You know I like animals, so I will tell you about the animals in Cambodia. Some of the animals in Cambodia look cute. Some look ugly. All of the cats are cute but some of the dogs are ugly. I wish I could pet them but I can’t because they might have rabies and none of them look healthy. So that stinks! I got to pet the cats at The Wagon Wheel restaurant. I also petted the cat at The Starfish restaurant, which was next to Rajana, a craft organization supported by MCC. I also got to pet the dog at our hotel at the beach. He was very soft! I got to see a kitten at school. It was just born because it still had its eyes closed. It was as small as a rat.
Mom won’t let me buy a cat because we couldn’t travel. But mom promised me I could get a pet like fish. One of the Geckos that we saw was in our sink. I wanted to catch it but did not know if it would bite. We have them on our walls and ceiling every night.
We hear frogs and big geckos at night. Mom and me want to see a big gecko, but they run very fast. Once we saw a toad at school. People here eat frogs. I will never ever ever eat a frog. But Austin wants too.
I once got to feed the elephant at Wat Phnom. I hope to ride on that elephant someday. I got to feed the monkeys peanuts at Wat Phnom Park. I almost got to pet a baby monkey. Some of the birds get captured and sold for pets. I wish I could get one but have no birdcage.
Our neighbors have fish. I am so jealous, seriously. We ate fish tonight for supper. But I didn’t get to pet it before it got chopped up.
Close to our road there are goats eating the overgrown grass and trash.
I miss my cats, Addie and Levi, so so so so much.
By Acacia Sachs
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Biking in Phnom Penh
August 28
I’ve been biking to graduate school, or work for 21 years. Why stop now?
In PA, my ride in to work is about 3 miles; here it is about 3 kilometers. In PA, the ride has constant hills; I go down, only to go up again. Here the ride is completely flat. (I have always liked flat – like the rails to trails in Minnesota!) In PA, I ride hard, after all, it is my chance to exercise, and I arrive at work hot and sweaty. Here no one bikes hard. Neither do I, but I still arrive at work hot and sweaty! And yes, the first thing I do in both places is sit down in front of a fan to cool off!
In PA, I hug the right side of the road. No shoulders on Fileys or Grantham roads. Here I would desperately like to do that, but the inside curb is reserved for those for whom it is convenient to go “the wrong way.” So when approached by a bike or moto in my lane (a very western notion), I gradually move over towards the center.
The most convenient left hand turn here involves gradually crossing the road, whenever it is clear, and riding the wrong way, right next to the curb for a while. Then you make the turn hugging the inside curb. When convenient, I move back to my side. In the US, I follow the rules for cars, turning left from the inside and using hand signals. Here that sort of turn can be scary, because you find yourself in the middle of a completely unmarked intersection, everyone jockeying for their turn.
I’ve finally found the least stressful route to work – not necessarily the shortest. I had thought the worst of the ride would be the round-about, and crossing the railroad tracks. But traffic is so heavy in the mornings at this place that I get off my bike and walk – over curbs, through the fronts of street shops, and I move faster than everyone else! The worst part is my left hand turn at a very busy intersection, and I now plan to avoid that! I’ve ridden home ahead of a storm a couple times - now that reminds me of Colorado!
I’ve never felt comfortable biking even in sandals. The chemist in my likes closed-toed shoes! Here women bike in high-heeled, strappy sandals! No one wears tennis shoes – but so be it. I don’t really fit in anyway. I’m glad I packed mine.
Roseann
I’ve been biking to graduate school, or work for 21 years. Why stop now?
In PA, my ride in to work is about 3 miles; here it is about 3 kilometers. In PA, the ride has constant hills; I go down, only to go up again. Here the ride is completely flat. (I have always liked flat – like the rails to trails in Minnesota!) In PA, I ride hard, after all, it is my chance to exercise, and I arrive at work hot and sweaty. Here no one bikes hard. Neither do I, but I still arrive at work hot and sweaty! And yes, the first thing I do in both places is sit down in front of a fan to cool off!
In PA, I hug the right side of the road. No shoulders on Fileys or Grantham roads. Here I would desperately like to do that, but the inside curb is reserved for those for whom it is convenient to go “the wrong way.” So when approached by a bike or moto in my lane (a very western notion), I gradually move over towards the center.
The most convenient left hand turn here involves gradually crossing the road, whenever it is clear, and riding the wrong way, right next to the curb for a while. Then you make the turn hugging the inside curb. When convenient, I move back to my side. In the US, I follow the rules for cars, turning left from the inside and using hand signals. Here that sort of turn can be scary, because you find yourself in the middle of a completely unmarked intersection, everyone jockeying for their turn.
