Sept. checklist: see Vols-check, Pinckley reunion-check, move-check

As we boarded the boat, at the beginning, I couldn't really wrap my head around being there for a month. When I travel for work, I may be gone for 3-4 weeks, but I am changing locations every few days. I was actually going to unpack and stay in one place for four weeks!

The time flew by. I still can't believe it. In some ways it was a blur. In others, it was a comfortable stroll. Bottom line - it was good. It was where God wanted us to be. It was what God wanted us doing.

Now, after having been back and thinking and praying about our experiences, Debbie and I have decided to return. Full time. I have resigned, as of August 31, from Pepperdine. Our house is on the market (interested? call me!). We plan to basically liquidate it all. In September, we will be back on the wonderful Ship of Life. It will be our home. We will have an extended family of wonderful crew members. We will be ministering to people who need medical and spiritual care. We will be doing the work that God has been preparing us to do for over 50 years. Yeah, 50! Some of us take a little longer than others.

I know it is silly, but we both were worrying about leaving behind Reggie, the wonderdog. He is going with us. I didn't want to be "that" guy, but he is really like our third son. Of course, Paul and Matthew are loved more!! While we were in Cambodia, we saw basically two types of dogs. Not a lot of variety, in breeds. Good ole Reg will be quite the exotic character. He may stand out more than me!

There is a great deal to be done, over the next two and one-half months. It is a bit daunting. I just keep telling myself, "Baby steps, baby steps. Take small bites." We are doing Google searches on visa requirements, bring a dog, year-round temps, other vaccinations we need, etc. The one thing we already learned -- we don't have to worry about a Mexican food fix. We found a place in Siem Reap - great shrimp quesadillas.

Our biggest tasks are selling the house and finalizing our support (this is not a paying gig; we will be raising our financial support). To date, we have about 45% of our needed funds. We have three churches and seven individuals who have committed to partner with us. We have contacted others. We are also looking into a couple of foundations. Thank God for the Simi Church of Christ, who has agreed to be our sponsoring church. They will be handling the receiving and processing of our support. If you know of a church that is interested in medical missions, let me know. I am happy to contact them. If you, or someone you know, would like to partner with us -- let me know. It can be one-time or monthly support. We can use it however we can get it. More than anything, we want your prayers!! Pray for the house to sell. Pray for the support to come in. Pray that we can do an effective work and glorify God in all that we do.

In one of the earliest blogposts, I called our May trip an adventure. I didn't know just how true that would be. But, the adventure has not ended. If is just beginning.

Do Ya Have a Hankerin' to Make a Difference?

Okay, we all want to make a difference. But, I mean a "really" big difference.

The Best (Bible English Study and Training) Center, in Phnom Penh, provides you with a great opportunity. The Best Center teaches English, by using Bible lessons. The student learns English and Bible. It is a great opportunity to help people advance in their personal and professional life, by gaining stronger English skills. More importantly, you can help them strengthen their spiritual life, by revealing the Word of God.

You don't need to have any special skills. The students want to learn from native English speakers. You can help them with reading and pronunciation skills. You will meet one-on-one with your student and follow the curriculum.

Your out-of-pocket expenses are quite limited. You pay to get to Cambodia. You stay at the Best Center, in very nice accommodations, for free. The Center has a full-time cook who will prepare wonderful meals. You will meet some wonderful and motivated students. In fact, you may question who is getting the most out of the program -- them or you. So that the students are able to make good progress, you are asked to commit to a one to three month stay.

During your time there, you will also have an opportunity to worship with the local church. Your attendance will be a real encouragement to the work, there. You will also have time to travel around this amazing country (as well as southeast Asia), and learn more about the Khmer culture.

Julie Broyles is the director. She is a wonderfully dedicated Christian lady, and will take great care of you. For info, you may email her at juliebroyles1@gmail.com.

Think about it. It is a great way to make a difference.

The front of the Center

The dining room

Living room/lounge

One of the teacher's bedrooms

View from 2nd floor patio

Julie and Paul on 3rd floor patio

looking down on courtyard/driveway

Julie and secretary

Debbie enjoying fresh mango and

reading the paper, at the dining

table

Getting back to normal

We have been home for almost one week. I have done a great deal of contemplating, when not trying to overcome the jet lag. Ambien and I have fared fairly well, thank you. My time is getting back to normal.

I have also tried to readjust to the non-humid, cool weather we are having in Southern California. I actually told Debbie that I was cold, as we stood outside LAX. I guess, after a month, you do begin to get accustomed to the heat and humidity. The years of training, during my pre-California years, must have really kicked in. Today, I am not too cold. My temp is getting back to normal.

There has been an odd culture clash, as I return to my day-to-day American lifestyle. I have watched some television, but it has been hard to really get excited about it. You have to understand, I have always been a television junkie. I even missed the first NBA Finals game - by choice! {for full transparency, I should add that this wouldn't have happened had the Celtics been playing} I have a reasonably free weekend. I am sure I will reduce the number of shows on the DVR, and watch a few new ones, too. My TV viewing will get back to normal.

Through it all, I find myself wondering what is going on with the ship. I want to know how the guys are doing with their Bible and grammar study. I think about all of the smiling Khmer faces I am missing. I still question how they can be so happy - so content. I look at the excess around my house, and want to know just how long it will take me to get back to thinking it is not enough. Back in April, my cousin described the American culture as one of "wanting more." I readily agreed. But, even then, I didn't really get it. Now, I understand better. I am certain he is right. I have seen a different culture. The Cambodian villager culture might be best described as one of "wanting enough." They want a roof over their head. They want rice in their bowl. They want what is essential. They don't kid themselves into thinking they will have more. So, they are content.

Content. What a daunting word. Can I say that I am TRULY content with what I have? Maybe there are some parts of the old culture that I shouldn't work on regaining. Maybe I need to find a new "normal."