Rich and Ronda Dolan

Lanny Partain taught in the school for month. During that month, his sweet wife, living in Houston, had to leave twice for hurricanes. She might not let him leave again. Anyway, it was great getting to meet Lanny and have him with us. While Lanny was here, one of our students, Sokphea got engaged to Srayneeang . Here, there is an engagement party where the people invited carry food on decorated plates in pairs and walk in a procession to the brides house. There is food while the ceremony goes on upstairs. In the engagement ceremony, the future groom and bride and both sets of parents meet. The groom discussed with the bride's parents what he will give for her. (Of course, this is a formality usually as this has really already been settled) Sokphea and Srayneeang had 2 changes of clothes, both traditional dress. Also, the bride, as you can tell from the pictures, gets quite decorated up. Due to the heat, etc. the Khmers don't typically wear any makeup, but they ...

I know Ronda just posted, but we're going to get more pictures up and do a better job of posting. So, here is a picture from a church meal. Sorry about the quality, it was taken on a cell phone. Notice we are enjoying the meal and we are shoeless. Reason #7 to live in Cambodia -- I have not worn dress shoes in over a year! Here is a picture of our current class of students. Notice they are small, in both height and quanity, but it's a really good group. Don't they look smart? It's because I'm not teaching them right now. And, here is a picture of our family in front of the school. In case you can't tell, I'm the older looking guy on the left, then there is Jason, Randall and Reuben. Rebekah and Ronda are in the front. Rich

Hi! It seems like I am always apologizing for not writing more often. But you know how it is...you get on a routine and it doesn't seem particularly noteworthy. But, again, I will try to do better so you feel more like you're with us here. Lanny Partain, who had been teaching for the last month (yes, I did get a picture of him; and yes, it is still in the camera) left on Monday headed, hopefully, home to Houston. Needless to say, he had a lot of work ahead of him once getting there. Preliminary reports from his friends indicated that his home didn't seem to have much damage. His family was safely out of Houston. We are grateful for the time he spent here with us and the students. Dennis and Sharon Welch, who have moved here to help the work, have found a house and should be able to start moving things in this weekend. Mark Hooper will be here teaching for a week, so we will pick him up at the airport on Saturday. This week, the students are out to different villages ...

This first picture is our new students. Left to right is: Rena, Sovan, Pisay, Lee, and Rahn. On Monday, Pisay and Rahn were baptized. Both had been studying with several of the other students as well as friends. Like all of our other students, these 5 are so very sweet and seem to be working and studying hard. The girls are staying at Tawn's sister's house as she has 3 girls of her own. Keep all of our students in your prayers as they study. Much love, Ronda

No pictures as I am on Rich's computer...sorry. Lanny Sartain is doing a great job teaching our students Romans and Sacrificial Systems. He will be here until Sept. 15th. Dennis and Sharon Welch arrived August 28th and have been looking for a house, getting phones, starting language school, and getting a better feel for the work here. For this school year, we have 5 new students. The boys are: Lee, Ron, and Sohvan; and the girls are: Rena and Pisay. They are all young and sweet and studying hard. Of course, our other students are great to help them and encourage them. Julie, my sister, is here now working at the Partners In Progress house. So she is getting settled and has started language school. So, lots of changes, extra hands to work, new things, and lots of excitement as the work continues to grow. We are so grateful to God that we are allowed to work her in this place. Keep us in your prayers. Much love, Ronda