I’ve finally found the least stressful route to work – not necessarily the shortest. I had thought the worst of the ride would be the round-about, and crossing the railroad tracks. But traffic is so heavy in the mornings at this place that I get off my bike and walk – over curbs, through the fronts of street shops, and I move faster than everyone else! The worst part is my left hand turn at a very busy intersection, and I now plan to avoid that! I’ve ridden home ahead of a storm a couple times - now that reminds me of Colorado!
I’ve never felt comfortable biking even in sandals. The chemist in my likes closed-toed shoes! Here women bike in high-heeled, strappy sandals! No one wears tennis shoes – but so be it. I don’t really fit in anyway. I’m glad I packed mine.
Roseann
Sunday, August 23, 2009
A School Week in the LIfe of the Sachs...
Thought I might provide you with a few more details of our weeks here, especially as the kids are now in school.
Cambodians arise early, while it is still cool, so by about 6:00 there are noises outside that begin to wake us up. Austin is often the first one up, then Ron. I manage to sleep nearly until my alarm, and then get the girls up. The cheapest breakfast cereal here is an Australian brand, and it is pretty good. But the kids are not big fans of cereal for breakfast, so Ron has graciously taken to cooking hot breakfasts. Janaya and Austin are particularly grateful, because in PA, no one got up with them until it was time to walk to the bus! So we’ve had banana muffins, pancakes and with an amazing find at the MCC office – waffles. The one cookbook we brought with is the new book my Dad’s family just put together. Ron uses my cousin Mike’s waffle recipe. The school van arrives at 7:20. Probably only takes about 5 minutes to drive to the kids’ school, and they get there quite early, where they hang out on the grounds until allowed in the building.
Ron and I are taking private language lessons for an hour a day, and then we try to study for a couple hours. Last week, I also went to the University on two separate days, and we spent two days at the MCC office meeting with others, welcoming new staffers, and taking care of business. We continue to work on home improvements - we get supplies at MCC, do the work, and then return the tools.
So far we’ve tried to be home everyday when the kids get home, which is 3:15. We give them water and feed them a snack, usually fruit, and then it is time for homework, not much different than anywhere else. Austin joined the middle school basketball team. I’m so proud of him for doing that. Not easy to run suicide drills in 85-90 degree heat, and humidity. It is also something that wouldn’t be so easy to take part in a big school like Northern, so this is a great opportunity for him. He has practice Wednesdays and Fridays, after school. Since he can’t take the bus home, we’ve been taking a motodup in to pick him up. Still aren’t driving moto ourselves. Austin is also excited to be playing trumpet in band this year. Instruments are rare here, but Logos has managed to bring together a few. Even in PA he was asking me to buy him a trumpet so he could learn another instrument. He is very excited about this. I’d say he is doing quite well with school!
Janaya keeps busy with a lot of homework. Khmer is challenging, and while it is only the first course, all the other students have been here for longer than her, so they have some of the basics already. I work with her on Algebra, just like in PA. Dad helps her in art. She has already found at least 3 good friends whom she eats lunch with.
Its back to reading books, and doing math flash cards for Acacia – again just like PA. I believe she has made many friends – but she doesn’t know their names. It is extra hard to remember names when they don’t sound like any other names that you’ve every heard before! She has swimming one day a week, which she will love. Last week they only got to jump in before a storm came in. She even got invited to a birthday party on Friday after school. There was pizza, cake and ice cream – standard for a US party, but a real treat for Acacia at this point in time!
On Thursday evening, Austin went to the all-Phnom Penh, English speaking, Christian middle school youth group. It was at a Christian school across town. Last week, Ron and Janaya and their tuk-tuk driver had spent an hour looking for the place in the dark, and never found it. So, I rode along with 3 tuk-tuks worth of middle schoolers, so that I could see where this school was. A loud and wild night for me – remember, Ron is the youth pastor in this family! Nevertheless, ice cream was part of the picture!
By Friday we are all tired. But this past week we had two new MCCer’s to our house for dinner. They are part of the one-year exchange programs that MCC sponsors for young adults. We’ve been here for 5 weeks, making us the hosts (and experts?) already. Wow.
