorite.
- Dancing in the Church and learning to 2-Step! (Lindsay made me think of you). One night we busted out ome country music and pastor Thyvenn and his best friend, Dom wanted to learn a dance. This was only one moment that has been filled with laughter that we’ve shared with these two dear friends.
- Going to a village on Saturday. When we go to the villages we split into two groups, one with the women and one with the kids. At this one, I went with the kids and we acted out Jonah and taught them duck-duck-goose. They were so welcoming and cheerful.
- Seeing the sunset over the water. We took a boat out to the village on Sunday and it was gorgeous to see it come down over the water and have the villages as silouetes. (take a look at my teammates pictures)
- Going out to the village on Sunday. After taking a tuktuk and then a boat ride we arrive to this village that’s constantly surrounded by water. Again I got to be with the kiddos. Andrea taught the story of David and Goliath and Scott and I acted it out. The kids loved learning songs, even though they were in english. They followed the actions and laughed at us with our crazy expressions. We also got the opportunity to pray over the sick in the village. Afterwards we got to try banana cakes and two new fruits.
- Hungry Youngsters Team Time! We laughed hard over the past few days! We have gone on Tuktuk rides of being crammed but singing songs through the villages, had time for feedback of one another, we have shared daily moments, enjoyed trying new foods together, adventuring together. Praying together and encouraging one another has been precious and life giving.
Thanks for being part of this journey with me! Its been a fun filled few days. I have felt that we have already gotten so many experiences, but the time has gone by so fast. It makes me so grateful for the next 11 months ahead!
