travel to kompong thom

today is a travel day. Kompong Thom is 162 kilometers to the North of Phnom Penh. Nivath (pronounced Neeh what) Nhem, President of the Cambodian Baptist Union is driving us in the CBU owned van. Nivath said the trip will take about 5 hours - the road is not good and there is much traffic.

Tomorrow our institute begins with the study of the book of Romans. Pray for us as we focus, teach, and pray for Nivath as he translates. It is always a new kind of "dance" when we meet with a group of students for the first time. Pray that we will connect quickly and that their comfort level with us is high.

Yesterday we enjoyed dinner with Nivath, his wife Sithong, and boys Zacharias (4 years old) and Zacharlip (2 years old). Sithong is expecting another child - and is having some bouts with sickness. Pray for her as Nivath is with us for the next week.

We also visited Wat Phnom - it is one of the oldest temples here and Kyle and Caleb rode an elephant - it was priceless - hope to post a picture of that.

Kompong Thom is a small town - very doubtful we have internet connection - so will update upon returning to PHnom Penh.

Thanks for taking this journey with us.
D

"adjustment" day

today (friday) is a day of allowing our body clocks to adjust and to try to avoid the desire to just sleep. following our two days of travel we crashed last night about 7 pm and then due to the miracle of being on the other side of the world, awake bright and early at 4:30 am!

But the mysteries of travel catch up fast and by this afternoon we all desired a nap. Another of the "glamorous" things about world travel. So tonight will be a little later to be and hopefully a litte later in the morning.

Today we were taking Kyle and Caleb to see some sights. We rode motorbikes to the Toulslang Museum which is the place (one of dozens) here in Phnom Penh that was a killing/interrigation station during the Pol Pot regiem of the mid 1970's. It is quite simply a gruesome place, but we owe it to the memory of those slaughtered to visit and pass on the information to the next generation.

Caleb mentioned that it was the most awful place that he has ever been. And it is. It is one of the most awful places on the planet.

I challenge you to look up on the internet some info about the Killing Fields and become aware of the recent past in this country.

Then we went to the old market to give the boys (sorry young men) a shopping lesson. It went well, both came away with a few treasures.

Lunch was at Jars of Clay coffee house - which is run by two British ladies who work to give life skills to young girls who have been rescued from forced prostitution. They have a great ministy and great food. Jeff loves the mocha frappachinos' - I haven't quite acquired a taste for cold coffee mixed with chocolate and ice - but hey - that's the beauty of individuality.

This afternoon was naps for some (i won't mention any names, Kyle and Caleb) and study for the old guys. The good thing about this year's schedule is that we were forced to travel early because of flight availability, but it gives us some good quiet hours of final study and preparation.

I'm getting ready to go to LUCKY's and bring burgers and fries back to the room. It's raining and I drew the short straw. Oh well, that's ok.

Thanks for your prayers. We travel to Kompong Thom on Sunday. Tomorrow we will meet with Nivath Nhem and get the "gameplan" for the month finalized and talk about the future of the work in Cambodia. Pray that we will communicate well with Nivath.

We'll also get to give some gifts to he, Sithong and their boys (Zacharias and Zacharlip (don't ask, I'm not sure why Zacharlip)). Pray for Zacharias - Nivath mentioned he is having some kidney problems. I hope to find out more about that tomorrow.

THANKS FOR TAKING THIS JOURNEY WITH US!!!

David

many thanks from phnom penh...

we have arrived safely in phnom penh, and although our bodies are very tired we are excited about the things that God is going to do on this trip. we have just returned from taking kyle and caleb on their first walking tour of the area around the hotel (needless to say they are overwhelmed, although they are both handling it well). we also enjoyed our first of many meals at "lucky's" hamburgers.

tomorrow is a sight seeing day and a day to get caught up on some much needed sleep. please continue to pray for the team, pray for our health and effectiveness. these trips would not be possible without partners like you, so thank you.

and while we are talking about thanks...i want to say a big thank you the many folks who have sent me birthday greetings over the past couple of days. i have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of emails and wish i had time to respond to each one, but this will have to do for now. it is still amazing to me that God allows me to do this type of work in His Kingdom, and i'm thankful for friends like you...

we will write more tomorrow after some sleep. by the way for another perspective on this trip visit kyle's blog that he is maintaining during the trip. you can find it at:

http://www.xanga.com/notcountingthecost

that all may hear!

j

Almost there...

We have made it to Taipei, Taiwan and are just awaiting our final flight into Phnom Penh. Everyone is doing well, although we are all pretty tired and probably are beginning to grow a little "ripe" (a hot shower in Phnom Penh will be a great thing!).

Please continue to pray for our team. We will be posting to this blog on a regular basis and look forward to hearing from many of you during our time in Cambodia. May God richly bless you, you are a blessing to this ministry.

J

Correction

Jeff's Birthday is June 28th

sorry for the wrong date.

david

Bon Voyage

We are on the eve of our departure for Cambodia and I just wanted to touch base and let you know of our gratitude for your support.

Aquila Partners are the BEST!

Our project is funded, and our bags are almost packed. Continue to pray for us during this time. Pray that God will be glorified by all that is done, and pray that our teaching is encouraging to those in attendance.

Joining Jeff and me is Kyle Spencer, a college student and Eastwood member, who is going overseas for the first time. Also my soon to be 18 year old son Caleb is getting his first overseas exposure. Pray for all of us for good health and an ability to encourage these leaders that will be at each institute.

You will receive updates as we are able to have computer access. As always no news is good news - it just means that we are unable to have computer access.

Tomorrow Tuesday, June 26th is Jeff's 42nd birthday (or is it his 49th?) As we are travelling if you could send him a "happy birthday" email that would be great - while travelling we have several opportunities to check email.

His email address is Jeff@theaquilaproject.com
My email is David@theaquilaproject.com

Finally - please know that we covet your prayers and any emails you send are an encouragement and never a bother. We will respond to them as we are able.

THANKS FOR TAKING THIS JOURNEY WITH US!!!!
David