A flooding we will go

The last few weeks have been busy. That is why there has been little posting, here.

Last week, Debbie and I went to Phnom Penh to take care of some business and pick up needed supplies. We were to be gone for 4 days. That is significant when I tell you that my sweet Debbie packed everything in her backpack. Yes, that is right. She packed for a four-day trip in one small back pack.

Who’d thought it?

The trip began with a ferry ride from our village, Tvang (twahng). The ferry actually came to the ship and picked us up. It took us about two hours to get to the Siem Reap dock. We experienced a good rain shower, followed by bright sunshine. I have often been reminded of the scene from Forrest Gump where the rain is pouring one minute, then is just stops and the sun is shining. That is NOT just in the movies.

Once we arrived at the dock, we got a tuk-tuk to take us into the city. As you may have seen on the news, we are experiencing great flooding in much of Southeast Asia. Well, we don’t really notice it on the boat. On the road to Siem Reap, IT IS NOTICED. I should have known something was up when there was an extra guy with the tuk-tuk driver. He was there to help push us through the big potholes which were covered by the flooding.

The streets of Siem Reap were flooded, as well. We had lunch in a restaurant on one of the main streets. It was more like sitting at a riverside restaurant.

From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, we took a limousine bus. It was a nice air-conditioned bus with comfortable seats. They even showed a couple of American movies. The volume was too low to hear, consistently – but it is the thought that counts. It was a nice way to see the countryside, and more of the flooding.

There was a very nice attendant on our six-hour trip. She provided us a bottle of water and small snack box. It was better than flying on a U.S. commercial airline (apologies to employees of U.S. carries, sort of)!! We slept, read, chatted, and watched the scenery.

Once we arrived in Phnom Penh, we were busy finding and buying supplies. Buying is the easy part. Finding can be an ordeal. There really isn’t anything such as one-stop shopping. To buy one part, such as glow plugs for the engine, requires going to multiple shops asking if they have the part. Often, the guy will take the sample and leave. I assume he is going to other shops or his supplier. After a while, he returns and says he does not have it. The phrase “hurry up and wait” has taken on a whole new meaning.

In addition to extending our visas for a year, I had to get my Cambodian driver license. For the life of me, I cannot see the need. It doesn’t appear there is any quality control on the issuing of licenses. They took my California license, a photocopy of my passport and visa, 3 passport photos, and $71. The next day, I had my temporary license. Now, I am a licensed driver in the Kingdom of Cambodia. I am authorized to drive on the wrong side of the road to pass anyone (even into oncoming traffic), honk my horn at will, turn left or right from any lane, go straight from a turn lane, and disregard traffic lights. It may not be safe to be on the roads, when I return to the U.S.

Our trip home was a simple reverse of the beginning. The only difference was our “”find” in Siem Reap. I have been searching for our Siem Reap hotel home. You know the place we will call home, when we are in town. I have tried a few. Now, I have found the Angkor Pearl Hotel. It is a few blocks from the main drag, but it is a keeper. The rooms are a nice size and clean, free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, good air conditioning, the staff are unbelievably helpful, AND it is $22 per night, tax included! In California, I was spending three times that amount on a tank of gas!!!

Oh, and one other difference from our trip to Phnom Penh -- instead of two backpacks, we now had boxes, bags, and a mop!

We are home, now, in a new village for the week. I am eager to see what adventures this week will hold.

Fire up your lamps and put away your bowls

In our time on the Tonle Sap Lake, we have been in seven or eight villages. The populations of these villages have ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand. Some villages have schools, churches, a pagoda, and government offices. Some have small stores, selling everything from phone cards to food to gasoline – need a “cold one,” they have it; need a quick meal, they have it. There are mechanics and machine shops. In addition to the boat houses, there are also permanent structures on stilts. These houses are here year-round, sitting by the un-flooded river.

In Bak Prea, during our off-week, we were next to one of these permanent houses. They had ducks – no problems during the high water. They had an otter – again, high water not a problem for him. They even had two large dogs – lots of water could be a problem. The dogs and ducks stayed on top of the floating dog house, and would swim around for exercise.

I often wonder if the people would like for us to stop outside the village. Not just pull up right next to them. You know, like the motor homes parking around Venice, California. I suppose we could be considered bad neighbors: Khmer gospel music on the loudspeaker each morning, a morning prayer, increased boat traffic due to patients coming and going all day, people laughing and talking in the evening, a dog barking and playing. I wouldn’t be crazy about this big ship in my neighborhood. But, they don’t seem to mind. They will happily put up with what I might consider an inconvenience or intrusion, so the village can have medical and dental care.

