When I checked last, my “Sophear’s Christmas” blog had 586 views! My goodness, people!! I better keep writing! I thought it would be fun to write a post about what we’ve been doing or what’s been keeping us busy and what life looks like in Cambodia. Although since no one has asked that question (HA!) so I’ll start with two FAQs:
How are the kids?
Kids are great! Sophear has been a champ trying new foods. She never complains about the heat. She’s initially shy, but loves her “uncles” and every kid that’s smaller than her is immediately her new friend! She’s quite a bit bigger than Cambodian kids her age (which raises people’s expectations of her!); however, even when they think she’s five, they all find her vocabulary to be most impressive! She loves going out, having company, crafting of any sort, playing, and watching. A few weeks ago, we bought her a little desk for her room and she’s LOVING being able to close the door and color or “study” in the cool, quiet.
Chamnab has grown 5 teeth (4 molars and 1 incisor) since we arrived just two short months ago. On the days that he wasn’t super cranky from teething (and super cranky from refusing to eat because he’s teething), he has also been great! His personality is really blossoming. He’s just 16-months-old, but he works really hard to “keep up” with Sophear and her friends. He loves books, cars, books, finger puppets, going out, books, cars, and peek-a-boo! Also, before we left Indiana, he had graduated to just one nap/day. Between the heat and the new normal wake-up time of 5:30-5:45am, he’s back to two naps/day!
Are you settled?
We moved into our apartment on October 21 and we’ve been attending Phnom Penh Church since October 22. We both have working phones, WiFi at home, and all the necessary furniture and tableware. I am comfortable walking alone two blocks to the nearest supermarket and buying the essentials. I have a general idea of what is nearby - including coffee shops, restaurants, and stores - but have zero confidence in getting myself there safely without Titus’ help. Actually, with the one exception of buying groceries at the nearby Super Duper, I have zero capability (or confidence anyways) in doing anything without a significant amount of my husband’s generous assistance. As I push myself, I know the capability and confidence will come, but I’m comfortable “following” for now. The hardest challenge continues to be cooking at home. (There really aren’t enough variations of stir-fried vegetables and meat).
Now, onto what we’ve been doing and what life looks like in Cambodia.
Much of what we’ve been doing looks like people sitting around a table, around a mat on the floor, or on the side of the street. And when it’s not people gathered together, it’s sitting at a computer - writing sermons, writing children’s lessons, making lists, getting inspiration from Pinterest - or playing on the floor with our kids.
We’ve enjoyed reunions with friends with whom we have kept in touch, as well as with friends that even Titus hadn’t seen in many years. And we have made new friends! We have enjoyed meeting the three families of three Cambodian friends from America! I was SO excited to learn that there is a Christian couple from NJ in our building AND they have the cutest little boy only two months older than Chamnab (I’ll admit, I didn’t expect God would grant this request of mine!) and I am so excited to have a play date!!
After talking with other missionaries and NGO leaders, I’ve been working on a missions audit to identify the “ministry scene” in Cambodia - what others are doing, what needs are unmet, what are potential partnership opportunities. As a result of some of these conversations and others, we have been asked to do/help with a lot. Please pray that God will give us discernment and we would have confidence in the way He is directing us, that we may know where He wants us to expend our time, energy, and resources!
A few days ago, our apartment lost power (again) at lunch time, which forced us into the street. (No electricity means we can’t cook, have no air, and shouldn’t open the fridge.) Although I was relieved I didn’t have to cook (especially since I had just discovered our chicken had spoiled (again)), I really just wanted to stay home. We descended 10 flights of stairs and into the street, then walked 400m to Barn Barn Restaurant. Long story short, we’ll be joining the owners for a children's Christmas program on Christmas Eve! I’m never happy when the power shuts off, but I’m grateful that God worked this out for good!
We have some exciting Christmas services coming up and we’ll post a blog after our last one (December 30). Preparing for these services/outreaches/celebrations has been keeping us busy. Thanks to one generous sponsor and two giving churches, we have the funds to pass out some Bibles, hymnals and children’s Bibles this Christmas. The Cambodian Bible Society store is a one-hour drive one-way. Titus attempted to go on Monday and discovered they were closed. Here’s a sampling of what we have after three trips. I love looking through them! I just wish I could read them!! haha
So what fun and inspiring things have you guys been doing to celebrate baby Jesus?
I’ll have another fun post coming on or before December 26! Until then!
How are the kids?
Kids are great! Sophear has been a champ trying new foods. She never complains about the heat. She’s initially shy, but loves her “uncles” and every kid that’s smaller than her is immediately her new friend! She’s quite a bit bigger than Cambodian kids her age (which raises people’s expectations of her!); however, even when they think she’s five, they all find her vocabulary to be most impressive! She loves going out, having company, crafting of any sort, playing, and watching. A few weeks ago, we bought her a little desk for her room and she’s LOVING being able to close the door and color or “study” in the cool, quiet.