Cambodians arise early, while it is still cool, so by about 6:00 there are noises outside that begin to wake us up. Austin is often the first one up, then Ron. I manage to sleep nearly until my alarm, and then get the girls up. The cheapest breakfast cereal here is an Australian brand, and it is pretty good. But the kids are not big fans of cereal for breakfast, so Ron has graciously taken to cooking hot breakfasts. Janaya and Austin are particularly grateful, because in PA, no one got up with them until it was time to walk to the bus! So we’ve had banana muffins, pancakes and with an amazing find at the MCC office – waffles. The one cookbook we brought with is the new book my Dad’s family just put together. Ron uses my cousin Mike’s waffle recipe. The school van arrives at 7:20. Probably only takes about 5 minutes to drive to the kids’ school, and they get there quite early, where they hang out on the grounds until allowed in the building.
Ron and I are taking private language lessons for an hour a day, and then we try to study for a couple hours. Last week, I also went to the University on two separate days, and we spent two days at the MCC office meeting with others, welcoming new staffers, and taking care of business. We continue to work on home improvements - we get supplies at MCC, do the work, and then return the tools.
So far we’ve tried to be home everyday when the kids get home, which is 3:15. We give them water and feed them a snack, usually fruit, and then it is time for homework, not much different than anywhere else. Austin joined the middle school basketball team. I’m so proud of him for doing that. Not easy to run suicide drills in 85-90 degree heat, and humidity. It is also something that wouldn’t be so easy to take part in a big school like Northern, so this is a great opportunity for him. He has practice Wednesdays and Fridays, after school. Since he can’t take the bus home, we’ve been taking a motodup in to pick him up. Still aren’t driving moto ourselves. Austin is also excited to be playing trumpet in band this year. Instruments are rare here, but Logos has managed to bring together a few. Even in PA he was asking me to buy him a trumpet so he could learn another instrument. He is very excited about this. I’d say he is doing quite well with school!
Janaya keeps busy with a lot of homework. Khmer is challenging, and while it is only the first course, all the other students have been here for longer than her, so they have some of the basics already. I work with her on Algebra, just like in PA. Dad helps her in art. She has already found at least 3 good friends whom she eats lunch with.
Its back to reading books, and doing math flash cards for Acacia – again just like PA. I believe she has made many friends – but she doesn’t know their names. It is extra hard to remember names when they don’t sound like any other names that you’ve every heard before! She has swimming one day a week, which she will love. Last week they only got to jump in before a storm came in. She even got invited to a birthday party on Friday after school. There was pizza, cake and ice cream – standard for a US party, but a real treat for Acacia at this point in time!
On Thursday evening, Austin went to the all-Phnom Penh, English speaking, Christian middle school youth group. It was at a Christian school across town. Last week, Ron and Janaya and their tuk-tuk driver had spent an hour looking for the place in the dark, and never found it. So, I rode along with 3 tuk-tuks worth of middle schoolers, so that I could see where this school was. A loud and wild night for me – remember, Ron is the youth pastor in this family! Nevertheless, ice cream was part of the picture!
By Friday we are all tired. But this past week we had two new MCCer’s to our house for dinner. They are part of the one-year exchange programs that MCC sponsors for young adults. We’ve been here for 5 weeks, making us the hosts (and experts?) already. Wow.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Pictures from First Month
Takeo Province
Pool at Logos International School
One of three buildings at Logos International School
Living room in our new house
Front of our apartment building
Austin getting soaked
Acacia at the waterpark
Janaya getting soaked
Mom, Acacia, and Austin going down a waterslide at the waterpark
Phnom Penh Water Park
At the Royal Palace
Mom, Austin, Acacia, and Janaya in a tuk tuk
The family at the Royal Palace
Monday, August 17, 2009
This week we started school at Logos International School. A new year always brings nervous stomachs but this was probably worse than usual. We were surprised on Monday when the van was fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, but got into a pattern after that. Acacia went off to fourth grade, Austin to seventh, and me to ninth. We all found people to show us around and to hang out with. The school has three buildings with various classrooms. We eat lunch on the roof or at various tables across the school grounds. Lunches are a mix here. One day we had seaweed soup (which we couldn't handle) and another day, burgers and fries.
Classes are tough, but mom and dad said they would be the same in PA. High school is hard, and there was a lot of homework even on the first day. One class that will be a challenge is Khmer because I've never done it before. Khmer I for high schoolers is speaking and listening, thank goodness. Acacia is learning some writing, though. We practice with our housekeeper and our neighbors who are both happy to help us.
