Back home in Cambodia.

We are back home in Cambodia now.  We had a wonderful trip to the US!

But, before we left, we spent the last weekend in a village with Borey, one of our graduates, and his wife, Phaney and their children. 

He started this congregation by  himself.  After awhile, he converted his mom.  But for a long time, he didn't have any other people responding.  

Now you can see that they have a thriving congregation due to his perseverance.

There are several Christians in Phnom Penh now that came from this village.  They now live in the city and are an encouragement to the church here.

This was the Bible class on Sunday, May 25th.

This is some of the teenagers that hung around with us that Borey teaches.
Please keep Borey and Phaney in your prayers as they continue to work.  

Not in this picture is their new baby daughter that wasn't even a month old. His sons that are standing with us in the picture are Ratanak and Noah.  Their daughter's name is Gaysa.


We left  for the US on May 30 and arrived the morning of May 31st.  

We received an incredible gift of a car for us to drive while we were there.

We drove from DFW to  Batesville, Arkansas.  Sunday, June 1st, we were able to worship with the North Heights congregation that supports the school.  They have been such a blessing to us for all these years!  

They had a youth event that day, so we especially enjoyed the singing.  One of the things I miss the most is beautiful Christian congregational singing.   We enjoyed getting to visit with so many sweet friends we have made there over the years.
Then, we continued on to Kentucky.
We met Reuben and Emily and their kids there.  
We went to the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum.  
The Ark Encounter really makes you realize the massive size of the ark as well as the incredible faith that Noah had to have had.  
We thought that both were well done and really were glad to be able to visit there.
We also managed to do the Obstacle Course/Zipline that they have there.
Rich paired with Micah, Ezra was with me and Reuben and Lily paired to do the lower course.  
We had a great time!  Emily was taking care of the little ones while we played.

As much as we enjoyed the Ark and the Creation Museum, we mostly enjoyed just getting to spend time with our kids and grandkids.  Sweet!!






From Kentucky, we drove to Kansas City to spend time with Randall, Kassie, Kenley and Ryah.

We did stop at Newburgh, Indiana on the way to worship with the saints there on June 8th, on our way. (And I tell you, that Aaron Rodgers - or someone that looked a LOT like him - led the singing!)

In Kansas City, I got some shopping done, we picked cherries and fed goats at this cool place in Weston, MO.  

We went to a Monarch's baseball game and again, just enjoyed being with our sweet ones.
On Sunday, the 15th of June, we worshipped with the Heartland congregation in Kansas City.

Randall led the singing and Rich preached so it was a special day for me.




Then we drove on to Broken Arrow, OK.
For probably the first time in almost 18 years, we weren't able to be in Broken Arrow on a Sunday.  So we missed a lot of you.  

We did get to visit with so many people that we love there.  And we truly treasure the congregation there that we have been a part of since December 1990.



It was really considerate for the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Championship while we were in Yukon, OK!  
We made a fun day of going to the parade in OKC.  Evan made a midnight run to make sure that we were dressed suitably.  Here we are!  Rich, me, Jack, Evan with Graham, Caroline and Rebekah.  Such fun!

On Friday, we did drive back to Broken Arrow for George Gwinn's funeral.  George and Phyllis have been sweet friends for so many years.  George built Rebekah a beautiful porch swing when she was in high school.  We praise God for His love and indescribable promises and know that George is enjoying his sweet reward with his Lord. 
Of course, you have to have Roadrunner Cartoon time!  Since Rich introduced the grandkids to Roadrunner, it is requested daily.  We really do try to limit their screen time, but ... you have to have Roadrunner a few times!!







We left the OKC area and drove to Midland, TX.  
On the way, we stopped in Lubbock, TX to visit with our friends, Vic and Carol Self, who we have known since college.

In Midland, we got to spend time with Rich's mom, brothers and their families.  I failed to take any pictures there.  We had a nice time visiting and catching up with all of them.  We were able to worship with the Westside congregation in Midland on the 29th.  This is the congregation that Rich grew up in from his 8th grade year until he graduated.  

Leaving there on July 1st, we drove to San Angelo, TX for lunch at Paul and Patsy Shero's house.  We had a nice BBQ lunch with some of our sweet friends there.  Rich started his youth ministry in San Angelo at the Colorado and Jackson Church of Christ, which is now Southgate C of C.  We lived in San Angelo for 6 years before moving to Broken Arrow.

We were thankful that many of our friends could take time out of their day and meet us for lunch.  
Since we already have so many stops, we don't get to stop in San Angelo often, so it was great to see our friends there.

After leaving San Angelo, we drove on to Cypress, TX  (Houston) to see Jason and Avery.

We decided to try the Color Factory in Houston.  
Here is Jason and Avery stylin' in their pink glasses.
We also helped Jason move into a new place while we were there.  
Avery and I managed to get in a little swim time as well.

July 4th, we celebrated with the Bell family, who we originally knew from Broken Arrow.
 Matt Bell has been instrumental in helping raise fund for us and we are grateful for his desire to serve God in this way.  Ryan and Heather and their family was down from OKC, so we got to spend time with all of the the Bells.

July 6th, we worshipped with the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston.  Again, were able to see friends again that we met in Broken  Arrow, Texas A&M, etc.  The Church is such a unique family.  A sweet gift from God.

On July 9th, we drove back to the DFW area, returned the car, and flew home on July 10th.

Rich is now teaching the Psalms at the school.   I think we have finally gotten ourselves turned around, timewise.  

Naturally, I have a lot more pictures of our US  trip.  REALLY, I hope all of you know how special you each are to Rich and I!  We are so thankful for you and your love and prayers.  We couldn't do this without you.  Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."  We need you and your strong faith.  It is God first and then you,who enables us to be able to be here and serve God here.  
















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