The Crew, Part 2

The crew works together extremely well. They support one another and everyone is happy to do what it takes to get the job done. I was asked to present a teamwork workshop, for the crew, other Partners in Progress staff, the nutrition program staff, and students from Phnom Penh. The workshop went well, and we had some great discussion. I was not expecting many comments, but I prepared many questions, just the same. The discussion was lively and enlightening. Like most seminars and workshops, the information may not have been necessarily new, but it was a good refresher.

In the last post, you met half of the Ship of Life crew. Today, I would like to introduce the rest of the crew, to you.

Lieng, our night watchman, isn’t seen much. He sleeps during the day and is up all night. We get to spend breakfast and dinner with him. His English is good and he loves to joke with us. I have been able to teach some of his Bible lessons. Lieng impresses me as a bright and capable young man. His dream is to study at a university in the U.S.

Bunthuen is the Clinical Assistant. His responsibilities include the processing of new patients; taking name, age, weight, blood pressure, and temperature. Then, he gets the patient in queue to see the doctor or dentist. Bunthuen has good Bible knowledge and is the most advanced student. He is responsible for teaching Debbie and me the Khmer numbers – the patients all have numbers and we call them for triage and to see the doctors.

Dr. Tha is the physician. He speaks very little English. Observing him, you can tell he is compassionate and really cares for his patients. Since many of the guys cannot go home, on the weekends, Dr. Tha and his wife invite them to come and stay at his home in Phnom Penh. I have been told this is quite unusual for Khmer people.

Bun Roth, our pharmacist, is an interesting fellow. He loves to play with the children who come onboard. He is a real family man. He is eager to talk about his wife, his three daughters, and his home church. Now, there are five families meeting for worship, in his home. Like many people his age, he was touched very personally by the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. Bun Roth is a great asset to the work.

Marie Claire McDonough is from France, originally. She has a true heart for missions. Marie Claire was involved in missions, before meeting her husband, Bill. She is the personification of the term, “comfortable in her own skin.” She loves the Lord and his Kingdom. She was the key person in beginning the Cambodian Back to School Program. While on hiatus from the work in Myanmar, she takes care of the pharmacy stock, book keeping, and other jobs to numerous to count.

Bill McDonough is the Director of Partners in Progress. He has served in Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and other places I am sure I have forgotten. He is instrumental in the Bible teaching through teaching English work, here in Cambodia. He started the nutrition program, for Khmer children. Of course, the Ship of Life was a significant focus of his efforts. He has begun a successful work in Myanmar, and will return to it, once a new Ship Manager is onboard.

My life has been greatly blessed – and changed - by spending time with these people. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know them.

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.

Sunday morning worship, village-style

Week three began, wonderfully. At the end of week two, Piseth asked if we would like to attend a local church, on Sunday morning. Of course, we would. We knew it would be all in Khmer, but we were enthused to be in an assembly of believers.

At 7:30 a.m., we left the ship and walked to the building. It was a nice, open-air building. As the five westerners and one Khmer walked up, people watched closely. I guess, they don’t gets many visitors. We were warmly welcomed, and shown to the small rough-hewn pews/benches.

Services were at 8 a.m., we thought. We arrived in the middle of Bible class. It turned out that the worship service began at 8:30. Debbie and I felt right at home, since the Simi Church begins early service at 8:30! We watched a young lady, as she taught the younger children. I have no idea what was taught, but her love and patience was shining.

When the service began, we sang a couple of Khmer hymns – nothing identifiable. I am confident they did not come from Great Songs of the Church or Sacred Selections. After the congregational singing, the children got up and sang a song they had worked on. Next, it was time for the older youth to sing for us. There were about 10 young people. It was great to see them at worship service, and even better to see them participating.

Following the youth, the older members shared a song. Of course, they asked the visitors to sing. Bill McDonough, Piseth, and I went up and sang a verse of Jesus Loves Me (in English). The minister preached about placing new wine in old wineskins. I knew this only because Piseth was translating for me! At the end of the service, a couple brought their small son forward to dedicate him to the Lord. The minister prayed for the baby, as well as that the parents and church would prepare and support him in his walk of faith. It was quite touching.

During the service, a sweet lady brought an electric fan to the front of the audience and turned it towards our group. After a few minutes, a “sweeter” lady moved the fan directly in front of us. It was MUCH needed. My nice light blue shirt was already a dark blue shirt. I kept thinking how happy I was that the service was no later than 8:30!! I had a big red bandana to wipe my face and head. I could have used a bath towel. Summers in southern California have not served me well, when it comes to tropical life. I am confident all of the humidity saved from California has been shipped to Cambodia.

