On the other side of the world

So we realize it's been several days since we've made an update, and for that - we sincerely apologize. You are probably wondering what we have been up to... It's time to grab a beverage, kick back, and read up on your favorite Cambodian couple.

Rosie has begun training to teach intermediate and advanced English classes. She is also tutoring Caleb Martinez (Julie's son) in health and English. I think she's doing a great job. While being a teacher, she has also become an RN. I was sick last weekend and you wouldn't believe the research she did to help me get better. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Last week and weekend, the Khmer celebrated a holiday called Pchum Ben. Most of the streets have a deserted feel and the majority of the markets are sealed up tight. It is a time for people to journey back to their home and celebrate ancestors and so on. It is interesting how so many cultures have what we might see as similar holidays; ie. the U.S.- Halloween, Mexico- the day of the dead, Cambodia- Pchum Ben.

One young girl from the children's home recently lost her father. She has two sisters and one brother who were still living with her father at the time. It is thought that he died from dehydration due to food poisoning. The young girl is probably 15, and her siblings are all younger. While the loss of their father is so sad, her brother and sisters will begin living with their new brothers and sisters at the children's home.

The children's home is a place of refuge for every one of those kids. They are a family. Last March I was able to spend a week with several of the boys from the children's home. They love being around one another. One minute they'll be wrestling around laughing and the next hanging out in a hammock together. It is the best culture I have seen among kids who are not living with their immediate family.

The integrated farm is such a great place to be. We have several different types of fruit trees including lemon, moringa, mango, and aquietdi (spelled phonetically because I don't think there is an English word for it). We also have two species of fish; tilapia and basa fish. Basa fish is a species similar to catfish. Pigs will likely be the next addition to the farm. We have been stalling due to a virus from Vietnam called the "blue ear virus". There is currently no vaccine for the virus, and pigs all over the region are dying from it. Due to the virus, the price of pig/kg has dropped. This is likely because the demand has dropped due to fear of eating a pig with the virus.

How awesome was the Chilean rescue?! I mean this one event had the world captivated. Can you imagine spending 69 days 700 meters below the surface? What about the fact that for the first 17 days in the mine they had no idea whether they were being searched for or being given a funeral with an empty casket. The youngest miner rescued was 19. No doubt this experience has changed his life. I can’t imagine the overwhelming emotions you would feel once you reach the surface. What is the first thing you would do after being in trapped that long? Seriously, what would YOU do first?

Rosie and I don’t want our relationship with you to be an awkward one that ends because we’ve been so busy lately… So comment and keep checking back with us. We will do our best to keep everyone updated!

Love you all.