Floats from the Water Festival

These are pictures of 3 of the Water Festival floats. They are actually large barges that float down the river after it is dark. They represent the King and several different government branches. All around the base of the barge are huge bouquets of flowers, which I thought was funny since after dark, you can't see them. So, after the day's boat races, the people stay packed in all down the riverbank and wait until dark where they watch the barges as well as fireworks. Its very pretty!
We feel very fortunate to be able to live
here and experience all of this culture.
Much love, Ronda

A funny little sideline

(This picture is just one I took awhile ago...shows how much they can haul with one little 60cc moto and a flat wooden cart)
Now the funny part...As I have told you in the past, the Khmer language compounds words to make other words. And they do it a lot!
The word for "elder" as in a church elder are the words for: person-old-ripe(like ripe fruit).
So, that gives you something to think about, whether you are a "ripe old person" or trying to deal with one!
Much love, Ronda

Water Festival!

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much of the Water Festival this year. We did go to the south end and see the end of the races. The first picture is of the finish of one of the races.
We took 19 people in our car to a little get together at the PIP house before we all walked from there down to the river.
The 2nd picture is of Dalan, one of our students (in brown jacket). Her brother, in yellow, is on one of the boat teams. Her mother and sister are also in the picture.
There are approximately an extra 2 million people in Phnom Penh for the races - people everywhere. The 3rd picture is of Rich giving
Pisay, another one of our students, a hard time for her small stature.
The last picture is of part of the people at the PIP house. We took some time to sing and have some snacks before walking to the river. There was probably 60 people that met at the PIP house. Since there are SO MANY people around the river area, we quickly split up into smaller group. It tooks us 1 1/2 hours to get back to the PIP house (at the most, a distance of 2 miles) because of all the people walking.
So, if you want to come see the races, which are quite fun, come visit us next year at the end of November. The Water Festival follow the lunar
calendar, so the dates change from year to year.
Love to all of you! Ronda

The beach

I know I already told you that my sister and I went to the coast for our birthdays. Here are some pictures I took. It is rainy season, so the water wasn't as clear as normal, but still beautiful. I am so very thankful that God chose to make this world beautiful for us to enjoy!
In the picture of the 2 girls walking down the beach, they are selling bracelets, key chains, etc. Many of the sellers carry their items on their heads.
It was a wonderful peaceful time. I enjoyed it immensely!
Much love, Ronda

Pictures of Greg and Cindy Fleming

Greg Fleming sent some pictures that he had taken, so now I can share them with you.
But first is a picture of just how much the Khmers can get in/on one vehicle. We see scenes like this daily.
OK. Now, the next 2 pictures are of Greg and Cindy while we were at Angkor Wat. We enjoyed their visit. Greg taught at the school, which is always a great help to Rich so he can concentrate more on his language studies.
Know we love you all. Ronda

The Flemings and Angkor Wat

I really hate that I didn't get a good picture of Greg and Cindy Fleming. But the couple I took at Siem Reap and Angkor Wat will have to do.
The first pictures I took while we were on our way back from Siem Reap. I thought you would enjoy the picture of at least 6 people riding in the trunk of the car - for several hours. I wish the picture was clearer, but you get the idea. It never ceases to amaze us at how much they can get in and on a vehicle here.
The Sign picture was taken in the ladies bathroom in the Angkor Wat area. Since they mostly have squat pots here (basically a hole in the ground), not all the Khmers know how to use
normal toilet. So, this picture shows them that they can't squat on top of the toilet. Also in all our bathrooms here are water sprayers (the US should get smart and have them too); so the last 2 illustrations are so that they understand that you aren't to wash your feet or shower in the toiler stall with the water sprayer.
Picture #3 is the entrance into the Bayon Temple area. I just love all the carved faces.
And the last picture is of Greg and Cindy Fleming and Rich. Greg is taking pictures while we tour Angkor Wat. Not a great pictures, but all I have.
So, if you come see us, I will try to remember to take your picture...so sorry, Greg and Cindy.
Much love, Ronda

We must be having fun...

...because time is flying! I can't believe that it has been so long since I blogged! And there has been plenty going on.
The first picture is of come village kids where we stopped to get a drink on our way to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) with Greg and Cindy Fleming. They were very excited to see foreigners stop at their stand and they rounded up pretty quick. (You will note that the big kid in the back - the whiter one - is Rich).
The other picture is one of a family headed out after gasing up their family car - the moto. Since many only have a moto, they transport amazing amounts of stuff on one. We have seen as many
as 7 on one moto - 4 of those were adults.
I really hate that I didn't get a picture of Greg and Cindy Fleming while they were here. Greg taught in the preaching school for a month. Cindy got to be here for 2 weeks. We enjoyed their stay and got to catch up on new happenings in their lives. Greg was preaching in Robert Lee, TX when we were just starting out in San Angelo, TX. Their 3 kids are the same age as our 3 oldest. We hope they get to come back.
We love you all and wish you well. Ronda