i haven't been blogging for a long long time.. =) and now i shall do it...

What has happened over the last few months have not just been trying times, but happy times as well....

Cambodia Gen 12ii 1+1 trip
Day 1
We Arrived at Phnom Penh and met up with Dr Castro and had a tour around the town. We didn't do much, except perhaps get used to the culture and the environment (especially the heat). It was exciting though... my first trip with my darling....

Day 2
On Day 2, we went to a garbage dump cum village in Phnom Penh. Its similar to those stories of old ladies and men staying in garbage dumps in Singapore. Just that over there, they really lack clean potable water and so many other things. I like the kids there, they had this silent consistency and aura around them. However, it was really sad to see them struggling so hard with their lives. What a missionary said the day before sprung to mind... "we're saving lives for eternal life" And that is the true vision of mission in that garbage dump.

Day 3
We travelled to Kampong Thom... And i was getting a little sick at this time. We checked into the orphanage, and i think were wondering how we were going to stay there because we didn't have any toilet paper. The blessing of a toilet bowl. Anyway, we spent most of the day preparing for the next day's programme. I fell sick at night... came down with a fever, and i prayed to God, in all faith that he'll heal me... He didn't really heal me, for his own reasons, but i fully trust in Him that he had a purpose for it. On the other hand, My darling was so worried, and she became very sad because she couldn't be with me.... Thanks to Angela though, who really helped out, even getting sick herself later in the trip. I was supposed to take care of my darling..... yet i couldn't.... I'm sorry dear.

Day 4
We went to the school and set up our carnival. Things went well, though i was still feeling a little queasy the entire day. Eliza shared in my place. I thought at this moment in time, maybe God didn't want me to share, that my testimonies could be used in other ways, perhaps not for these children. My faith is special, just as everyone else's is. And i do not doubt God's plan. Anyway... today, I really got sad, because my darling seemed so sad, yet she didn't want to tell me a thing. Only later did i find out... But we worked through it and after the rain, there always is a rainbow. Today was also the day i really bonded with Samson, this boy at the orphanage. I was feeling kinda down, and sad, so i went to a corner of the orphanage to sit... There i drew a small portion of the plant, and another picture of a scenery. And Samson watched intently at my every stroke of my pen... Later, i would draw many other pictures, and he would always be there to watch each picture i drew.... =) (Watch out for those pictures).

Day 5
On this day, we went to a high school, and it was different and unexpected. We didn't feel equipped for people of this age when we first planned the trip. They were aged 18-22. So going there, we were filled with an awkward anticipation, yet nervousness. We prayed hard and frequently, always asking God to bless the event. And he did... Shanley shared an amazing testimony of how she came to know Christ through her uncle. The games were great, and despite the language barrier, we got to know many of the Cambodia students very well.... A few Cambodian girls even wanted to take photos with me, like i was some movie star, i was so flattered. But of course, i know my darling is the only girl in my heart, and i just want to be wonderful in her eyes. I love you dear.
That night, in the orphanage, i also had the opportunity to watch a performance by the children. They were fantastic! They did this white glove skit under UV light, with the gloves glowing mystically, forming words and pictures with their hands. Accompanied with Angelito singing "The Mission", it was really impressive.

Day 6
This was Sunday... And my darling did Sunday school for the kids, and they said it didn't go as well as planned. But at the end of the day, things worked out. God is watching over us. I wasn't there, and i didn't know what happened, but i know God was with my darling. I missed my dear so so much all the days, because we didn't manage to have a lot of time together. I couldn't give her a "Vicks Vapo-RUB" every night like i used to; or even pray and do quiet time with her.
Anyway! This was a real highlight as we visited the Chocolate River of Kampong Thom, and we jumped in. And regretted it slightly, but God provided and we have to thank many of the Cambodians for helping us out. I lost my specs, but we prayed and God answered. These little miracles always happen, and we thank God so much. Truly, what fear should we have. Have faith everyone. =) I love my dear... I was also really worried when she got a burn... i was so sad... and disappointed in myself, that i weren't there with her to take care of her.
On a separate note, i left Samson my drawing book, glad that i had made a difference in his life.

Day 7
In Day 7, We visited two villages.... For me, it was really tiring, partly because i was sick but my darling was there every single moment to encourage me and stay with me....
This was the day some of our group members ate crickets, but i secretly think its partly the cause to why they had diarrhoea the days after.

Day 8
We travelled to Siam Reap and had a look at the fabulous hotel we were staying in. However, i got sick and really giddy, and had to sleep early. I actually had my own bed that night! Because Mister shao hong and Mister Changyao were so gracious to let me rest and their own expense.

Day 9
We went to our last school ministry, and i was sick the entire day so i stayed back to rest the entire day. I really missed my darling the entire day so i read the bible half the time i was in the room, praying for their safety and for them to really reach out to the people. They all learnt Loktar Abraham and once again i wasn't able to share at the school. But once again, i prayed, and God made me understand, perhaps its not my time or place to share.

Day 10
We went to visit Angkor Wat but it was just a temple. We played "Hai Dai" across the now empty swimming pool in the temple. And we had a round of cowboys, indians, cavemen and kungfu fighters. What fun! But Shereen was sick, and i felt so sad that she couldn't enjoy herself on the last day. My dear and me spent the entire day together, sticking so closely... We really missed each other in this time of ministry work.

Day 11
We went home! Home Sweet Home.

Next up....
CSC CAMP and it was REALLY TIRING....