Food

My favorite fruit: the mangosteen - a delicious fruit grown on tropical evergreens in Southeast Asia. The taste is really unique and hard to describe; it's sweet and tangy, with the texture of a peach. To open the fruit you pinch at the top by the green stem, cracking the rind, and pulling the soft shell open. The white inside breaks apart like orange slices; those slimy white pieces are the good stuff! Avoid eating the rind; it's really bitter. I understand that presently the U.S.D.A. does not allow the mangosteen to enter the U.S., but they are gradually making their appearance in Asian and International markets in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles for anywhere between $4-$11. Other popular fruits include: the jan fruit, kuy fruit, romduol, pineapple, star apple, rose apple, coconut, palmyra fruit, jackfruit, papaya, watermelon, banana, mango and rambutans. Although fruits are usually considered desserts, some fruits such as: mangoes, watermelon, and pineapples are eaten commonly with fish or with plain rice. Popular fruits for shakes are durian, mangoes, and bananas.

Below is a sticky rice cake with mung bean; it is a recipe for special occasions (i.e. weddings.) I was initially hesitant to try it -- since it looks like a thick, cloudy, white jello, and is wrapped in a moist, warm banana leaf -- but it really is very good! There are many varieties of this recipe; I hope Vandy's mum will teach me how to make it!

If you watch Fear Factor, maybe you have seen balut. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo (aka: baby duck) inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell. "A combination of saltiness and tartness, softness and crunchiness, a sensation of sweetness, the degree of resistance to the bite, the viscosity and stickiness are the rewards."
The staple food for Cambodians is rice. Almost every meal includes a bowl of rice, although noodles are also popular. A wide range of curries, soups and stir fries are served with rice.

Vegetables like mushrooms, cabbage, corn, bamboo shoots, fresh ginger, broccoli, and snow are commonly used in many different stir fry dishes.

Fish is the most common form of meat in Khmer cuisine. Pork is also very popular. Beef and chicken are stewed, grilled or stir fried. Seafood includes an array of shellfish like clams, cockles, crayfish, shrimp and squid; lobsters are not commonly eaten because of their price. Roasted duck is popular during festivals. More unusual meats include: dog, frog, rat, snake, tarantula, and cricket.

Chicken fingers has a whole new meaning!

Love love love, Jewel

Missionaries to Cambodia

I am privileged to work beside a wonderful team of pastors and missionaries in Phnom Penh and around Cambodia. There are currently three Wesleyan missionary families on the field, and here is just a little about them.


Tim and Tiffany Gallant and baby KatieTim and Tiffany are the reason I initially chose to go to Cambodia (although there were many prayers given to the decision, and eventually I felt God's peace.) When they are in town, they attend my home church, and we have many memories together - both stateside and in Cambodia. I am blessed to share a love for Cambodia with these two!
You can read the Gallant Gazette HERE


Greg and Resie Fernandez, Aleeyah and EsherGreg and Resie are two of the most passionate missionaries people that I ever met. They are also very wise, disciplined, and humble. They are two of my biggest challengers and two of my biggest encouragers. They previously taught at the WBI, but are now involved in Church ministries and outreach. Because of their specific ministry field, I will be working more closely with the Fernandezes when I am in Cambodia.
You can read Resie's blog HERE
Greg's blog HERE
and Aleeyah & Esher's blog HERE


Chet, Virginia, and Bekah QuinnThe Quinns are from Kentwood Community Church in Kentwood, Michigan, and are maybe ten months through what I believe is a two-year assignment. Chet teaches computer at the Wesleyan Bible Institute, and Virginia volunteers at Daughters of Cambodia, a faith-based non-Government organization reaching out to victims of sex trafficking in Cambodia. I'm anxious to meet them in December!
You can read the Quinns' blog HERE

The Russian Market

The Russian Market is popular among tourists, local expatriates, and Cambodians. It is located in southern Phnom Penh, and is named for its popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s. It is a large indoor market hundreds of stalls.

Inside you can find hardware goods, drinks and cooked food, antique furniture, traditional carvings and handicraft, hand-woven silk, music, movie and computer CDs, silverware, gems, books and maps, backpacks and bags, and shoes and clothing, etc., etc., etc.. Everything you would want! (Except, strangely enough, moto helmets! Right Zoey?) Some shoes and clothing come from various local garment factories, hence some top labels (Puma, Northface, Hollister, etc.) can be found at very reasonable prices. Actually, everything is very reasonable and all vendors expect customers to barter prices.

For any American, shopping in a foreign market is quite the experience.

Outside:Fruits and vegetables::
DVDS:: (3 for $5)Traditional Handicrafts::
Meats::

Silver
and much much more::

The smells are distinct, the sounds are distinct, and the people are distinct. I could [and have] walked around for hours, observing, just taking everything in. I still remember a young boy I met there last summer; he was selling books about Cambodia, and selling cards painted by victims of landmines. There is also the sweetest, most precious man in the cafe area that claims to serve Phnom Penh's best iced coffee [and he does by the way.] So if you're ever in the Russian Market, find the man with the big smile and all the flags! It's clean, delicious, cheap, and strong! You will definitely get all the caffine you need to shop until you drop!

