A Thanksgiving to Remember

After 6 long days of being very sick, 3 of those nights spent in the hospital, Brian was discharged yesterday. What a gracious gift from God on our Thanksgiving holiday here in Cambodia!! By yesterday, Brian was very ready to come home. During the day and night, he had many nurses poking and prodding him, taking blood, temperature, blood pressure, giving him pills to take, cooling him off, etc. We are so thankful for the hospital he was able to stay in: not only is it right across the street from our school, but it is also the nicest hospital in this city. It was just what he needed during his days of extreme sickness. Here are some pictures of his room:

It had a nice little kitchen, and a great view!

The view out his window (sorry for the glare)

Waiting to be discharged: Thanksgiving morning

Now at home, Brian is feeling a little better each day. He is on strict doctor's orders to rest for at least 3 more full days. Today is day 7 of him being sick. We are so thankful to be able to rejoice in God's provision; sending Brian home on this day was a true blessing. Some friends and I decided semi last minute to throw some food together and enjoy a traditional meal here in Cambodia. As B rested at home, I went over to a colleague's house and baked all afternoon. We had baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, gravy, and dessert. We had a great time of fellowship while baking, and an excellent meal. B joined us as the meal was ready, and was able to eat 2 plates of food (this is good, because he virtually hasn't eaten in 6 days). Here are some pictures of our meal:

The spread: we fed 6 people

The gang: Brian, Joanne (Hong Kong), Joelle (England), Megan (Colorado), and Dennis (CA)

We were stoked to have this traditional of a meal in Cambodia!!

: : Rescue Orphanage: A Trip I Will Never Forget : :

Before Brian got really sick, a group of us from the school took a trip out of the city to an orphanage. One of the families at our school knows the woman (a Canadian) who runs the orphanage; she is from their home church. We went to visit, encourage her, and bring treats for the kids and older ladies. This woman, Marie, is incredible. She has lived in Cambodia since 1961 as a missionary: her and her husband were missionaries here until the Pol Pot regime, when they were forced to move back to Canada. After a freak accident, her husband died; Marie felt called back to Cambodia, and this is her home. She is a woman in her 70's now, but still runs this orphanage with almost 200 kids! She also has an AIDS neighborhood, where she provides homes for families living with AIDS. In addition to that, she has recently built a school on the property, and has just added 10 more family houses. She also provides "granny homes" for elderly Cambodian women who have no where else to turn. This woman is truly a saint, and as I type this, my heart is warmed even thinking of all she has done for people in this country. Marie rescues children from being sold into trafficking, and just before we visited last week, she got a sibling group of 5 young kids whose father had just brutally murdered their mother. As we were traveling the 1+ hour to get there, we were given all this information: as we pulled into the gates of the orphanage, each one of us was truly blown away at what this woman, with God's help, has done. Enjoy the photos below.

The long dirt road leading to the most peaceful place I have been to here: Rescue Orphanage

The AIDS neighborhood: there were about 8 homes total.

One of the babies in the AIDS home. He just got a lollipop, and was totally enthralled!

Orphanage homes: each child is placed into a family with house parents. Each house is fully functioning and holds 10 children.

Marie and one of her 174 children. She speaks fluent Khmer (the language here).

Beautiful sisters enjoying a sugary treat.


Love at first sight: one of the 4 babies in the Baby House.

Group photo time! Marie couldn't remember the last time this was attempted!

Beautiful sunset for our trip home.

This day was such an eye=opening experience. So many families in this country give up their children for various reasons: some are sold into the trafficking industry, others cannot be properly cared for, and others lose parents and have no where else to turn. This orphanage was so well run, pleasant, and filled with God's love. These children were absolutely beautiful, and I will definitely return when given the opportunity.