The Crew - our key to success

I want to introduce you to the special people in our lives whom we have been blessed to work with, during our trip. The Ship of Life crew is a great group. They are committed to serving the people along the waterways of Cambodia. I can tell this is more than just a job.

In this post, I will share half of our new friends with you.

First, our Captain. He is a capable ship’s captain. He speaks limited English, but makes me laugh. When he speaks with the guys, the twinkle in his eye and his tone of voice let me know he is saying something funny. I laugh, along with the crew, and have absolutely no idea why I am laughing. I am impressed with his faith. He loves to sing, when we gather for our worship, on Sunday evenings.

Samath is the ship’s Engineer. He is a quiet man. His English isn’t strong, but he wants to learn. Because he is older, Samath automatically has the respect of the crew. But, they also respect him because when he does say something, it is valuable. Now, I call him the Engine Doctor. Some of the crew told me that when he walks through the village with our physician the people call him Doctor.

Jack is the Electrician. He is quite important to me – he keeps the air conditioning working. Like all of the others, he does many things on the ship. He is a great student. Debbie and I have been meeting with him for his Bible lessons, as well as grammar. He is already at the upper limits of my grammar knowledge! He is committed to his Bible study. It is a joy to study with him.

Piseth is kind or our “jack of all trades.” He is the Director’s Assistant. His English is strong, so he often interprets. He assists with maintaining the non-medicine inventory, as well as working with eye patients. He fits them with eyeglasses, as well as works to get those needing surgery to the eye hospital. Since we have been here, he was made arrangements to have 26 eye surgeries, mostly cataract, done. Piseth has a great heart for people, and is a fine Christian young man.

Sahn fills the tremendously important job of cook. Don’t let his youth fool you. He is quite capable. He prepares both Khmer and western food. He loves a challenge, and gladly takes on new western recipes. We have had meat pies, cream soups, stews, crepes, omelets, and much more. He makes wonderful breads. He spent time assisting a pastry chef and learned well! Debbie is about to spring the recipe for King Ranch Chicken on him. Also, we have been blessed to work with him on his Bible lessons. Sahn is a good student who is improving, daily.

Sokha assists Sahn, in the kitchen. He is quiet; his English is weak. He is working to learn more. He will share Khmer words with me, and I tell him the English equivalent. Kha is a hard worker. He does a lot of the grunt work, but never fails to have a smile on his face. He lives in Siem Riep, so he is the farthest from home. Luckily, one of our doctors lets him stay with his family, on the weekend, from time to time. When the ship moves to the Tonle Sap Lake, in July, he will be the closest to home. He is excited!

Enough for now. I will share the rest of this special group, soon.