Rich and Ronda Dolan

The picture of Rich was taken at our house during a devotional time, but I really wanted to tell you that Rich is teaching in the Khmer language for the first time. He is discovering that it takes a lot more preparation work and energy to teach in a language that we are still trying to learn. the students say that he is doing a good job. We still go to language school everyday. The other pictures are of the students playing Bunco (a dice game, for those of you who don't know) at our house. The prizes are minimal but they all have a great time. My parents are also here right now. Dad is teaching Isaiah to the students in the afternoons. Much love, Ronda

This first picture is of the 2 little boys that were going around to the tables and asking for the empty cans. Anytime there is a party, there are children that hover around to get the recyclable stuff. The 2nd picture is of Rich and I at the wedding in the evening. Along with us is Nita; she is currently teaching English at the PIP house. She has been coming to Cambodia since 2004. The last picture is of my sister, Julie and I with the bride and groom. This was taken in the morning. I only added these pictures because we got the comment that we needed more pictures of us. I'd really rather put up pictures of Cambodia. Know we love you all. Ronda

Then, there is the sword/string typing/money giving/ blessing ceremony. The couple kneels on the floor with their hands in front, like the first picture. All the family come by in pairs and puts money in their hands, by the sword. Then they tie a red string onto their wrists and give them a blessing. After that, there is lunch and the family part of the wedding is basically over. During all the morning, there are musicans who play the traditional Khmer music. At 4:30, we went back to the wedding. This is for the friends as well as the families. In Cambodia, if you receive a written invitation to the wedding, it is a requirement that you go. Also, everyone brings a gift of money. Most people give approximately $20. Due to the fact that many of the people here are poor, this is a substantial amount. That is why, when I asked several of our friends if they liked going to wedding, they said no; they told me that it was too expensive. The evening part starts off with the groom, br

OK. Now for the Feetwashing Ceremony. The groom is dressed as a king. The bride presents herself with her bridesmaids. She then bows before the groom and washes his feet and sprays them with perfumed water (she doesn't actually wash his feet, just makes it look that way). When she is finished, she bows again. Then, provided she is acceptable, he holds out his hand to her and helps her up and she is accepted as his bride. I couldn't help thinking, while I was watching this, about what comments would be made if someone tried this in the US!!! It is funny how they have mixed their old wedding traditions with the current wedding traditions. Sorry it is taking me so long to get this done. I'll be done with it soon. Much love, Ronda