The classes are in a two day schedule, day A and day B. Classes are about one and a half hours long and there are four each day, not counting lunch and devotions. Every day is started with prayer and a short devotion. One class that I did not have in Pennsylvania is Bible and for me that means Old Testament Survey. Austin and Acacia have Bible too. I have art, chorus, Bible and biology on Day A, and Algebra II, Khmer I, English, and History (Renaissance - French Revolution) on Day B. Day B is harder than Day A.
There are people at our school from all different countries. Many people are from Korea, the Phillipines, lots of people from Cambodia and some from the United States. It is much different in some ways, and the same in others. One great thing about school is aircon (as it is called here), because we don't have it at home, and Mom and Dad don't have it at their work either, so we are lucky. Hope this tells you a little more about our life here.
Janaya
Classes are tough, but mom and dad said they would be the same in PA. High school is hard, and there was a lot of homework even on the first day. One class that will be a challenge is Khmer because I've never done it before. Khmer I for high schoolers is speaking and listening, thank goodness. Acacia is learning some writing, though. We practice with our housekeeper and our neighbors who are both happy to help us.
The classes are in a two day schedule, day A and day B. Classes are about one and a half hours long and there are four each day, not counting lunch and devotions. Every day is started with prayer and a short devotion. One class that I did not have in Pennsylvania is Bible and for me that means Old Testament Survey. Austin and Acacia have Bible too. I have art, chorus, Bible and biology on Day A, and Algebra II, Khmer I, English, and History (Renaissance - French Revolution) on Day B. Day B is harder than Day A.
There are people at our school from all different countries. Many people are from Korea, the Phillipines, lots of people from Cambodia and some from the United States. It is much different in some ways, and the same in others. One great thing about school is aircon (as it is called here), because we don't have it at home, and Mom and Dad don't have it at their work either, so we are lucky. Hope this tells you a little more about our life here.
Janaya
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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
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
Monday, July 27, 2009
First Impressions
We have been here a week, and already experienced so much. It took us only a couple days to get over jet lag, but mornings and bedtimes are early here so we haven’t had the energy to write yet. But here goes…
Traffic…in theory works like in the US. One drives on the right hand side of the road. Lanes are marked. There are some traffic lights. But beyond that, everything is different. Cars, motorcycles and bikes fill the road. Each moves wherever there is space, including over the center line whenever necessary. Lanes are fairly irrelevant. If convenient, one turns left right next to the inside curb, and then you move over to the correct lane whenever it is convenient. One can cross oncoming traffic to park on the opposite side of the road. No problem. U-turns anywhere – no problem. Cars and motos frequently meet in the center of an intersection and then everyone takes their turn getting through. I’ve been able to trust our drivers – they have been pretty good. But at times, you just close your eyes. Rules of the road…you are responsible for everything in front of you. Those behind you are expected to do the same. Ron hopes to learn to drive a moto (motorcycle). I may just stick to my bike! Getting around as a family may require a tuk-tuk for quite a while.
Heat…it is hot. Definitely not as hot as it can be and the winds are nice. But after a cool Pennsylvania summer, we are generally sweating like pigs. Showers any time of the day are a necessity. It is the rainy season – although it isn’t raining every day. That cools things down.
Food…mostly very good. Our children, Austin and Acacia especially, have delighted in all the new fruits, anxious to taste every one. They truly have been very good about everything – already up for a Khmer breakfast at the corner shop on our second morning, and even finding a dish with fermented fish paste to be pretty good. That was one of the first things we read about, long ago. The whole fish served one evening at retreat was a little scary, but after trying it – the kids found it to be their favorite part of the meal…well besides the fruit and dessert. I tried a papaya fruit shake, and couldn’t stomach that. That happened early on – so the kids now have an out when they find something they do not like. But the pizza party at the MCC retreat was a welcome change, and we had Honeycomb cereal for breakfast today!
Sleep…under mosquito nets, in front of fans. Early to bed, early to rise. We haven’t quite adapted to that yet.
Language…we know very little. Our MCC guides have covered for us completely. All of us feel anxious to learn, so that we can get manage a bit on our own.
