Today was an early start as we woke around 5:45 to be at church for the 7:00 service. It brings new meaning to early church! The service was led by Pastor Vek, who also started the orphanages we are working with. We sang a song in the Khmer language for the congregation, and were blessed with a song and dance by some of the orphans. Next, we had a 5 hour bus ride to the beach. We appreciated a variety of pastries and bread from a local bakery which were really yummy! I think they could compete with Dunkin Doughnuts! Even though it was raining, and surprisingly cold for Cambodia (at least to me!), we had a blast playing in the water and rain with the kids. We had a dinner of fish and shrimp on the beach and then headed to our hotel here. Our devotion time recapped our day. The orphans have reminded us all how much God has blessed us, and that we don't need material items to be happy. Each of their smiles and hugs reflect this! We have another early morning tomorrow so I'm off to bed!
Thanks for your love and prayers!
Maris
July 24, 2011
July 22, 2011
Back on Solid Ground!
All,
We have finally arrived in Cambodia! The last flight was easy or trying, depending on who you ask. Some members of the Rainbow Squadron sat next to Khmer (Cambodian) Christians who were returning from an International Youth Conference in Korea and were praising God the whole ride home. Others... sat between the equipment lockers and the lavatory, and were treated to the ramblings of a trio of drunken tourists. Even that was an opportunity to praise God just to be on a plane to Cambodia. And now we're here!
It's off to bed to get some rest for tomorrow. We'll be touring Teuol Sleng, a Khmer Rouge prison camp where many were killed. It is a sobering experience, but it's also a chance to connect with the recent, painful history here. Our afternoon will be brighter, though, as we'll attend a wedding and get to see the kids from all three orphanages! Apparently, the kids asked Pastor Vek if they could come meet us at the airport, but sadly it was too crowded to bring 100 children there. So, we'll wait a few more hours!
Thanks for all your prayers!
-Mark
We have finally arrived in Cambodia! The last flight was easy or trying, depending on who you ask. Some members of the Rainbow Squadron sat next to Khmer (Cambodian) Christians who were returning from an International Youth Conference in Korea and were praising God the whole ride home. Others... sat between the equipment lockers and the lavatory, and were treated to the ramblings of a trio of drunken tourists. Even that was an opportunity to praise God just to be on a plane to Cambodia. And now we're here!
It's off to bed to get some rest for tomorrow. We'll be touring Teuol Sleng, a Khmer Rouge prison camp where many were killed. It is a sobering experience, but it's also a chance to connect with the recent, painful history here. Our afternoon will be brighter, though, as we'll attend a wedding and get to see the kids from all three orphanages! Apparently, the kids asked Pastor Vek if they could come meet us at the airport, but sadly it was too crowded to bring 100 children there. So, we'll wait a few more hours!
Thanks for all your prayers!
-Mark
We're in Korea!
Hey everyone!
Just wanted to check in a let everyone know that we made it to Korea safely. We're about to start our next leg of the trip to Phnom Penh (which will only be about 6 hours compared to our 15 hour flight from ATL). Boarding the plane here in about 5 min, so I've got to make this quick.
We're all in good health and in great spirits! I think we would all agree that some sleep would be awesome at this point, but we are so excited to get to Cambodia that it hasn't affected us at all. Especially since we just got to down some Burger King here at the Korean airport. Ha!
Ok, final boarding call - gotta run!
Much love,
Team Rainbow Squadron
Just wanted to check in a let everyone know that we made it to Korea safely. We're about to start our next leg of the trip to Phnom Penh (which will only be about 6 hours compared to our 15 hour flight from ATL). Boarding the plane here in about 5 min, so I've got to make this quick.
We're all in good health and in great spirits! I think we would all agree that some sleep would be awesome at this point, but we are so excited to get to Cambodia that it hasn't affected us at all. Especially since we just got to down some Burger King here at the Korean airport. Ha!
Ok, final boarding call - gotta run!
Much love,
Team Rainbow Squadron
July 18, 2011
Follow Our Journey - T minus 4 days!
Mark, Mike, Candace, Shantel, David, Maris, Sarah Beth. We're seven ordinary people, chosen by God to serve the beautiful people of Cambodia. And when together, we make up... The Rainbow Squadron!
Ok, so a name like that might deserve some explanation. Let's start with out theme for the week - Covenant. An agreement that brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people. After brainstorming, we decided on this word because we felt that it's loaded with a lot more than some might think. Relationship, Faith, Trust, Obedience, Promise... We'll spend time talking about each of these and how they relate to the life of Noah and his covenant with God in the story of Noah's Ark.
Anyone remember what came out after the flood water receded to remind us that no more floods would cover the entire world and wipe out mankind again? A Rainbow! And how many colors are in a rainbow? Seven! And that's how our team name was born.
T minus 4 days until departure! Thank you soooo much to all of our family and friends who have helped make this trip possible. Without your prayers and support we most definitely be where we are today. Please make sure to follow us on our journey! We'll be posting regular updates so y'all can know what's happening along the way.
Much love,
Mike
Ok, so a name like that might deserve some explanation. Let's start with out theme for the week - Covenant. An agreement that brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people. After brainstorming, we decided on this word because we felt that it's loaded with a lot more than some might think. Relationship, Faith, Trust, Obedience, Promise... We'll spend time talking about each of these and how they relate to the life of Noah and his covenant with God in the story of Noah's Ark.
Anyone remember what came out after the flood water receded to remind us that no more floods would cover the entire world and wipe out mankind again? A Rainbow! And how many colors are in a rainbow? Seven! And that's how our team name was born.
T minus 4 days until departure! Thank you soooo much to all of our family and friends who have helped make this trip possible. Without your prayers and support we most definitely be where we are today. Please make sure to follow us on our journey! We'll be posting regular updates so y'all can know what's happening along the way.
Much love,
Mike
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