Last night we asked Ratchana (Sokhom’s oldest daughter) what time we would leave for church in the morning. She thought it would be around six (insert what Lauren and I were thinking here). But, we obviously haven’t come all the way to Cambodia to sleep in and hang out all day or worse, miss seeing our kids. So, I set my alarm to wake us up at five and off we went to bed about 10 pm (we’re getting a little better on the sleep thing). Fast forward to this morning, Lauren taps me on the shoulder after looking at her watch and says, “Is it really six thirty?” Obviously still in a daze, I pick my phone up and inform her that, “Mine says it’s five thirty.” This is where most people would realize a watch is far less likely to reset itself than a phone, especially a phone that has had a mind of its own since leaving Singapore. We decide we should probably get ready soon but, continue to ‘snooze’, after all we still have half an hour and getting ready shouldn’t take long thanks to pony tails & t-shirts being part of our everyday attire. About that time we hear a knock on the door and Ratchana informs us they’re leaving for church. Given our transportation or lack thereof we obviously have to leave with them or miss another week (last week we were with Sue) of church in Lveasar. Lauren lets her know we’ll be right down and we quickly fumble around to room for contacts, pony tail holders, and throw on the nearest ‘appropriate’ (no shorts or sleeveless) clothes and about 2 minutes later we make our way downstairs. I can honestly say that’s the quickest I’ve ever gotten ready to go anywhere, ever.
So, sans brushed hair, make-up, earrings, or clothes that really even match at all we arrive for church in Lveasar… and I’m pretty sure no one cared, maybe not even us. Church was really good! There’s something totally authentic and pure about the worship in this little community. Hearing our kids sing along with all the adults is just utterly amazing to me, they could have easily become one of the typical citizens in this less than one percent Christian nation. It’s difficult to describe how something can feel so real when you aren’t able to understand the words. I think it’s something you just have to experience to understand.
As we’re clapping along (since singing in Khmer for us is obviously out of the question) and enjoying the worship, Ratchana leans over to us and asks Lauren and I what song we are going to sing. Once again, deer in the headlights look from both us. Half way hoping we had misunderstood I asked her to repeat herself. Nope, no misunderstanding, we were about to have our first duet. Actually, I guess that’s not entirely true, we did make an appearance at karaoke night while we were in Colorado this past September for training. I had no idea that even the extracurricular activities at MTI would be part of our preparation for Cambodia. So, there we sat trying to come up with a song we both knew ALL the words to… we finally landed on, “Mighty to Save”. I don’t think either of us looked at each other the entire time we were ‘up’ for fear we would start laughing uncontrollably and embarrass ourselves more than we already were. We made it through the song and decline a second performance. We’re already thinking of songs for next time. Suggestions please!
After we wrapped up church Sokhom, Lauren, and I had a meeting with the teachers about starting English class next week. It went really well and we have our weekly and daily schedules planned out… always subject to change as we well know and are totally fine with, we just like knowing we have something to start with. Pray for us as we begin teaching this week. Lauren is really excited to be back in the classroom and I’m just hoping no one notices I don’t have a clue as to what I’m doing but, I’m really excited none the less.
After our meeting and lunch we had a little free time before we had to leave so, we got to hang out with our kids… I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of getting to say that. It was short but, we were able to squeeze in lots of hugs, a couple tickle fights, and as always a few pictures.
I think it’s time for a nap now that we’ve enjoyed yet another amazing snack courtesy of Ronnie. Today it was fried potatoes and fried bananas with sugar… I may need bigger clothes when some of you come in December.
-Tamara
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