Many of the members wanted to talk with us and learn more. The young people, who are excited about being able to use English with native speakers, were excited. I enjoyed talking with the father who had dedicated his son to the Lord. He shared their trials in having a child, and how they counted this young boy as a true gift from God.

I continue to be impressed with the joy in the hearts of the people. This small church came together to sing praises to God, and I know God was pleased. Once again, I am reminded how much I take for granted.

The adventure continues.

dirty, stinky feet

I worked with a fellow who didn’t like to see feet. He preferred the ladies in the office to not wear sandals or open-toed shoes. If we were on a retreat, he certainly didn’t care for me wearing flip-flops. Honestly, I never really understood. I have always supposed feet are feet. The look the way God intended. Not good. Not bad. Just feet.

Since arriving in Cambodia, I have seen a lot of feet. I must admit, living in an environment where flip-flops are likely “as good as it gets” is not a good thing for foot appearance. When you travel by foot or motorbike, on roads of dirt or mud, your feet show it. Feet and faces don’t match – harsh treatment ages feet, but smiles stay young.

Today, I was working triage, on the ship. During a lull, I sat down to cool off. I spent time looking at everyone and sharing smiles. Then, I moved to the feet. I surveyed the feet of our patients. A pedicurist would have loved the challenge that was being presented. I was quite amused with myself, as I thought about pitching the idea of “Cambodia’s Next Top Pedicurist” to the creative staff at Fox.

My amusement faded as I thought about a group of sandal-wearing men, traveling by foot, on dusty, dirty, and muddy roads. They left Bethany, traveling to Jerusalem. It was nearly time for the Passover Feast. As the group ate dinner, the Teacher stood. He took off his outer garment, picked up a towel, and tied it around his waist. I don’t know that the other men even noticed. Next, the Teacher poured water into a bowl. It was then that the fun began. The Teacher approached the first man, and washed his feet. Then, the next. The next. And, so on.

There was some discussion, and some protesting, but the Teacher washed the feet of all twelve men. Once the last toe was dried, the Teacher stood, put on his outer garment, and returned to his seat at the table. I assume there were many stares at one another. No one was really sure what to say. Some were, no doubt, embarrassed. Some were confused. The Teacher was the first to speak, “Do you understand what I did for you? You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash the other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you. “
I have read this passage from John 13 many times. I know, I know, we are to wash the feet of others. I get it. But my world had only given me examples of nice, pretty, easy to clean feet. Today, I really got it. I am not only responsible for the “clean” feet, but the really dirty ones, too. The ones with bad nails. The ones with sores. There were no qualifications, just “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, have you never heard of germs? “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, I just got an expensive manicure! “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, I am a prominent citizen. “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, I am only in high school. “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, I am far too old. “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

Lord, I have a family and responsibilities. “…you also should wash the other’s feet.”

And, so it goes.

Thank God for opening my eyes, today. Thank God for revealing his path. Thank God for dirty, stinky feet.

New week, new village

On Friday, we left for a new village. The new village is a few km further south. It was beautiful moving down the river and seeing villages, from the river viewpoint.

It was great watching the crew bring us in. As you can imagine, it is quite an ordeal. Maybe, it is like the circus coming to town, in the old days --- our arrival draws a lot of curious onlookers. They lined the hill watching us.

Saturday is a free day, so we had time to "go to town." Phnom Penh is a bustling city. Much like other southeast Asian cities, there are many people, cars, and motorbikes. Bill McDonough refers to PP traffic as "organized chaos." I think he is a bit generous, on the organized part.

We enjoyed seeing the city, visiting the Partners in Progress office, and touring the Royal Palace.

in front of the coronation hall

Sunday, we took a walk through the village. It was exciting to see the village life. The smiles of the people, especially the children, are wonderful. We love to share the pictures with the children. They love to see themselves. Paris Hilton has nothing on these children -- they love to have their picture taken!!

an upscale village house

shy but interested in having a photo taken

young and old

Cambodian acrobat?

Debbie always leaves them smiling

I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces, on Monday, when they come to us for medical care.

The Obligatory Food Post

Banana crepes. Our cook prepared banana crepes, for breakfast. Get this picture. We are sitting on a ship, tied up to the Mekong River bank, getting ready to eat breakfast. Our 25-year-old Khmer cook comes out and sets down a tray of the lightest, tastiest crepes I have ever had. Oh, and in case you don’t know, I don’t like bananas. Honestly, these bananas are different. I know that Sherry and Allison don’t believe me. They are both sweeter and tangier than typical U.S. bananas. After breakfast, I actually peeled and just ate a banana!

