Rev. Mark Baldwin - Missionary to Cambodia

As I prepared to celebrate my first Christmas in Phnom Penh, Cambodia I was wondering what to write folks about back in America and around the world. The Idea came to me as I wandered the isles of a “modern market” and spotted a freezer full of frozen turkeys. Since there are no turkeys here in Cambodia and these had familiar American brand names I assumed they'd been shipped frozen, at great expense, all the way from the US. I was slightly amused because in all the apartments I looked at only one had an oven and it was to small for an American roasting chicken, let alone a turkey. I guess the fancy apartments, costing more than $1000/mo, have real ovens.

When I first came to Phnom Penh a couple years back I expected I'd be forced to shop in the traditional markets scrounging around for anything that looks like it's eatable and paying 2x-5x the price locals pay. Meat that's been hanging outside in the heat fermenting all day had me resigned to possible vegetarianism.... Canned goods with indecipherable Chinese labels concealing content that may or may not be edible. Vegetables growing in filthy conditions and fertilized with who knows what... and no safe water to clean them with. I anticipated hunting, gathering and preparing food taking up most of my spare time.

The Lord continues to bless me and I am thankful to Him for his blessing and to all the people who are supporting my ministry in many ways.

Cambodia recently celebrated it's “Khmer New Year” holiday. Officially it is 3 days, Saturday-Monday, but many take a whole week off. Like everything in Cambodia there was a religious aspect and most had their offering to the spirits out for all to see. Some, like the hotel, had their's in a more secure place (the roof top lounge). This photo is from in front of one of the big “western” style supermarkets and is a small version of what I saw everywhere. It's interesting that everyone offered the spirits soda, usually in cans but here in bottles. Orange Mirinda is a favorite soda here in Cambodia. It made me wonder if the bottles went back on the shelf and I might be drinking soda offered to idols? The fact that a lighter and extra incense is left out implies that someone, a monk or employee perhaps, will come by and light more of it.

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.