Habits passed on...

If you are not sure of your parenting style, stop and watch your children and the habits they have learned. I never knew how much I said a certain word or phrase, until my 2 year old first started talking. You quickly assess and adjust your vocab when something pops out of their mouths that give you a double take and ask "what did she just say?". I am happy to report that there hasn't been anything coming out of my toddlers mouth that is rude, crude, or inappropriate for her age, or anybody else for that matter. I credit this small triumph to the fact that she is child number three and we have retrained ourselves with better words.

What I didn't anticipate was how she would take an everyday event, that has become a daily ritual, and turn it into something so ugly. That's right...U-G-L-Y! My daughter aquired a small panda bear from a friend and wanted to take her (i think it is a her, how do you check animals for that stuff?)home for a bath. Aaawwhhh, you might say? For a number of days after we got home with our new best friend, she asked repeatedly if Panda could have a bath with her. Of course I wasn't willing to give in to this idea. Unfortunately, I said 'no' too many times, and that is when she decided to take matters into her own little, 2 year old, hands. She decided to wash Panda in the toilet. I supose she was wanting to put Panda in the spin cycle, when she decided to flushed Panda down the toilet. I can't tell you how proud she was of herself!


She quickly reported the events as they took place, and as I ran to the bathroom and heard the sound of water filling the tank, I knew it was too late...for me and Panda. I won't fill you in on the event to follow, but I think the photo explaines it all.

Ruby Slippers

It never fails, when your far from home you always think of Dorthy and those ruby slippers...'there's no place like home'. She was right. After 33 hours of travel we finally arrived home this morning at 12:01 am. The house was still standing, in fact it looked better than when I left it. DD took extra time in cleaning up for me and I feel bad, because there are still bags, laundry, mail and newspapers scattered everywhere. I didn't get much done today, just hung out with the entire family, took an afternoon nap and thought about everything we experienced.

We had the greatest time in Cambodia. I think Carol hit the nail on the head when she made a comment on the way home last night. We were reaping the fruits of past trips this time around. Relationships and trust have been built over the past 5 years and we were really able to enjoy each other. Many times when we (foreigners) are at villages, we are seen as tourist. They think we are there to look at the poor village people. Foreigners are met with scepticism, what do they want from me or what are they here for? Curiosity, who are they and what makes them come? This trip, there was warm welcomes, remembering back to past visits, thankfulness for remembering them, thankfulness for returning, thankfulness for prayer, catching up with friends and making new friendships. Those working with the Krung were greatful for our return and our commitment to encourage, pray, and support their work. Trust has been established and friendships built. We did reap the fruits of past visits.

We were asked regularly, "why are you going? What is the purpose?" Here is what one missionary wrote in his January 31st newsletter...

The past several days we have had an enjoyable and encouraging time with four visitors from a congregation in Oregon that has a special interest and commitment to the work among the Krung people. They were able to visit a number of outlying Krung villages with one of our friends working here and then they had time with us at our translation office and home, and were able to see up close some of the details of what we do. I am reminded of what Paul wrote as he anticipated a future visit to the believers at Rome: "...that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." (Romans 1.12)


This missionary was at our hotel in the early morning darkness to wish us farewell. He wanted to make sure our taxi arrived and we were headed in the right direction. To see this giant of a man melt as BB hugged his waist was a special moment. They miss their children and grandchildren. To have a few short days together, and share a few meals, meant as much to them as it did us.

It was the little moments like the early morning good-bye that I want to remember the most. Our time in Phnom Penh and Seim Reap was memorable for other reasons. But the real heart of the trip was in Ban Lung. I started a list of those 'nothing' or small things that I wanted to remember. Here's what I had written down:

Silverware in boiling water
The fabric of my skirt & how it must feel to foreign fingers
Fresh, sweet mango
Seeds/pits in the bananas
Baby at the internet cafe
Bubbles in the village
Excitement over small items from home
Translation of Exodus
Watching a going home video
Leg on Carols lip
Carols first moto ride
Bridge mending
Giving individuals their prayer cards
Chocolate chip cookies
2 vehicles damaged from the terrain
2 moto accidents in the dust
Baby in the hammock
Lotus balm
Tribal ladies at the market
Church in the village
Kane children hugging and cuddling us
Elephant on main street Phnom Penh
Hannah hugging Chuck
Hunting wild pig
Xing bamboo bridge in jungle
International keyboards
Big spiders
Hammocks
Baskets
Iced coffee
Ankor Wat
Frog legs
Dr Fish


I'm still processing all that we did and all that we shared. I don't know how to answer some of the questions people are going to have for us. If I stare at you blankly its because I don't know where to start and when to end. I can tell you it was Amazing! I am forever greatful for having the experience.

