Arriving in Cambodia

On Tuesday morning at 10:30 (Monday night EST), I arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This is my second time in the country but my first time in the capital city of Phnom Penh. I was picked up at the airport by a dear brother Oudom Chan. Oudom is an impeccable gentleman, full of class and grace and more maturity than most men three times his age. I met him and worked with him a little on my first trip last May and I was delighted to see him again. I got to ride in a tuk tuk with him. I had wanted to ride in a tuk tuk last time and did not get the opportunity, so this was fun to ride through the busy streets of Phnom Penh in a tuk tuk.

He took me to the office of SEAPC Cambodia and I met the lovely ladies that I will be helping this week. I am eager to get to know them better and excited to jump into the numbers with them.


Oudom then took me to the famous Russian Market. It was there that I was able to satisfy a craving I have carried since last May and I finally got my hands on the ever so delicious Cambodian Iced Coffee! Heaven on earth! The Russian market was interesting. They sell everything there - and I do mean everything.


We then stopped at my hotel and I got checked in. Oudom walked with me for a few blocks to show me the nearby places to get food and other items. We entered a bakery that had the most gorgeous cakes and other unique and delicious items. Oudom had told me that the only goal for the day was for me to rest and sleep off the jetlag. I did not feel any jetlag. I was excited. However, if the goal was to tire me out - it worked. Walking a few blocks in the scorching sun and typical humidity brought the tired feeling, along with the customary sticky sweat. So we returned to the hotel and Oudom left me to rest for the day.


After unpacking my things and getting that much needed shower, I stepped out onto the balcony of my hotel room. My room is on the 9th floor and gives me spectacular views of the city of Phnom Penh. As I looked out over the city, I remembered the words I heard often during my first trip.... "it's called Southeast Asia PRAYER Center for a reason!"

So I spent time praying over this amazing city.

Every once in awhile, I remember where I came from. It always leaves me breathless for just a moment when I remember. I am the girl from the bottoms of McKees Rocks. If the Lord had not rescued and delivered me, I would most likely be a statistic, still living in the McKees Rocks mentality. It was over 29 years ago when the Lord reached down and stuck in His Holy hand in the cesspool of McKees Rocks and lifted me out. Almost three decades later, His Holy heart and hand place me on a 9th floor balcony and give me the gift and privilege of praying for a city He loves.

Around 4:30 that afternoon, I decided to be brave and I took a walk by myself. The reason I call it brave is because I had to cross the busy street multiple times! Thankfully, Oudom trained me well. I stopped at an outdoor store and bought a soccer ball for my sponsored child. I went back to that amazing bakery and visited a convenience store.

Upon returning to my hotel, I went back to my balcony to watch the sunset. Pictures will be posted later.

I had dinner on the rooftop of my hotel, which was beautiful, and I had my favorite Cambodian dish: Loc Lock.

At 8pm, I fell asleep. I woke up at 4 am Wednesday morning (Tuesday night EST) and made a cup of coffee in my room and enjoyed more time with the Lord and preparing for the day ahead.

Today will be my first "work day" and I am excited and ready.