Sites…the streets are full of vendors, making their livings, selling everything. It seems constantly busy. It is hard for us to know exactly what is safe to eat yet for our American digestive systems. We’ve seen the Royal Palace – our MCC host said it was the prettiest place in Cambodia, gardens, unique architecture and very clean. We also toured Toul Sleng – the former high school that Pol Pot used in the 1970’s to interrogate, torture and kill those that opposed his rule. That was sobering. One afternoon at a water park…a wave pool, swimming pool, lazy river and slides. Kind of like in the US. But the power did shut down in the middle of the afternoon, so the pumps didn’t run. Janaya loves the Russian market – well, except for the meat / fish corner. So many interesting things to see. She always has liked shopping. We concluded the MCC regional retreat with a dinner cruise on the Mekong river. Chinese food, a nice breeze – nothing like we have ever done before. We have always tried to give our children many experiences – but we’ve had more new experiences this week than perhaps ever before.
The country… we braved a trip into the country with other MCCer’s during our retreat. As kids would, they chose the back seats of the bus. Pretty bumpy ride – occasionally got 6-12 inches of air on the biggest bumps. Who needs Hershey Park? The rice fields were beautiful – but of course, we don’t make our living that way. Looks like very hard work. Our hosts were gracious, feeding us a huge noon meal which included our first coconut juice drink. Squatty potties – a challenge…including an emergency stop at someone’s house for Acacia. We won’t say anymore about that.
The work of MCC in the village we visited…we visited a village where in the early 1990’s MCC helped to establish several programs, which are now run by the villagers. Forestry – MCC helped to reestablish a forest that had been destroyed during the Khmer Rouge – half for economic reasons, the other half as a preserve. Charcoal plant – the villages make their own charcoal, which can be sold. A giant still collects the “vinegar” which is used as an insect repellant. Chemistry at work! Village savings and loan – the village has established its own bank. One day a month, members come to the local Pagoda to pay interest, pay off their loans, or borrow money. Many women and children were gathered on this day. Rice bank – the village had established their own rice bank, to help those in need during poor growing years. Families no longer need to go outside to get help. The rice and resources stay within the community – helping their own people.
Challenges…we live in the city, so we’ve got it nice…a washing machine, so far meals cooked for us so far at MCC or restaurants. But keeping up with laundry is a big job – considering how much we are sweating. We are learning to use our new cell phones – a necessity here – the only way of communication. Thank goodness for our teenager! Yes, even Ron will be carrying one this year. Our digestive systems – nothing serious, but there have been some adjustments. Learning our way around, the city isn’t large, but we haven’t learned many landmarks, and of course we don’t know the language. We’ve got much to learn about managing to live here. Language – we need numbers, names of food and directions – quick!
Thanks…our kids are doing wonderfully. More than one person has commented on their willingness to try new things, and their adaptability. I would agree. We’ve had fights and tears – but generally over the same issues that would cause problems in PA. Our hosts – we have been graciously taken care of over the past week. The national staff here will do anything for us – set up our house, call a tuk-tuk driver, get our cell phones, arrange doctor appointments, fix things. A very good support system.
This week – on Wednesday we will move into our house. It seems clear across town from most all of the other MCC staff. It seems to be a quieter part of town – which may make learning to drive easier. We’ll need to get our kitchen set up, our mosquito nets and fans ready. We’ve bought toilet paper already – very important right now. It is close to our work and the kid’s school – that is good. But we will learn to find our own tuk-tuk drivers, the market, an Internet shop, a language teacher, a western grocery store, the corner noodle shop... Prayer….very helpful as we make this transition.
Roseann
We have been here a week, and already experienced so much. It took us only a couple days to get over jet lag, but mornings and bedtimes are early here so we haven’t had the energy to write yet. But here goes…
Traffic…in theory works like in the US. One drives on the right hand side of the road. Lanes are marked. There are some traffic lights. But beyond that, everything is different. Cars, motorcycles and bikes fill the road. Each moves wherever there is space, including over the center line whenever necessary. Lanes are fairly irrelevant. If convenient, one turns left right next to the inside curb, and then you move over to the correct lane whenever it is convenient. One can cross oncoming traffic to park on the opposite side of the road. No problem. U-turns anywhere – no problem. Cars and motos frequently meet in the center of an intersection and then everyone takes their turn getting through. I’ve been able to trust our drivers – they have been pretty good. But at times, you just close your eyes. Rules of the road…you are responsible for everything in front of you. Those behind you are expected to do the same. Ron hopes to learn to drive a moto (motorcycle). I may just stick to my bike! Getting around as a family may require a tuk-tuk for quite a while.
Heat…it is hot. Definitely not as hot as it can be and the winds are nice. But after a cool Pennsylvania summer, we are generally sweating like pigs. Showers any time of the day are a necessity. It is the rainy season – although it isn’t raining every day. That cools things down.
