And just like that, we’re talking about month eight-
Cambodia.
Ministry: Overflow Guesthouse
Location: Siem Reep, Cambodia
Currency: Riel (4,000 Riel = $1)
Language: Khmer (pronounced ka-my)
Overview: This month my team and I lived at and worked with Overflow Guesthouse. This guesthouse is owned by Adventures in Missions (AIM). The six of us shared a two bedroom apartment style space that included a living room and bathroom. We also had a TV so we would do movie nights as a team. Our hostel was a short ride from the main part of town. In town, we were able to go to markets, get fish pedicures, get henna, try new restaurants, see movies and so many other things. It was such a change of pace from Africa.
This is our team, Independent, in mine and Emma’s room. We were watching a movie.
What types of ministry did you do in Cambodia?
The month we were here the guesthouse officially closed. So, our ministry consisted mostly of us aiding in selling assets while we were here. Another part of our ministry this month was at a church called ICF. We volunteered there twice a week and went to their service on Sundays. We also spent intentional time in the community forming relationships and sharing about Jesus, which is also known on the Race as ATL, or Ask The Lord.
How did you get to ministry?
Our main ministry was at the hostel itself this month. However, when going to church, worship nights or into town we took a tuktuk.
What did a typical day look like?
8am: Wake up/Get ready/Breakfast
9am-noon: Organize items for sale/Add to FB sale pages
Noon: Lunch
1pm-4pm: Go to town (Build relationships + ATL)
5pm-9pm: Volunteer at ICF Church
9pm: Team time
11 Lessons from Cambodia:
1. Cambodia’s currency has lost most of its value recently, so they encouraged the use of USD everywhere.
2. Cambodia is the home of Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
3. Cambodia is a small country north of Thailand.
4. The people that live here are Khmer people.
5. Cambodia went through a genocide recently. Individuals such as intellects, pop culture icons, Christians and others were especially targeted.
6. Less than 2% of this country is Christian now, while over 98% is Buddhist.
7. Buddhism here is mixed with aspects of Hinduism and animalistic practices, moving it from simply a philosophy to a religion.
8. Alters sit in front of almost every home and business called “spirit boxes”. Individuals add food, money and other items into these boxes to appease bad spirits and keep them away.
9. Siem Reep has a thriving tourism population. People come to visit the night markets, get things for super cheap and even to drink and party on Pub Street.
10. Weddings are a three day event here where the couple enjoys inviting as many guests as possible.
11. Weddings typically consist of an 8 course meal, free alcohol and a lot of dancing- basically just a giant party.
One of the woman we ended up forming a really good relationship with was named Srey. We hung out with her, went to dinner one night and would visit her at work. Her brother, Borath, invited us to his wedding this month and we had so much fun with them.