Lieng, our night guard, told me that the people in our last village really liked us being here. When the men are coming home at night, after fishing, they use the lights of our ship as a landmark. After a long hard fishing trip, these fishermen just want to be home. It gets dark out here, at night. No, I mean REALLY dark. It is particularly dark during the rainy season, because of the thick cloud cover. It can really be hard to find your way. It is just water, treetops, and water vegetation. It looks the same on both sides of the boat, particularly at night. The fisherman appreciate help. They know that if they just head to the light, they will get home.

After he shared the story, I thought about why we are here. And that “we” isn’t referring to those of us on the ship, alone. That “we” is all of us. That is why I am here. That is why you are here. We are to be a beacon. We are supposed to be the light shining in the darkness. We are the city on the hill that cannot be hidden. We are the light that is meant to be set on the stand to provide light for the whole house. That is our job – be the light that man can see, in order to find his way home. God blesses us and cares for us. What does he want in return? He wants us to be the light. Yes, I think it is really that simple.

When I think about this, I have to ask myself two questions.

First, how bright is my light? Can anyone see it? Maybe, I have it hidden under a bowl. I think I can save my light for later. Or maybe, there are so many other things going on in my life that the “juice” is being drawn out of my light; and it just keeps getting weaker and weaker.

Second, I have to ask where my light is leading people. If they are following me, where am I taking them? Can I get them home? Or, will I just take them farther and farther away.

These are two questions that I must answer (uh, and by “I,” I mean we). Am I just bright lights on a lake, or am I helping the spiritually lost find their way home to the Father.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14-15

What is the effect of your cause?

Early in the summer, I read a book by Matthew Barnett, The Cause Within You (thanks for the recommendation, Roxy). It isn’t high theological philosophizing. It is simple, practical examples – and challenges – of living a full life of Christian service.

Barnett really helped me solidify my thoughts on choosing to serve in Cambodia. He caused me to examine my passions and seek the road God has set for me. In a chapter entitled, The Reason to Get Out of Bed (don’t we all need that, at times?), Barnett says,

Surveys tell us that tens of millions of people – nearly half of all adults – admit they are still seeking to understand the meaning and ultimate purpose of their lives. Research confirms that a huge majority of people – more than three out or every four adults – say they want to make a difference in the world; they want their lives to count for some lasting, positive outcome. But the statistics further point out that most people hold on to that hope as something they may experience in the future; it is not a present reality for them.

What is this information saying? Many of us have not yet found the cause that will genuinely fulfill our lives.

He goes on to say that God plants many things in us, from the beginning, and one of them is a “great cause” he wants us to take. I don’t know if I agree completely, but I do believe God has given us a desire to experience love, inclusion, and control.

A thought from my Speech Communication days has always stuck with me. Schutz stated that we all have three interpersonal needs. We have a need for affection, inclusion, and control. These three needs may not be met by ones self. We need others to satisfy those needs. I would take it a bit farther: We also have a need to show affection, include others, and be controlled. These “needs” may be what Barnett is talking about.

God has set these basic needs in me, from birth. To achieve real fulfillment, I have to dig them out and see how I can best serve Him, as I meet those needs for myself – and others.

Hopefully, these ramblings will make sense to you, and cause you to consider God’s plan for your life. If not, just pretend they did. Then, spend time considering God’s plan. Ponder your calling. Examine yourself, to find your cause.

Remember, causes do not always easily reveal themselves. Sometimes, causes take time to mature. The key is to keep searching. I have to think about my own experience. My road to this cause was not obvious, as I worked through it. I had a life teaching. It was great. It prepared me for administration, which in turn set me to working in Admissions. Admissions involved advising international students. I received an opportunity to move from Tennessee to California (not one I ever thought about!!). My Pepperdine job sent me to Southeast Asia. The recruitment work allowed me to learn more about the people, culture, and yes, the food. I soon learned I had a heart for the people of Southeast Asia. One day, I am watching a documentary on the sex trafficking of children in Cambodia, and the next think I know, I find an ad for Manager of the Ship of Life. I am confident this was all part of God’s plan – it was my “cause” being developed, refined, and revealed.

God has a plan for each of us. He has given us a cause. Have you found yours?

Smiling and/or Furry Faces

We have been on the Tonle Sap Lake for seven days. It has been a whirlwind. There were times when our speedy arrival seemed unlikely.

We returned to California, from our Texas/Tennessee tour, and set about finalizing all of our plans. Needless to say, there was more to do than time to do it! Without the help of Jing Jing, Mike and Darlene, Kathy, Monica, Toni, and a host of other friends, we might still be in Oak Park. Oak Park is not a bad place to be – just not where we are supposed to be.

