A day in the life of Cambodia

The previous entry I wrote gives you a pretty clear sketch of what our days are like.  We go to the orphanage in the mornings and come back to do school and seminary in the afternoon.  We also try to do some type of little exercise class for the kiddos.  I love watching the little boys try to do their push-ups.  Then some time late in the afternoon, we have to run to the market with Botevy to buy food.  Sometimes we take some of the kids—it is quite a cultural experience!  Then at night, our schedule varies.  It is interesting to put the boys to bed.  They sleep on a mat on the tile floor with a mosquito net over them with a fan under the net to help keep them cool.  They have been good sports about it—and have learned to sleep hard and through a lot.

The favorite part of the day is spending time with the orphans.  They run to us each morning with big hugs and make us feel like royalty.  We truly just are constantly amazed at their humility and appreciation for every little thing.  They never ask for anything and are always trying to do things for us--like giving us their seat or offering to carry my backpack for me.  Always trying to offer the best of whatever they have!  I hope this rubs off on us!

Oh, we love our new rule—for every burp or stinker—there is a great opportunity to do 10 push-ups.  With all these little boys, it is a good learning experience.  My boys are not alone but seem to get to do the most.

Well, it is a pretty simple life.  We have had plenty of tears over the school schedule from the little ones and several big, deep breaths from us, as teachers.  There is definitely a learning curve.  Hats off to teachers at home.  Before we left on the trip, we as parents were visiting and made the comment that this trip could very well be the most difficult thing that we have ever done in our lives.  We have confirmed that amongst ourselves on occasion, but are committed and really are loving every bit of it.  We are 12 days into it and going strong J 

Oh— I have to tell you one more little experience.   I went to brush my teeth yesterday and saw a little, tiny, baby ant crawl around into the bristles.  Then I couldn’t see it anymore.  So, I banged it on the side of the sink and to my shock—ABOUT 12 FELL OUT!  I just kept banging it until no more came out.  I shutter to think what all my body has experienced!  I decided at that moment— this decides what I am made out of.  So, I went ahead and brushed my teeth!

PS:  I have spent three hours today, when there was electricity, trying to post pictures.  No luck!   Will try again tomorrow!