Some of our thoughts

Life is moving on as usual here, so we don't have a lot of stories to write about, or haven't had many new experiences over the past few days. But here is short list of the things we both talk about:

1.) We still feel like it is June because the "summer" weather has not changed. Without having a fall (the weather, food, football, pumpkin patches, etc.) or a change of seasons it seems hard for us to believe that there is only two more months left in 2010. The ability to process time is just more difficult.

2.) We read a lot. Classic novels, books on Cambodia and the genocide, new novels, and books that challenge our faith. The books we were supposed to read in HS and college and never did. I guess that is what happens when you don't have a TV anymore (who would of thought).

3.) Our life is pretty simple here. Before we moved our plate was full with each of us working full-time at our jobs, Chris finishing his Masters program in under 2 years, and Leanne doing the fundraising to get us here. Our days were full of errands, papers, phone calls, and trips trying to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. So here in Phnom Penh we have the ability to rest and relax over the weekends, something we have not had in years.

4.) No one in Cambodia can seem to give you a confirmation or a guarantee. Aircons that are supposed to be installed on Thursday might be finished by Saturday (only if you make several phone calls that the job has to be done because Monday is too late). Or a travel agent who tells you she will book you a flight for $50 until the 20th, and then on the 19th you call to only find out that she just no longer will acknowledge the previous deal. A driver who gives you a receipt for the services he will provide, but then calls the day of and cancels just because he can't anymore. A deal here just isn't the same as a deal back home.

5.) We love sugared crackers as a snack. And eat Ranch that we brought from the US almost everyday.

6.) The rains are ending and the weather is actually very pleasant (well to us at least).

7.) Entertainment takes on new forms. Below are some pictures of us at an amusement park (if you can call it that) on Diamond Island where you can ride the Ferris Wheel and play dart games. However, the prizes at Diamond Island are rice cookers, serving trays, knives, or flip flops. They also have a wedding photo walk, that we took the liberty to use and thought the red heart photo stop was the best for a bride and groom.

Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, emails, skpye dates, and packages that so many of you have sent us that make us feel so supported!