Worship and Bus Travel- June 21-22

Sunday morning we worshipped with the students and Cambodians that attend the church at the student center. It was great to hear the music and sing with them - two languages-one God-awesome!
Sunday also gave us opportunity to visit the Russian market - young kids selling books are instantly there to guide you through the market and "help"you make your selections. Some even gave advice for bargaining. Of course, they had stories to tell that most of us believed were only stories, but Cathy believed every word!!! We found some gifts:)
Next we had a tuk-tuk experience- a motor bike that pulls the surrey with the fringe on top- it seats four and off you go through the city. Can't begin to describe traffic in the city!
We went to a buddist temple, climbed the many steps to the top and went into the temple - it was dark...such a true picture. The statues and incense were all at the foot of the large budda. In front of each statue was money and people bringing bills that they laid in front of the statues. Some were on their knees praying, others were putting a heavy box on their head - someone told is it was paying penance. Women and children carried long stems of flowers that were put into huge vases. It was all very sad.
Outside the temple were men with birds, monkeys,beggars, people selling all kinds of food - the kind Duey wouldn't eat - or any of us either!!
We went to an outreach dinner where the college students had invited unbelievers to come to a nice dinner at the hotel. We all spread out at the tables to serve as hosts to them. There was some music and the gospel presented. There was mostly Cambodian food - not so great for the Americans, but the Cambodians ate well. We were told that there at least 2 people who received Christ.
Home to pack for the long bus trip to Batambang on Monday. There were 3 birthdays during the trip - mine on the 21, and two on the 22. So they actually found a bakery with a cake - we split this little cake 17 ways after blowing out the candles - very memorable birthday experience.

Monday we got up early and went to the bus station - almost didn't make it on time. The bus trip was 5 hours through the countryside. River, villages, cows, water buffaloes, rice paddies, temples, thatched roofs on wood and grass square hut/houses on stilts, motos, cars - many Toyotas like our old blue Camray.

Batambang hotel did not save us enough rooms so when we arrived there we had to flex and go to another hotel. Major important word for this trip FLEX....the new hotel is good. More about the orphans here tomorrow. It is breakfast time and we are ready to leave the hotel to go back to Phnom Penh - 5 hours back on the bus.

Everyone has been totally healthy. Everyone is getting along well. Prayers are being answered. We are all being blessed daily.