After checking in at the airport, we tearfully bid Reggie goodbye for about 20+ hours. Jing Jing, Leah, and April came and told us goodbye. It was sad to tell them bye, but I am excited because I know they are going to be doing great things!

The flight from LAX to Seoul, on Korean Air, was uneventful. Long, but uneventful. Well, and a bit warm. Evidently, Koreans are more cold-natured than Debbie. We had a two-hour layover in Seoul, so we decided a nice, quiet time in the Korean Air Lounge would do the trick, to prepare us for the next leg of our flight. It was cool, quiet, and relaxing. Just what we ordered!

As we approached our gate, Debbie heard us being paged. Of course, I told her, that wasn’t my name they were calling! It was. The nice gate-girl came and asked if I was Paul. Irritated that Debbie has been right, I told her, “Yes.” Gate-girl told us there was a problem with Reggie. He was fine, but he couldn’t go with us on the plane to Siem Reap. I was not happy, and evidently it was visible. Gate-girl quickly excused herself. Gate-girl returned with a supervisor-like man in a tie. Tie-guy explained that the 737 going to Siem Reap did not have a pressurized or heated hold for Reggie. He asked if we could travel without him. I asked if there would be a different aircraft the next day. Tie-guy told me that the 737 was the only aircraft making that particular flight. So, it seemed to me that splitting us up was of no use.

I tactfully explained to tie-guy that I had everything cleared with Korean Airlines, back in June. Also, there was no mention of a problem when they took my money, at LAX! Tie-guy asked if we had a friend in Seoul. I told him this was no vacation, but we were moving to Cambodia. We couldn’t just leave him with someone in Seoul. He said he understood, and excused himself.

He asked if Reggie was easily controlled. I lied and said, “YES!” Suit-guy mumbled and shuffled, then said that Reggie would be flying in Business Class. AND, we would be joining him. When we boarded the aircraft, Reggie was waiting for us in his kennel, in the first window seat. We settled in, on the same row. The flight was wonderful. I raised my feet, leaned back, and slept (with my blankey), soundly. I love my furry-face friend!

Once we arrived in Siem Reap, we collected our bags – all of them arrived this time! Next, we made our way to Customs. Before we made our way through the basic Customs stop, Full-uniform Officer came from his office and asked Debbie for Reggie’s papers. I knew this would only take a moment because we had exactly what the Embassy of Cambodia website required. Silly me.

Full-uniform Officer spoke little English, or so he let on. Translation was being done by a nice Korean Airlines ground-crew member. He told us that we needed paperwork from a Cambodian veterinarian stating that Reggie “had good healing.” I assured him that was the point of the international travel form issued by the U.S.-approved vet. He would only cock his head and smirk. I told him there had been no mention of a Cambodian form. He would only cock his head and smirk. I asked how we were supposed to get him checked out by a Cambodian vet before we arrived. He would only cock his head and smirk. I had already seen where this was going. I felt confident a little “greasing of the palm” would be necessary. I was going to just offer money. If he came right out and asked for it, I might consider – only because I was tired. I asked him if there was a fee to be paid (knowing he could not admit to a fee; plus, I was going to ask for a receipt – something I had learned from Mr. Bill). Yes, I was just being difficult. I believe passive-aggressive is the term.

Finally, Full-uniform Officer asked if I had a friend waiting for me, outside. I said that I did. He smiled. When I told him my friend was American, Full-uniform Officer frowned. Debbie left to go out and get Bill McDonough. Everyone stood in the office/doorway and looked at the two of us. Full-uniform Officer and I sat there, smirking with our heads cocked. Two can play that game.

As soon as Bill came in, one of the Customs officers smiled even more broadly than he already was. I noticed the man as we walked up, and thought to myself how pleasant he seemed. As he smiled, he called Bill’s name, shook his hand, and began talking with him. It turned out Customs Friend drove a tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh, when Bill and Marie Claire first came to Cambodia. They had used him extensively, and became friends. Customs Friend held onto Bill’s hand and spoke to everyone, in Khmer. I assume he explained they were in the presence of greatness. That had to be it! As soon as Customs Friend finished talking, Full-uniform Officer smirked, folded my U.S. vet form, handed it to me, and pointed me to the door.

We had officially arrived in Cambodia, with all bags and boxes. And, with Reggie, too.

You never know where you are going to get a little help. It could be in the form of a smiling OR furry face. I guess angels come in all shapes and sizes.

Time Keeps on Slippin', Slippin', Slippin'...