We are in the midst of mango season. We are near a ferry, and it is amazing to see the motorcycles and little trucks burdened to the point of collapse, stacked high with bags of mangoes being delivered to the market. These mangoes are so good. It is embarrassing the way Debbie and I “ooh” and “ahhhhhh” at every meal. There is nothing like getting the fruit at the source. The cook has not had to buy any mangoes. The people bring them, as thanks for the medical care they are receiving.

We have had wonderful western food, since arriving – pumpkin soup, fish and vegetables, beef stew, sugar-free brownie cake, omelets. Each meal is better than the last. The crew eats Khmer food. It looks and smells wonderful. I simply love Asian food; particularly Southeast Asian. I look longingly at their plates, each day. Yesterday, I had some of their soup. They were amused. It was Pho-like chicken. No noodles. And, it was made with banana flowers.

Needless to say, we are not suffering.

This journey guarantees to provide many new experiences – even bananas!

Of Luggage, Motos, and Recognition

The flight is long. It is very long. Too long. It is not your weekly commute. After a few thousand miles, I thought it would never end. Oh, I have flown the Pacific before – typically a couple of times a year. But, those flights were just the beginning of trips. This flight was the beginning of a journey.

I have no trouble sleeping on planes. It is an acquired skill, no doubt. I went to sleep before we pushed away from the gate, at LAX. Then, I woke up. From that point, the sleep was fretful. There was so much on my mind. I thought about the heat. I thought about the food. I thought about the people I would meet. I thought about how I might affect the lives of others. I thought about how my life would be affected. This flight was the beginning of a journey.

We were late arriving in Hong Kong. This meant a mad dash to the gate. We made it and calmly boarded the second leg of our flight. Thank God, it was only a couple of hours. Debbie and I arrived in Phnom Penh full of excitement. We made our way through the visa and customs process. Then, we stood at the luggage carousel and watched the endless parade of luggage. Round and round. After four times seeing the gray hard-case with the rainbow colored strap, I knew I was in trouble. We had made the flight in Hong Kong ---- but, our bags had not.

After making arrangements with the lost luggage staff, we found our host, Bill. He was waiting for us outside the airport. With a certain amount of trepidation, we left the Phnom Penh airport luggage-less.

There is something about the fearlessness of Southeast Asian drivers. The gladiators in the Coliseum had nothing on these people. The courage they show in the face of trucks, cars, and a multitude of motorbikes is inspiring. As we flinched and closed our eyes, we progressed through the city. I have to wonder the average lifespan of a moto driver, in Phnom Penh. How many times can you ride into oncoming traffic without an accident? How often can you cut across three or four lanes (oh, yeah, like there are really lanes!) of traffic and not bear the scars?

Once we arrived on the Ship of Life, we got settled in. Well, as much as you can when you have nothing with which to settle. Bill gave us a tour of the ship. Everyone was hard at work taking care of patients. It was so nice to see Marie Claire, Bill’s wife, again. There were quick introductions to all of the staff. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to have us. I felt very welcomed.

As jet-lag began to overcome us, Debbie and I decided to take a nap. We slept through the afternoon thunder and lightning storm. At dinner-time, I forced myself up. Hey, I didn’t come thousands of miles to begin skipping meals! Dinner was great. Saeng, the cook, does a great job with Khmer and western food. Following dinner it was time for English/Bible study with some of the crew.

Bill studies twice per week with Jack, the electrician. It was so encouraging to see Jack working to learn the meaning of the English words, as well as making sure to get the Biblical principles of the story. He was studying Adam and Eve in the Garden. Because Bill had to step out, I helped Jack. He read about God confronting Adam, then Eve, and their game of blame-placing. Chills ran down my back as Jack’s eyes lit up. He got it. We have to take responsibility for ourselves. There is no one to blame, when we trip up. Jack is learning English. But more than that, he is learning lessons with eternal implications.

My arrival in Cambodia has given me three great lessons:

First, as we rode through the streets of Phnom Penh, I realized that even if our luggage never came, we still had more than many people. Okay, I can be sweaty in the same shirt for a few days. By the world’s standards, I am beyond rich. I am so wealthy. I have more than I really realize.

Second, I need to live more like the Cambodian moto drivers. I need to have courage. I need to step up and boldly do what I know I am to do. I can’t be concerned about the honking horns of life’s naysayers. I have someplace to go. I have Someone to serve. I can’t let the busy traffic get in my way.

Third, this life is all about God, and my relationship with Him. I can’t blame anyone else when I foul up. This deal is between God and me. I have to answer to Him. There is no one else standing there with me. The sooner I get that, the sooner I can really grow.

There is so much to tell. But, isn’t that always the way when you are on a journey?