A Chilly Friday

Since it is Friday, I wanted it a chilly day with my morning classes. One more thing, I have only been to a few of the kids' homes and so I was dying of curiosity. I asked them then to draw how their villages look like. Mountains and lakes were in my mind, but it turned out a wrong prediction. 

An hour and half later, they handed me these colorful portraits out of their beautiful imaginations. Voila! More than just awesome drawings, I perceive each as a masterpiece of grace-a gift from the Creator himself. It is the close of the weekdays and shall we say T.G.I.F?!  

Drama

Back to the real world after a long break. It's gonna be another wrestling afternoon with thirty learners in a tiny room. I had fun with my morning classes today though. It is raining and hoping for this weather cools these hyper kids down. I don't believe in crossing fingers-it is hard work and creativity-God's grace rather.

Oops, please do remind me why am I here at the feet of these mountains. I just turned down a big career over a challenging one-someone's choice but somebody's dismay. Nope, it wasn't an eleventh hour decision. I prayed about it over a million times. Until this time point I still receive calls from the Director of Studies asking me to teach ESL at the university. I don't understand either, but my heart isn't happy at all. This is where the Master leads for now and so I'll follow Hos direction.   

Ordinary Things

For even an ordinary thing has a special place in my heart. If happiness is defined in comfort or abundance alone, then I would never understand the beauty of emptiness or the essence of satisfaction or the joy of simplicity. Because in this seemingly harshness of life I learned to cling to God's promises-a trust, a faith, a grace-a definition of who and what I am now.

Thank you, Lord, for the never ending challenges to face and so for the endless blessings to count. Honor and praise are due You.  

Late Greeting

Have a wonderful Khmer New Year to my Khmer families, students, and friends including every foreign friend who is living in this beautiful country. May you continue to trust the Giver of life and count each blessing along the way with grateful hearts.

Back Home

I am back home from a four-day rides just to get a visa. I swear, that travel was like forever. It won't be the last for I will have more of these trips to go. For one valid reason, that is because I do not have a permanent residency although I do live here. Now, I am enjoying the break with one of the Khmer families-my family here for eight long years to count.

Heaps of thanks to those who have lifted me up  in their quiet times. And to those who have sent encouraging messages-your kind words are very soothing. And also a box of mahalo to those who were led to give-your kindness is truly appreciated. Let Him bless you a million folds in return.   

Unexpected Treat

Remember what I said in one of my posts that I only get friendship over and above staple? That is because the Father takes care the rest. Decades after decades, an all time favorite hymn is no constant reminder: "All I have needed Thy hands hath provided."Indeed, great is Thy faithfulness.

Part of my responsibilities is train inexperienced ESL volunteers from different parts of the world. From there they make a good career out of it. A few have looked and gave back and the rest have left their whereabouts untraced. But I expect nothing in return. There are just kind people like this guy. He has been our faithful friend, a partner, and supporter to my kids here. When I told him that I'd be doing a visa run, he knew what it was like. And so he gave me a treat-a Mexican dinner and a cozy room to stay for a night. Again, thank Thee for all these things.      

Changes and Grace

Got in Saigon three hours ago after two days ride. So so away for almost two years and so I am catching up with changes that this country is up to these days. Forget about these tall buildings and skyscrapers that keep popping up every now so often. And oh, those cheapest guesthouses that I had been staying for fifteen years were closed down for some reasons. Been wandering around to find a reasonable price.

Even my favorite coffee shop where I used to do my seemingly unending post grad papers has also changed a lot. It no longer serves heavy meals or my all time favorite food (the nasi goreng). But of course, the cost of the famous caphe sua da or also known as the traditional iced milk coffee stays the same. But God's grace is no cheap, unchanging-it is beating it all. So grateful to the Father for that. In few more hours, I'll figure out more things that have changed and gone.

Fourth Visa Run

Unless this bus would stop even for just a while, then I could get a good photo or a few at least of the scenery of one of the longest and tallest bridges in Cambodia which is situated at the heart of Neak Leung. Since it was opened for public to use as a passage way to cross another world, I really have been wanting to get off and enjoy the view. But as always, it was for my eyes only.

Almost at the border now. It is another item to rejoice and thank God for the provision. Also thankful for friends who has blessed me making this trip possible-my fourth visa run so to speak. But really, it was a regret not being able to capture beautiful shots from both man-made and God-made creations.

   

YES!

Done with my last-three hours of teaching ESL for this term. Even at the final minute, my patience was at stake-so challenged by unnecessary screechings of kids. It was a successful countdown or, better yet, it was another victory.

I have got two weeks off-one of the biggest holidays that this country has. Used to stay this time around with Khmer families. And got invitations already lined up-it is going to be so soon. Thank You, Father, for strength and provision and wisdom. Truly You are gracious and faithful. Your goodness and love are new every morning.  

Wat

In my seventeen years of intercultural immersions, this time without a doubt is one of a kind-so unexpected. No, it was not premeditated. Not in my wildest dream. It happened that I would perceive grace deeper in other perspectives-like it had never been understood before. 

That God's mercy isn't experienced in a cliched manifestations alone. Like I learned it as a kid, it knows no limit. He can use anyone, any place, any circumstance to fulfill His promise. This temple has been my refuge for weeks and weeks now. I, myself, is flabbergasted but it is in this wondering I found favor and kindness from people didn't realize would come into my life. When I thought about the situation in odd ways, God turned it into a beautiful disaster.