Reflections

We've been back in China for quite a few days now. But our little university town is still very deserted, as all students are at home with their families. We are enjoying the quiet, though; and we hope to spend these days planning and preparing for their return.

We were very thankful to have the opportunity to get outside of China for two weeks to relax with friends in Malaysia and also visit Cambodia. It was very encouraging and refreshing to take this short break, as it has been every year at this holiday time.

In Cambodia, though, we were very moved by the people and their history. If you don't know much about the turmoil in that country over the past 30 years, I encourage you to look it up on the Internet or check out a book I've been reading called Killing Fields, Living Fields about a Christian worker there during the revolution. Although I loved visiting there, I have carried out a bit of their sadness with me. Land mine victims are everywhere, as well as the children orphaned by parents lost to landmines while working in the farms--not to mention the children working and begging, probably victims to child trafficking, which is far too common. And yet, the people are all-smiles.

Mr. Long was our tuk-tuk driver for the four days we were there. This is a man of about 35 years old who grew up as a rice farmer. A few years ago, he left his wife and young child behind to move to Siem Reap where he taught himself some basic English and bought a motor scooter to earn money to send his child to school. He now sees his family once a year, at most. And even harder to comprehend are some of the atrocities that he may well have witnessed and lived through as a child in the revolution and post-revolution famine. Even still, his kindness, sincerity, and hospitality are unmatched.

We can't seem to describe clearly the impressions Cambodia made on us, but we are so thankful that we were led there--if even for a short time--so that we can keep them in our thoughts. We are certain that our short visit will continue to impact our lives in many ways.