I'll try and figure out how to post photos this weekend.

Backfill from Monday

The last couple od days have been a blur. We left Ban Lung, Ratanakiri on Monday enroute to Siem Reap. One taxi, one bus and fourteen hours later we arrived. There was alot of the country side to see and lots of memories to relive during the trip. Carol and I boarded the bus and it was obviouse we had never done this before. Many of the veterans pointed to the back of the bus. Not what I had pictured in my mind. I'm someone who gets car sick on the three mile drive to Oakland. I picked a seat that didn't have anything in it and waited with anxiety hoping that no one would come and tell me the seat I was in was already taken. Wouldn't you know it, a man came down the isle and saw Carol in his seat. We were sure this is what he was communicating. Carol got up and started wondering up and down the isle like a lost lamb. The man took pity and gave her back the seat. She sat down and now we both wondered who's chair I had taken. When the bus started to roll we both took a sigh of relief.

We arrived at the hotel and Carol's friend was waiting to meet us. It was late but we all decided to get a quick bite to eat. We then hit the hay with a heavy head. That was pretty much our Monday. We are getting ready to board for Taipei. I'll fill u in on yesterday when we land.

Sunday church with Krung

Last night was a real blast. We spent the night visiting with all the missionary families working here. They all gather at a home and have a special time together. It is always a highlight of the trip and a great chance to meet those serving here. The house was full of kids, laughter, and great food. We spent most of the day with the Kellers, swimming, eating, and visiting. What a great couple!

This morning the Swearingen clan went to a home church with the Kane family. Carol went to visit another church and isn't back yet. I'm dieing to find out how it went. The Kane family is working in a small village called Toey (2-ee). They meet in a families home, the only family who are believers. There is another woman in the village who says she would become a follower if her husband would let her. Apparently if she goes to church, or becomes a believer, her husband will kick her out of the home. This is pretty serious, and the Kanes are continuing to spend time with her and the husband. He is apprehensive of the foreigners and doesn't yet trust. This is a dedicated family and a patient God we are talking about.

Church lasted a couple of hours, and i didn't understand much of anything. We listened to some songs, turned to Mathew in our bibles and listened quietly. Crying babies, pigs, dogs, and chickens could be heard in the background. I mostly watched the man preaching and his wife. He spoke with conviction and love. She listened intently and gently rubbed her pregnant belly. Their son had just fallen the day before and was laying next to us with a large bandage on his forehead. He was give several stitches and some medication for infection. He layed with his head near my leg and occasionally, in his drowsy state, would reach over and rub the fabric of my skirt between his fingers. He would realize what he was doing and look at me from the corner of his eye, until he finally dozed off. I didn't mind a single minute of it.

At the moment, I'm having a rest period. The Kane's are taking care of the kids and we are all going out to see some of the local sites at 4. These families have been so giving to us. We came to encourage them and let them know we are thinking of them and are deeply interested in the work they are doing. We've been richly blessed this week.

Our taxi arrives early in the morning and will take us on a 12 hour trip to Seim Reap. While there we are meeting a family friend/daughter to Carol and touring Ankor Wot. All the missionaries have expressed how important it is to the trip. It will give us a better understanding of the history of the country and the make up of the people. I'm looking forward to it, just not the drive. Thanks for following-