Bible shopping with Sophear! (Girl loves shopping!)
Sophear with Tino (building staff) learning how to ride a scooter! (Girl loves Tino!) She has been asking for a rainbow bike with a bell for Christmas.
Chamnab has grown 5 teeth (4 molars and 1 incisor) since we arrived just two short months ago. On the days that he wasn’t super cranky from teething (and super cranky from refusing to eat because he’s teething), he has also been great! His personality is really blossoming. He’s just 16-months-old, but he works really hard to “keep up” with Sophear and her friends. He loves books, cars, books, finger puppets, going out, books, cars, and peek-a-boo! Also, before we left Indiana, he had graduated to just one nap/day. Between the heat and the new normal wake-up time of 5:30-5:45am, he’s back to two naps/day!
Chamnab is not quite as outgoing as Sophear, but he's getting braver! He enjoyed "going to school" on Araykhsat Island this week. He was just playing with the colored pencils and crayons until a child left their picture behind and went to play, then he claimed the paper as his own and began "scribble scrabbling" as Sophear says.
This picture was on one of our rougher and needier days. Also, he definitely has more than enough clothes in Cambodia considering he only wears them when we leave the house!
We moved into our apartment on October 21 and we’ve been attending Phnom Penh Church since October 22. We both have working phones, WiFi at home, and all the necessary furniture and tableware. I am comfortable walking alone two blocks to the nearest supermarket and buying the essentials. I have a general idea of what is nearby - including coffee shops, restaurants, and stores - but have zero confidence in getting myself there safely without Titus’ help. Actually, with the one exception of buying groceries at the nearby Super Duper, I have zero capability (or confidence anyways) in doing anything without a significant amount of my husband’s generous assistance. As I push myself, I know the capability and confidence will come, but I’m comfortable “following” for now. The hardest challenge continues to be cooking at home. (There really aren’t enough variations of stir-fried vegetables and meat).
Now, onto what we’ve been doing and what life looks like in Cambodia.
Chamnab and Jewel with new friends and a visiting team eating a delicious lunch prepared by Pastor Chanla and Sister Toni's brother on Araykhsat Island. It gets pretty warm, but I'm so thankful for a baby carrier which allows me to be mobile and do ministry while allowing Chamnab to sleep safely in my arms!
Much of what we’ve been doing looks like people sitting around a table, around a mat on the floor, or on the side of the street. And when it’s not people gathered together, it’s sitting at a computer - writing sermons, writing children’s lessons, making lists, getting inspiration from Pinterest - or playing on the floor with our kids.
Hosting our friends Pastor Vandy, Tess, and David for lunch before taking the kids to the mall play place. To receive "it's good!" from Vandy was a very high compliment for my cooking!
We’ve enjoyed reunions with friends with whom we have kept in touch, as well as with friends that even Titus hadn’t seen in many years. And we have made new friends! We have enjoyed meeting the three families of three Cambodian friends from America! I was SO excited to learn that there is a Christian couple from NJ in our building AND they have the cutest little boy only two months older than Chamnab (I’ll admit, I didn’t expect God would grant this request of mine!) and I am so excited to have a play date!!
At a breakfast meeting with our friend, Bunnath, who co-directs an NGO (Fountain of Hope). In January, I (Jewel) am going to explore the opportunity to volunteer with his organization.
After talking with other missionaries and NGO leaders, I’ve been working on a missions audit to identify the “ministry scene” in Cambodia - what others are doing, what needs are unmet, what are potential partnership opportunities. As a result of some of these conversations and others, we have been asked to do/help with a lot. Please pray that God will give us discernment and we would have confidence in the way He is directing us, that we may know where He wants us to expend our time, energy, and resources!
Titus and Pastor Kimsan enjoy a snack at Brown Coffee after Bible shopping. Pastor Kimsan is one of the leaders of the Wesleyan Church in Cambodia. It has been great to reunite with his family!
A few days ago, our apartment lost power (again) at lunch time, which forced us into the street. (No electricity means we can’t cook, have no air, and shouldn’t open the fridge.) Although I was relieved I didn’t have to cook (especially since I had just discovered our chicken had spoiled (again)), I really just wanted to stay home. We descended 10 flights of stairs and into the street, then walked 400m to Barn Barn Restaurant. Long story short, we’ll be joining the owners for a children's Christmas program on Christmas Eve! I’m never happy when the power shuts off, but I’m grateful that God worked this out for good!
Here we are eating pizza for lunch after church with our university students. At $2.99 per personal pan pizza AND buy 3 get 1 free, it was a great way for us to treat them!
So what fun and inspiring things have you guys been doing to celebrate baby Jesus?
I’ll have another fun post coming on or before December 26! Until then!
To see Christ glorified in Cambodia,
Titus, Jewel, Sophear, & Chamnab
