Nitty Gritty

Hello!
It's been a while I know.. so let's get down into the nitty gritty. 


2:1 Only Essentials


From my last post, you read about how I was trying to divide my time between Web Essentials and Hagar. Half time here, and the other half there. Whilst it sounds like a totally feasible plan, I found that I could not give myself wholly to neither company. My mind would be in two places, and I found that neither company was getting the best out of me.. so a decision needed to be made.. Web E or Hagar?


This was a toughie. Hagar was the reason why I came to Cambodia in the first place, however Web E presented an opportunity of growth in many areas - not just career wise, but also pushing me into new realms ie. tutoring design, holding bible studies.. and also I felt like I made a greater impact at Web E. 


To cut to the chase, basically after seeking advice from what I believed to be "wise counsel", I decided to go with Web E. 


2:2 Patience young one


It's been probably a month since I've been solely working at Web E and it's been challenging and rewarding at the same time. Challenging because I never ever thought I would be designing websites.. (that's always been my brother's "thing") and also communicating - the language barrier prolongs tasks that are often so trivial and minute. So often I find myself in situations where my patience is tested.. having to explain things slooooowly.. to repeat myself.. but you know what? It's good. How else are we to build character, but in times of trials? 


I'm reminded of what is it to be "christian" and that is to be loving, gentle, kind and yes, patient! Also, I'm inspired at how the staff have picked up english... and for their passion to learn to new vocabulary.  


2:3 The Word at work


The past few months have been awesome in terms of bringing the Word to work. We have bible study sessions at lunchtime on mondays and prayer meetings on wednesdays. It's such a great privilege to be able to share the good news so freely in the work environment. I think that is one of my greatest joys at work - to have a purpose beyond building websites. 


When we first started, I wondered who would come to the studies.. who would be interested? My doubts and fears have been washed away because each week 5-7 people join in the sessions. It's so encouraging! At 12:15 pm we go out for lunch at a local Khmer restaurant where we eat family style for around 6000R ($1.25) each (let me just add as a side note here; there's no such thing as a "no carb" diet. They ate a tremendous amount of white rice.. and why no ve t, when the restaurant offers unlimited rice for 25 cents?)We then head back to the office and learn the basics of Christianity. 


I have been using the notes from The Alpha Course booklet as the basis for the studies and that's been working out so far. Although I'm always open to new material.. so if you have any let me know! Some of the staff also have the new testament in Khmer and English which is great for them in gaining understanding. It would be great to give them the bible in full Khmer/English - if you would like to donate for some let me know. I think we can get one for around $10 each. 


What amazes me is the way the Cambodians here are so open to the Christian faith. Their eagerness to learn is so special and unlike any other cultures I've encountered. Perhaps it's because they are young (early - mid twenty's) and haven't had the same privileges/exposure as those in wealthier nations. I can't put my finger on it, but it's inspiring nonetheless and I'm grateful to be a part of it. 


2:4 Can I have more time please?


You know how they say, "you don't solve money problems with money"? I'm contemplating that "you don't solve time issues, with more time". Even though I have "more" time since not working at Hagar, I still find myself as busy as ever.. which makes me think I'm either not good at managing my time, or that I'm overloading myself with commitments - or perhaps it's both!


What I love and admire about the Swiss (Dominik and Rebecca) is in facing the demands in their lives (starting a social business and raising a baby in a third world country) is their ability to work efficiently and still "keep their wits about them". It must be a "Swiss thing" because it's been a rarity for me to see it anywhere else... I must learn their secret.. 


2:5 "tschuss" to Koni & Barbara & baby koni


The super Schwarz duo are heading back to their homeland to have their baby boy - Koni Jr! They'll be leaving in one month exactly... which is exciting for them for me, but I personally hope they will return.. Koni is quite the entertainer with his story-telling and magic tricks. We'll see where God leads them. 


Dominik and Rebecca found a house to move into and were so kind as to offer me a room to stay in too. It's a three bedroom Khmer styled house, smaller than the one we live in now, but still very livable. Beautiful mango trees in the tiled front courtyard and papaya trees on the side are some of the perks of our soon-to-be home. 


This time I'll start paying rent - something I've never really done before (except for a few months in the US- but that doesn't even count, cos that was partially subsidized too..) But it's ok because Dominik and Rebecca are willing to increase my salary at Web E to help pay for it. Knowing my financial situation now, they know that I cannot afford to live on my own. So it's amazing how God continues to provide through them. All up, room, electricity, internet, water will cost $200/month - which is reasonable. Only thing is next to my room, will be baby Yannick.. and for all you mothers out there, I'm sure you're all too familiar with the cries of a hungry baby in the middle of the night...so we'll see how that goes..! In any case, I am glad and thankful that I'm able to live with people I'm familiar with and that I feel safe and comfortable around. 


