Hello from sunny Cambodia, where the average temperature this week has been 94 degrees and we still haven’t truly hit hot season yet! (Sorry, I had to put that little tease in there since Portland has been getting some snow lately.)
January seemed to have flown by and February is keeping pace. Work with MRO is keeping me busy. I had the chance to go on two outings with the Social Work Teams. I wrote about visiting Foster Children and Reintegrated Children. I also got the chance to present some website suggestions to improving the MRO website in the near future. I look forward to rolling that out and some new videos promoting MRO’s work in Cambodia. (Don’t worry – I’ll be sure to share them once they are live.)
One of the things God put on my heart during my Christmas break was to find a Khmer Church. While at Daughters, I was required to attend their church. When my contract ended, I stopped attending. I’m still an active member of my English Church, helping out monthly with The Craft Corner. A friend from language school invited me to attend a Khmer church that her husband is the Pastor at. I kicked off 2019 by checking out their church. So far, I really enjoy it. It’s a group of mostly young, college-aged, Khmer who are living in dormitories to attend local universities. They are friendly, patient with my Khmer and eager to practice their English. I’ve been enjoying attending the church and learning more Khmer Christian vocabulary. Also, my new roommate is working for this missionary / Khmer couple!
Since many people have commented on the books I’ve been reading, I thought I would include the book I’m reading each month. In January, I finished reading Just Mercy, which was recommended by a close friend of mine. It’s about the history of the prison system and the death penalty in America. I learned a ton while reading it. Since most of my friends here come from an international background, I’ve talked to a few about the book. I’ve also learned some interesting insights about what other countries think about our prison system. Double the learning experience. I’m almost done with Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive, which is about “white American folk religion” and features my nextdoor neighbors here in Cambodia and the anti-human trafficking work they are involved in.
What have you been reading / listening too lately?
How have you been doing? I look forward to hearing from you! As always prayer requests are below.
Hugs from Cambo,
ជេនណា / Jenna (and Bullet – no pictured.)
I would really appreciate you joining me in prayer in the following ways:
1. Praise! I’ve found a new roommate who will be living with me in Cambodia for two months. (She is coming to research moving here full-time). My Oregon tenants have decided to break their lease and move out. I’ve hired a property manager, so please pray they can find new tenants quickly. Also, if anyone is looking for a new place to live in PDX, I know a great spot!
2. Continued prayer for my language skills. Between work, Khmer church and tutoring, I feel like my speaking and vocabulary is continuing to improve. I’m still not feeling confident about my reading skills.
3. My health / safety (as always). Right now I’m recovering from a horrible case of heat rash – I’ll save you the gore. I’ve got some upcoming injections planned for my continued health here in Cambodia. Please pray that I won’t have any adverse reactions.