The preparations continue. It seems that we just returned from Cambodia. It is amazing how quickly August has arrived. It seems we just returned from Cambodia. We will be on the Tonle Sap, in only one month!

We will be leaving California on August 28, for what I am calling our Tennessee Farewell Tour. We are looking forward to spending time with my family. I am happy that we will be able to visit with another congregation that is considering providing support for our work. We will even be able to go to the University of Tennessee-Montana football game (it will be my last “fix” for three years).

We had our Florida Farewell Tour, at the end of July. It was great seeing Debbie's family. It was nice to have such a relaxing trip, in the midst of our transition. I am hoping that some of her family will be able to come and spend some time with us, in Cambodia.

We just have loose ends to be tied up. The loosest of those ends is selling the house. Prayers are still needed!! I am trying to figure out the best way to let God know that I have learned my lesson -- I know that this will all work out, in His time.

We will miss our family and friends. Thank goodness for Skype and good cellular coverage. But, it will not be the same as being here. It is bittersweet to be leaving such a great place as Pepperdine. I have been blessed to work with such a great team. I am eager to see the great things to come.

The journey continues. It is a great ride!

We are all in this together

Probably, if you are reading this blog, you have already heard about the great website, www.sendthemforhim.com. It is what I call "passive fundraising." And, I think it is a great way for people to partner with Deb and me, as we work in Cambodia.

This is how the website describes themselves,

Purchases made from merchants linked through this webpage

will generate a donation to Paul Pinckley. Simply choose a merchant

from the categories, link to the merchant website and shop as usual.

It is great because it doesn't cost extra to shop through this site, and you help by spending what you would spend anyway!

Students can buy textbooks. Families can take care of the last summer vacay fling. Husbands can put off those little DIY jobs, while they wait on delivery of the new faucet, oven heating element, etc.

So far, after 16 purchases by family and friends, we have raised about $60. Obviously, this won't provide all of the support we need, but it does make a difference. I know some of our incoming business school students will be using the site to buy books. Hey, that can be a big ticket item!! We bought our air tickets to Cambodia through CheapO Air. We saved money and made money at the same time -- I hope that won't affect the space-time continuum. I even bought tickets for the UT-Montana football game.

The site is simple. They explain everything. Just go to http://www.sendthemforhim.com/files/Groups/Pinckley/categories.html and make your purchases. The merchants will share the profits!

Our work in Cambodia is not just the two of us. It is a joint venture. Of course, God is directing the action. BUT, all of our friends and family are co-workers. We are dependent on your help -- in prayer, sharing what we are doing with others, and financially. We need your partnership wherever you can provide it.

This blog is one way that we will let you know how our work is coming along. I hope you are excited about the work you are a part of!!

See you on the river.

Queen Esther and William Cowper

Nearly a month has passed, since the last posting. That doesn't mean nothing has been going on. Quite the opposite is true!

As you can imagine, preparing to liquidate most of your belongings, resigning from a perfectly good job, and searching for financial support (this IS a non-paying gig) are quite time consuming. It has been a busy June/July.

In early June, we were elated to learn that the Bell Trust would be giving us partial support. That was a welcome letter, as they will be providing approximately 1/3 of the needed funds. The Bell trust will be matching what the Simi Church of Christ had already committed. We have been blessed with two other congregations who will be partnering with us, the Cuba (KY) Church of Christ and the Barkers Mill Church of Christ, in Clarksville, TN. Seven individuals will also be providing monthly support. There are also two who have committed to a one-time gift. This all adds up to making our work a reality! We are lacking about $900 per month, to help us meet our budget. I am confident that will happen, in the next few weeks.

On the house front, we need prayers. We had a contract, but the buyers backed out. I like to think that God has someone with a bigger check waiting to look at it, next week! Join me in that prayer!!

I often think of the book of Esther. It is such a great story. So unique. My favorite part is where Esther tells Mordecai that she can't talk with the King about the troubles that his law has caused the Jews. Mordecai reminds here that maybe she has become queen, "for such a time as this." As I look back over the years, I feel Mordecai could be saying the same to me.

• Why would a kid from Memphis, who is perfectly happy living in Tennessee, pick up and move to California? FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. God knew he needed to move me to Cambodia, gradually.
• Why would I choose to focus my international travel in Asia? FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. Face it, someone else was going to have to pay for me to go that far. I wasn't going to learn about it on my own! The examples go on and on.
• Why did we just happen to watch Red Light, a documentary about the child sex trafficking going on in Cambodia, as I began to feel God moving me? FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

The hymnist was right, "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform."