As
the plane came down for a landing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia some 30
hours after I boarded the first flight in America the scorched
scenery reminded me of how blisteringly hot it can be in the dry
season. The forecast had been for 105ºF
to welcome me back. (about 50% humidity) I wasn't too concerned and
found my self wondering how different the city would be after 15
months. I was exhausted by the mostly sleepless flight but really
wanted to get into town and have a look around. The hotel provided
van ride into the city did little to sate my curiosity as it took a
route I seldom traveled but I scanned the faces and sights like a
first time tourist anyway. Once we got to my more frequent stomping
grounds I was comforted to find all the familiar landmarks but also
struck by one obvious change. The noontime traffic looked more like
I remember rush hour. Not just “motos' but there were many, many
more cars than I remembered as well. Obviously the wealthy class has
continued to grow though most seemed as poor as ever.
I was
very pleased when I got to my hotel room and found I had a corner
unit. The main window in the “standard” room overlooks a wall
perhaps 5 feet away. My room has a second window that overlooks the
courtyard and street the hotel is on. A very boring street but a
view none the less. A view currently dominated by a new construction
site across the street. Thankfully most construction is done
entirely by hand and without lights so it isn't disruptive. The room
has an A/C, TV and small fridge; all a missionary could want except,
perhaps, a rice cooker.
Unfortunately my re-integration hasn't gone entirely smoothly. I got heat exhaustion my first full day, and, just when I had recovered from that I took a little tumble Sunday morning. The phone rang while I was in the shower and slipped and fell backwards on the smooth as glass tile in the main room going to answer it. A little blood and a headache but thankfully no concussion. Still I'm quite sore today. In spite of the heat exhaustion I'm sure I'm handling the heat better. My clothes used to be dyed white by salt loss but no longer. Perhaps the overall health improvement from the B12 shots has helped with that as well. What an answer to prayer. Still, I will need a little time to adjust from freezing in New York to the hot season in Cambodia.
Please keep me in prayer. There is much to do and my heart is willing but my body is weak. I did find a place nearby that teaches Khmer from the book I bought while in the US. It's just a small translation shop and I'd prefer something with more people to talk with but it is only half a block away and could do the job. All in all I'm very excited to finally be back and look forward to what the Lord will do.
God Bless!
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