2:6 All the single ladies


I thought this topic should get a mention. It's funny how there is an abundance of single, christian girls here in Cambodia. Yes, ABUNDANCE. I think it would be safe to say there's a ratio of 7:1 or even higher. So relationships are a hot topic amongst us single ladies. Where are all the good men aye? Haha 


I've come to the conclusion that fellas our age (mid twentys and above) are pursuing their career and financial stability.. while their counterparts are in pursuit of meaning and purpose. What do you think? If you're a christian male, can you offer me another reason as to why there are "a few good men" here in Cambo? 


Just for fun, Nathan has a list of available christian guys here.. and the ages of those on the list range from early twenty's to fifty's.. and lemme tell ya, it's slim pickings. I think there's only six? maybe seven on the list.. for the hundred single girls here. FYI ladies, if you're looking for your soulmate, you probably won't find him here...! haha


Jokes aside, this topic of relationships is one that gets a lot of attention.. almost too much. I was discussing with one of my good girlfriends here about how there is so much emphasis on finding "Mr. Right" and how there's pressure going back to our homelands, where many of our friends are in established relationships if not already married and moving onto the next phase of their lives. Where does that leave us? Single ...? Forever?! Deng, deng, deeeng..... whilst the thought of that is scary, I've come to realize that if we truly believe there is a God, and that He is in control, and that He knows exactly what's on our hearts, then He will provide for us - just like He's provided for us in all other areas of our lives - just as long as we follow His ways and do His will. Let's not worry ourselves with things out of our control, and leave it up to the Man in charge. 


"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25 


So mum, don't worry! Your future son-in-law is in God's hands :) All in good time... or shall I say, all in God's time. 


2:7 Falling in Love with Cambodia

Yes it's true! I was sitting on the back of a motodop today and contemplating about how much I love this country and the people.. I love being able to walk onto the road and jump onto the back of a random moto and letting him whisk me away to my destination (as dodgy as that sounds, I promise you it's safe!) Or riding like a princess in a carriage aka tuk-tuk. 


I love that I can eat noodles and papaya salad from street vendors with my girlfriends for $1.50 and to getting bag of sweet popcorn for 50 cents. I love the playfulness and light-heartedness of the Cambodian people. I love not having to worry about the latest fashion trends and that I can get away with wearing a $2 shirt from the markets. I love the simplicity of the people here - how they live day-by-day.


 I love knowing that this country is at an incredible stage of development, where 20 years ago, the streets were ruled with bicycles and now filled with motos and cars. I feel like I'm coming from the future and can see the potential growth of this country and it's people. I L.O.V.E. it :)

2:8 Home sweet home

People often ask when I'm coming home.. and it was suppose to be earlier this month, but I've postponed it until my 25th birthday (yup, arriving home on 4th march next year).. but even that date is tentative. I simply chose it because my flight agent couldn't find flights home in Feb... I'm really not sure how long I'll be here.. maybe it will be until march.. but the thought of going home causes a feeling of uneasiness in me.. which makes me think perhaps I should be here longer. (If so, I should definitely learn the language.) 

I know I don't belong in NZ. Despite my family there and having grown up there and having a great malaysian/kiwi community to belong to, I feel more at peace with the thought of being here. I am afraid of going back and facing the same dilemmas as I did with being allergic to the pollen/air and such.. It's just that I seemed to thrive in the US and now here..not having to battle with eczema has been a huge blessing. Perhaps my reasoning is based more on fear, rather than God's calling.. but still.. surely there must be a reason why I struggled so much in nz..why would I choose to be in a country I am allergic to?

This is still something I ponder and I think will continue to be on the prayer request list. 

2:9 Round it up

Thanks to all those who continue to reach out to me, to pray for me and to those who simply remember me :) Time and time again, I am grateful for you. Special thanks to my parents who continue to support me and provide words of encouragement. I think without knowing they have my back, I would not be where I am now. Also to my friends - thanks :) 


Thanks to God for the close network of girlfriends I've gained here the last few months. And also for how God has protected me in all the times I've tested Him.. I'm thankful that He continues to forgive me for all the wrongs I've done and gives me the chance to try again and do better next time. 

I don't have much to ask for, as God has provided already beyond my expectations. What I do ask is that I will faithfully follow the path He has paved out for me and that I will live each day with integrity and be open to how He is working in me through every situation I encounter. Pray that I will be sensitive and obedient to the things He places on my heart. 

Lastly, I want to share a verse has been resonating in me this past week: 

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" Matthew 5:6

jeanie