Building Bridges

The other day when we went with Kevin to visit some villages we crossed many bridges. Some made me a little nervous. Let me tell you, I've crossed some questionable bridges in my time but the ones that really make me power pray are the wooden ones. Kevin stopped at one bridge and asked us to help him with some 'minor'repair work. Is there such a thing when it comes to bridges? Dad (retired ODOT bridge inspector)? Several of the boards had fallen into the creek below. Kevin went under the bridge and slid boards to the surface as Scott collected them and placed them in the areas we needed. I say placed because we didn't have nails, nuts, bolts, ties, nothing! This was pretty mandatory repair for us to cross. The stop made me realize that there weren't many vehicles that drive this far out, mostly moto's. We all climbed back into the vehicle and as we were driving across the thought entered my mind that we should have walked across and had Kevin pick us up on the other side. Like most thoughts, it was too late and we were committed. We made it coming and going, thank the Lord! It would have been a long walk home!

Yesterday we spent the day with the Keller and Kane families. Keller's gave us a small glimpse into what it takes to translate the bible. I cant tell you it takes alot of what I don't have! We listened to Carol and the Keller's talk horse lingo (yawn, i know more than i did)and stories or their early missionary years. My only connection to horses is Don and Carol. I was greatful we had Carol with us to bridge that gap. You could tell horses are a big part of their lives and it meant alot to them to have someone who knew what they were talking about.

Hearing all the great stories of the early years was a highlight of the day. It never gets old hearing how people get where they are and what path took them there. Talk about real Hero's of the Faith! many missionaries here are looking for someone to document and write the Keller biography. After listening to just some of the many stories I can see why.

We returned back to our hotel to give them a little break and the four of us discussed how great it was to see their work in action. Carol and I are in a bible study that is walking us over/through the tabernacle. We were in the room as the words of Exodus were going through the first phase of translation. To here "the cloud they followed by day, and the fire they follow by night. God dwelled in that place" gave me goose bumps. There wasn't enough time for us all to email the experience (and I drew short straw), but boy was it rich! All day I kept thinking gluttony, gluttony, i am so full! I couldn't not share this with you.

We walked back to the Keller's and looked at pictures of their 2 day old grand-daughter. We watched as they looked at a going home video on facebook and could see the sacrifice they are making to be here. She played the video over and over and we happily watched. I've only been gone a short while and I look at the same pictures on my ipod and read Demi's emails over and over.

Piling into a car the Kellers drove us all over to the Kane home for dinner. This sweet family has four children under the age of five years old. We visited, laughed, ate sloppy joes and fresh mango, and enjoyed the great view and each others company. Mrs Kane was so appreciative of the things we brought her from the states. I need to say a big 'Thank You' to everyone who took the time to add mayonnaise, chocolate chips, chapstick and so on to your shopping lists. These little things meant so much to these families. Just to give you an idea of how special this family is, Mrs Kane asked for chocolate chips. We brought several bags for all the families and she made us chocolate chip cookies for desert. None of us wanted to eat them because we knew what a big treat these were for them. I relished every morsel of that cookie.

We have finally reached a place with these families that is deeper and more personal than before. we are hearing intimate and delicate prayer request. These families know that we are sincerely interested in the work they are doing and in each individual person. Emails to one another can only be so effective, but to break bread with one another and look into their eyes and hear the triumphs and trials is a whole-nother level.

Today is expected to be another great day. We are all getting ready to go for a swim and the local swimming hole. More time with the Keller and Kane's. Can't wait!

Gluttony

I didn't have a chance to blog yesterday, but I couldn't sort through my mind and decide on what to even tell you. So many great things happened in one day, I am sooo full I can't possibly share everyhing. Or even begin to tell the stories in a way that you could know how it all felt. I've been thinking all morning what and where to begin. We visited 5 villages with Kevin and all have a heart wrenching story to them. I could tell you how I exposed my heart, behind, and faith. How we treked through the jungle with only Kevin and a 4 foot stick to protect us, or how we hunted the wild spotted pig. Our quiet lunch under the trees, sheltered by the red dust of the road. All the babies that caught my eye. I only have time for one small look into my yesterday, so here it is:

At the end of a rich and full day we stopped at Kam (pronounced calm)village and vistited with Galeem and his wife Heng. Galeem is a farmer who is also the church leader in this village. He shared with us that there are only 4 families, in this village of 160 families, that are believers. This is a larger village. He said the church wasn't growing because he wasn't. He doesn't read very well to begin with and he is trying to read his Khmer bible when his language is Krung. He expressed this was making it hard for him to grow as a christian and even harder to teach and lead his church. He had an MP3 player at his house so he could listen to scriptures in Krung, however the batteries were dead. Galeem usually recharges the battery at another house that has a larger battery to charge from, but the family that lives in this home has drinking parties all the time. Making it hard for him to have the time to go over and charge the battery without spending time where he cannot be.

