First week in new home

We moved into our house last Thursday, July 30th. It took a bit to set up beds and mosquito nets, but emptying only 8 suitcases of belongings didn’t take long. Getting the place organized enough to function efficiently is another thing. I even remember that time after moving to PA, when we hadn’t quite decided where to keep everything, and consequently we kept losing track of things: keys, paperwork, etc. And with bathrooms and kitchens so different here, that takes time too.

We are in the upper left of a four family unit called a p’teach l’veng, 24 steps up from ground level. On our main level is a kitchen, equipped with a gas range and oven, small refrigerator, water filter, food and dish cabinet, sink, counter and a couple set of shelves. There is also a small bathroom, where our washing machine is. A typical bathroom here (not a western one….) is one large room, with a toilet, sink and shower nozzle pointing into the middle of the room, and a drain in one corner. There is not a separate shower stall, and certainly not a bathtub. This is how the bathrooms were set up at MCC orientation in Akron, PA – so we knew what to expect. Austin’s bedroom is also on this main level. He’s got a single bed, wardrobe and a set of shelves. The built in closet in his room is serving as our linen and medicine cabinet, although he doesn’t appreciate the constant intrusions into his space! Then there is a large living room / dining room. All the rooms are equipped with furniture left from service workers who have recently returned home. Out front we have a balcony, which allows in a very nice breeze. We are so thankful for this – it cools things off! The balcony also serves as the place to dry clothes, with the drying rack tied on so that it doesn’t blow over onto the ground.

And for the year ahead, we are fortunate to be able to use a Clavinova that was at the MCC office. Several of the other more musical staff have completed their terms – and we are so glad to have access to a piano for the year. The kids have their music books with them and are looking forward to having me as their teacher again. (Not.) I hope to be able to play some at the church we attend for the year.

Our bedroom is on the top floor and has a large window to the living room area, allowing in the breeze. The girls have their bedroom in the back of our place, equipped with a wardrobe, built in closet and double bed. There is a second bathroom upstairs. That room has been challenging to us: the towel rods are broken off the walls, the sink was clogged, the toilet is missing its basin cover and then the light bulb burned out! Living here requires innovation! We’ve tied a wooden rod between the air vents in the room for a towel rod, and more recently tied up a raton nightstand to serve as a place to keep clothes and towels – because the floor gets completely wet! Ron cleaned out the drain – a miserable job even at your own house (thanks Ron!), and a new friend found us a light bulb. So we are in much better shape than just several days ago!

The neighbors on our level have been very friendly. One of them knows some English. They call the girls, especially, from their balcony, and everyone tries to have a conversation. They have taught us our numbers, to 20, brought us many dishes which they have cooked, and given us all sorts of new fruits to try. Sunday evening when we experienced our first city-wide power outage, they brought over a candle and lighter. Thank you for good neighbors, even when you can’t always understand each other! Admittedly, sometimes they are a little intense, and we shut our door farther for some privacy.

Our family mode of transportation right now is via tuk-tuk. We found a driver our first day, who knows English reasonably well, and has given us good prices. We do live within walking distance of several restaurants, but need a ride to the local Cambodian market, church, and any western grocery store. We have this man’s phone number, so we often call him, but when he is busy, we walk two blocks to a major rode and find a driver there. We know a few things in Khmer, “how much?” “left hand” and “right hand” so with our maps in hand, we have always reached our destination. Yeah for that! Ron has taken a couple trips on the back of a moto-taxi to the western grocery store, scary at times, but a prerequisite for learning to drive on his own.

Our first weekend here was very relaxing. We did laundry, explored the local Cambodian market, played a lot of card games, and even took a nap on a Saturday afternoon. No yard to keep up on weekends! We tried a Sunday afternoon worship service, and found more youth there than on the previous Sunday. We might try one more church, and then we will try to settle in someplace for the year.

What lies ahead? Janaya, Austin and Acacia start school on tomorrow, August 10th. Early, given PA standards – but their classrooms are air-conditioned, so it can’t be all bad! School will require us to settle better into a routine, which should help us stay more organized. Ron and I have had a lot of MCC regional, and MCC Cambodia planning meetings, so we are hoping to start our language training this week, and move towards starting our work. Today we met several families, and teachers at Logos School for a BBQ, basketball (if you really wanted to sweat!) and swimming (if you wanted to cool off!). It was a potluck – for all our family members – we brought Grandma Regehr’s cabbage / Raman noodle salad. We could find all the ingredients – a great taste from home!

by Roseann