Team Sharing, Caring, and Puddle Jumping

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of excitement. Yesterday's activity was running through the market with our teams of 30ish people to buy 7 items on a list spending less than $20 total. The team that came in first with the most change recieved the most points towards their overall team score. The adventure was not without its challenges due to the size of our groups and the language barrier, not to mention competitive spirits running high. Did I mention that it was raining through it all? You haven't seen a rain storm until you've seen one here in Cambodia.

Our teaching time has been filled with games, songs, and practicing English. The students have opened up more since the beginning and it is heartwarming making connections. Karissa has enjoyed getting to know Dou (which is shorter for a longer name none of us can remember or pronounce). They have enjoyed talking about favorite songs, movies, and Bible verses as well as singing together and acting goofy.

Jaci's effervescent personality has attracted a group of Cambodian girls who love and enjoy being around her. Who wouldn't? :) One of the boys in her group, who was shy and quiet, was the one who, at the spur of the moment wanted to get baptised. That was a highlight for her!

Karissa was the first to share her testimony with the students. Her story was one that the students could easily relate to and she delivered it with joy and enthusiasm.

Cheryl volunteered to share a story based on a Bible character and she chose Samuel when God first called him. She recruited the acting talents of Josh and Scott to bring life to the story. As she told the story, Phearum translated, and the boys acted out their parts.  The student laughed and were captivated.

Josh enjoyed the delicacies of a scorpion, tarantula, frog, silk worm, and crickets. Cheryl jumped at the chance to nibble on a taratula leg and silk worm while Jaci, with eyes closed, was fed a taratula leg all being video taped by Karissa.

Every day we kick off English camp with worship, testimonies, stories, and games. During the worship times, Cheryl loved being part of leading the students in song while Scott plays guitar with Phearum, Moch, Seiha, and Matt.

Josh throws himself into all he does, dancing the worm and being called on to do more freshie shows (crazy dancing around the room for losers) than most. He also provides daily health check ins, keeping us healthy due to his background.

One of the team competitions after the market scavenger hunt was to eat the native fruit, durian. To provide context, durian is a fruit known for its pungent aroma; so much so that many establishments in asia prohibit durian on their premesis. Daybreak was represented well by Josh, Jaci and Scott as they scarfed up the pudding-like, foul smelling fruit.

Maureen has captivated younger girls with her "round a ball" rhyme/tickling game. One of the girls, Seiha's daugher, named Marisa, laughes uncontrollably when Maureen does this with her. The game was first started with Maureen's mom and Maureen has been taking it around the world.

This morning we worshipped together with all the teachers from English camp, many of the students, as well as those that attend that church - and a family from California that were directed to the church by their travel agent. Scott had the honor of bringing the message entitled, "The Power to Live a Life of Love". Thank you to those who have been praying because Scott preached with the confidence of the Lord. Everyone enjoyed it.

Tomorrow we are looking foward to our excursion with the students to Angkor Wat and another temple where we hope to sing, "At a Time Like This" like we did 9 years ago.  Thank you again for all the prayers and encouragment.  Please continue to keep our health, our energy, and our display of love of Christ to the people of Cambodia in your prayers.  We love and miss you all.