The cool thing was the visit we had prior to seeing Galeem was with a young couple from another village, Sarouen and his wife Morj. Sarouen was the voice used to record the scriptures from Khmer to Krung onto the MP3 players. Our church helped fund the project and we could see the fruits of that donation.

*Side Note: We went to another village that day that had been built up and great works accomplished there by the team of missionaries here in Ban Lung. Unfortunately an outside organization came in and planted themselves down in this village and destroyed all the years of work invested, in just one short-term mission trip. The sadnes in Keven as he shared what had taken place and what he and the rest of the team were left with to try and repair. Thankfully they have the relationships built and they still have connections in the village.

So after visiting this village that once was growing and had church leaders established, but now gone due to foreigners trying, and believing to do good. We were encouraged to see that SFC had been apart of something so meaningfull to this one man, and many others I presume. It confirmed that our partnership with the team established here is working. It encouraged us to see the product of one small project completed and fruit growing as a result. More importantly, it validated to this struggling church leader that Sutherlin Family Church has a sincere interest in the growth of his church and in him. I felt so proud to sit in their company, on the porch of there home and have one comonality with this family.

As we were getting ready to leave Kevin asked Galeem how his farm was doing. He shared with us that the Vietnamese were comming in and surveying a very larg portion of land that they were planning to take over. The plan is to come in and kill all the trees and farms with spray and clear the land to plant rubber trees. This would be devastating to the Krung and Broa people. This would leave them with no food, no way of life, and no homes. Kevin said this is an incredibly large piece of land they are planning to take over. This has been happening for years now and is exactly what happened to the Jari people. More research will take place and kevin has agreed to keep us informed on what transpires.

Please pray with me that God will give Galeem the understanding, insight and wisdom when reading the scripture. Pray that he will be able to acurately convey Gods word to his poeple, that through his growth in Christ he will bring the light into their dark village. Pray that the land to so many hilltribe people will be protected and that God will reveal himself in the process.

Another full day planned today. I am sooo full!! I don't know how much more I can consume. I wish you were here with us to see, and hear all that is being said. So many people apreciate you for your prayers and support. I do too!

Soap and water

Squatting under a modest size home on stilts with a 2 month old baby girl sleeping alone in a gently rocking hammock. Moms visiting and toddlers scattered about, this was a different kind of MOPS group. That is how i spent my morning. Visiting with a couple of moms, and there children today in a village that K. Mallow works in. The Mallow family isn't here at the moment, but Kevin brought us here to meet with a family of believers. The husband was working in the fields, rather making a field. He was cutting down trees today. The ladies were home and children were coming quickly to hold on to their moms. I wanted so badly to pick a couple of them up and give them a big squeeze and kiss. I miss my baby! I was looking pretty scary, because they were hiding behind mom. I brought out some bubbles and started making these strange things that would float wildly by. Soon the smiles emerged, then the arms started swinging at the bubbles. Before we knew it kids were running and chasing the bubbles faster than i could make them. A little girl came over and I let her make some. All the other kids were cheering her on. Moms were smiling and swatting bubbles.

We didn't have Hannah today, she spent the day with the Olson kids. I figured I would need something to attract the attention of the kids in the village. Well I knew we were the attraction, but we're sometimes scary. I needed a lure and bubbles worked! At the end of our visit, we handed out some little packets of jelly beans that were given to my before we left Oregon. I gave a mom a big handful i was packing in my pocket and as we drove away, moms and children were eating candy and smiling.

We will be picked up in an hour and revisit the village to meet with the husbands. We'll update some photos and here some prayer requests of the families. I have oranges ready to go and nice large bottle of bubbles. I let you know where the wind takes us tomorrow