Food…mostly very good. Our children, Austin and Acacia especially, have delighted in all the new fruits, anxious to taste every one. They truly have been very good about everything – already up for a Khmer breakfast at the corner shop on our second morning, and even finding a dish with fermented fish paste to be pretty good. That was one of the first things we read about, long ago. The whole fish served one evening at retreat was a little scary, but after trying it – the kids found it to be their favorite part of the meal…well besides the fruit and dessert. I tried a papaya fruit shake, and couldn’t stomach that. That happened early on – so the kids now have an out when they find something they do not like. But the pizza party at the MCC retreat was a welcome change, and we had Honeycomb cereal for breakfast today!
Sleep…under mosquito nets, in front of fans. Early to bed, early to rise. We haven’t quite adapted to that yet.
Language…we know very little. Our MCC guides have covered for us completely. All of us feel anxious to learn, so that we can get manage a bit on our own.
Sites…the streets are full of vendors, making their livings, selling everything. It seems constantly busy. It is hard for us to know exactly what is safe to eat yet for our American digestive systems. We’ve seen the Royal Palace – our MCC host said it was the prettiest place in Cambodia, gardens, unique architecture and very clean. We also toured Toul Sleng – the former high school that Pol Pot used in the 1970’s to interrogate, torture and kill those that opposed his rule. That was sobering. One afternoon at a water park…a wave pool, swimming pool, lazy river and slides. Kind of like in the US. But the power did shut down in the middle of the afternoon, so the pumps didn’t run. Janaya loves the Russian market – well, except for the meat / fish corner. So many interesting things to see. She always has liked shopping. We concluded the MCC regional retreat with a dinner cruise on the Mekong river. Chinese food, a nice breeze – nothing like we have ever done before. We have always tried to give our children many experiences – but we’ve had more new experiences this week than perhaps ever before.
The country… we braved a trip into the country with other MCCer’s during our retreat. As kids would, they chose the back seats of the bus. Pretty bumpy ride – occasionally got 6-12 inches of air on the biggest bumps. Who needs Hershey Park? The rice fields were beautiful – but of course, we don’t make our living that way. Looks like very hard work. Our hosts were gracious, feeding us a huge noon meal which included our first coconut juice drink. Squatty potties – a challenge…including an emergency stop at someone’s house for Acacia. We won’t say anymore about that.
The work of MCC in the village we visited…we visited a village where in the early 1990’s MCC helped to establish several programs, which are now run by the villagers. Forestry – MCC helped to reestablish a forest that had been destroyed during the Khmer Rouge – half for economic reasons, the other half as a preserve. Charcoal plant – the villages make their own charcoal, which can be sold. A giant still collects the “vinegar” which is used as an insect repellant. Chemistry at work! Village savings and loan – the village has established its own bank. One day a month, members come to the local Pagoda to pay interest, pay off their loans, or borrow money. Many women and children were gathered on this day. Rice bank – the village had established their own rice bank, to help those in need during poor growing years. Families no longer need to go outside to get help. The rice and resources stay within the community – helping their own people.
Challenges…we live in the city, so we’ve got it nice…a washing machine, so far meals cooked for us so far at MCC or restaurants. But keeping up with laundry is a big job – considering how much we are sweating. We are learning to use our new cell phones – a necessity here – the only way of communication. Thank goodness for our teenager! Yes, even Ron will be carrying one this year. Our digestive systems – nothing serious, but there have been some adjustments. Learning our way around, the city isn’t large, but we haven’t learned many landmarks, and of course we don’t know the language. We’ve got much to learn about managing to live here. Language – we need numbers, names of food and directions – quick!
Thanks…our kids are doing wonderfully. More than one person has commented on their willingness to try new things, and their adaptability. I would agree. We’ve had fights and tears – but generally over the same issues that would cause problems in PA. Our hosts – we have been graciously taken care of over the past week. The national staff here will do anything for us – set up our house, call a tuk-tuk driver, get our cell phones, arrange doctor appointments, fix things. A very good support system.
This week – on Wednesday we will move into our house. It seems clear across town from most all of the other MCC staff. It seems to be a quieter part of town – which may make learning to drive easier. We’ll need to get our kitchen set up, our mosquito nets and fans ready. We’ve bought toilet paper already – very important right now. It is close to our work and the kid’s school – that is good. But we will learn to find our own tuk-tuk drivers, the market, an Internet shop, a language teacher, a western grocery store, the corner noodle shop... Prayer….very helpful as we make this transition.
Roseann
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