Happy Independence Day from Cambodia

First, we want to send a patriotic "Happy 4th of July" as we celebrate with you 1/2 way around the world.  We were not nearly as prepared for our national holiday as our Canadian teammates who brought stickers, flags, pins, and T-shirts.  Instead, we made due with what we could find in our surroundings (which ended up being the in room coffee packets at the guest house which had an American flag on it) and lots of big smiles.  The Canadians joined in celebrating and singing our national anthem during breakfast.  A great tribute to God's dilligence was delivered to us by one of the Canadian team memebers .  We had discussed at OUR team devotions this morning the verse about running the race (Phillipians 3:12-16) and standing strong til the end.  What would you know the Canadian team member Janet shared a prayer written by one of her team members wives  for today that had the same exact essence.  God is Great.
Our first stop today was to Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world.  We swtiched roles with our students and asked them to be the teachers today and share some of the rich history of Cambodia and the temple.  It was fantastic, intricate and quite an accomplishment of the ability of man.   It was also VERY HOT while visiting but the whole team did amazing with interacting with the students and enjoying the beauty it holds.
We returned to camp for a brief lunch and then headed out to our second stop for the day - Ta Prohm.  It was a very different temple known for the way the jungle has taken it back.  If you are wondering what it was like it is the temple that was used in the movie Tomb Raider.  It began to rain in sheets as we visited which left the groups the option of exploring or heading back to the buses.  Many of the students who are not use to colder rain or had no covering returned to the buses while others stayed the storm with us teachers as we explored the ruins.  This was a fun adeventure for our team as we took full advantage of the small crowds, smaller group of students and explored the intricacies of the crumbling temple (and saw the efforts of restoration process).
We shared our last dinner with the students this evening.  It has been such a joy to get to know them, learn about their homes, their families, and even their dreams.  As we prepare to wrap up English Camp 14 by practicing some last minute dances, making crowns for the queen of the games, and squeezing in those final relational connections, we can also reflect on what has happened over the last 6 days.  We have seen students go from being nervous and quiet, to jumping and cheering.  We each have been blessed by the beauty in the youthfulness of students, their heartwarming smiles, and their efforts to not only learn english, but help us each feel welcome in THEIR country.
We plan on finishing the day with some group reflection, encouragement time, and some sparklers for the 4th.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  Lots of love from the other side of the globe.

Team Knock Our Socks Off