Here he is:
Mr. Bounnareth

Love love love, Jewel

God, I'll Follow You

Two favorite artists. One favorite country. One beautiful song.

God, thank you for calling me to Cambodia!

...All my needs you have supplied.

When I was dead you gave me life.

How could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.

Follow you into the world.

Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.

Follow you into the World.

Use my hands, use my feet

To make your kingdom come

Through the corners of the earth

Until your work is done

'Cause Faith without works is dead

And on the cross your blood was she'd

So how could I not give it away so freely?...

Scarves

My second shipment of Cambodia scarves are in! Thank you to Resie for purchasing the scarves, and to Umfundisi for bringing them back to Indiana for me. This fundraiser has been bigger than I ever imagined it would be. I sold 40 scarves two months ago, and I sold nineteen in only three hours last night!

Love love love, Jewel

City, Countryside, and Between

Although I'm more likely to end up settling in the big and busy capital city of Phnom Penh, this is the Cambodia I love -- the countryside. Traditional architecture includes the stilt house, built with a wooden frame and a steep thatched roof overhanging the walls. These stilt houses are up to 9 feet off the ground to protect against floods, while providing shelter for the family's domestic animals below the house.

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Siem Reap, built for the king in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The above picture was taken at Bayon, my favorite temple at Angkor Wat. The temple complex is absolutely phenomenal; in fact, it's one of the wonders of the ancient world. Around five hours from Phnom Penh, Cambodians have much pride in Angkor Wat, and it is even featured on the Cambodian flag. You can anticipate an entire post dedicated to Angkor Wat in the semi-near future..

Like in any nation, life in the city certainly contrasts life in the country. This scene is typical in Phnom Penh, where houses are built small, but upwards. Phnom Penh, meaning "full mountain," was known in the 1920s as the "Pearl of Asia." The capital is the wealthiest and most populous city in Cambodia, home to more than two million of Cambodia's population of over fourteen million. It is home to the country's political hub, and is a significant global and domestic tourist destination.

Khmer sunsets are stunning. When I lived at the WBI, I was blessed with an incredible view of the West and was amazed to see the sun set early every evening.

Love love love, Jewel

The Eastern Culture

I'm continually trying to learn more about Cambodia and the worldview of the Khmer (Cambodians). Here are some funny - but true - descriptions of the differences between the Western and Eastern cultures. I apologize for not giving due credit for these pictures; I saved them many months ago.

Western/Cambodian:


Handling Problems:

View of self:

Lining up:

Way of living:

In two visits, I have already seen at least a small glimpse of each of these characteristics in Cambodian culture. After only a few minutes on Cambodian soil, I experienced "lining up" in a crowd of mostly oriental men at the visa station. There was a long counter, with two crowds of people - one at each end. I remained waiting at the back of the cluster, until I finally realized that the only way to reach the front was to attach myself to the person in front of me, and although we were not in a succinct line, everyone in the group always knew who was next. I finally reached the counter, handed them $20 and my passport, then moved to the back of the next crowd. Then when my name was called, the sea of people parted and I continued forward.

I still have much to learn...

Love love love, Jewel

Anticipated Future Ministry [pt. 2]

Pastor Poleak, his wife, and twin boys: Peter & Paul

In addition to youth ministry [read HERE,] I want to work alongside the pastors and their families to establish some sustainable income generation projects. The Wesleyan Church in America recently withdrew all their financial support of the Wesleyan Church in Cambodia, leaving most of the pastors without an income. I do not know the reasoning for the Church to withdraw support, except an assumption that the Church in Cambodia is ready to stand on its own without outside support. Despite the very difficult situation of having no income, the 35 pastors are still very faithful to God and are encouraged nonetheless.

Pastor Arun and Pastora Chariya, with sons Ruben and Rodan

Even without their great responsibilities of time and energy to the church, economic opportunities are limited, especially in the country-side provinces. I want to use my training and education in International and Community Development to assist the pastors and their families in creating sustainable projects to generate an income to support their families without withdrawing from their support of the church. In the lush, country-side provinces, I hope to train the pastors to garden; fruits and vegetables can either be sold to purchase other necessities, or consumed by the family. Chickens can also be raised for their meat, and their eggs sold for profit. Other options are training the women to sew, or opening small stores for odds and ends.

Rev. Kung Kimsan and family

Many years from now, I would like to see a cafe established and operated by the pastors' wives and/or daughters. The cafe could target Westerners and offer cheesecake, blueberry muffins, chicken salad sandwiches, grilled cheese and etc. A corner of the cafe could highlight handmade goods - i.e. jewelry, journals, greeting cards, etc. - crafted by the pastors, their families, or church members. I know that is a big dream, but we'll see what God does!

Pastor Kimsua and family

Love love love, Jewel

Anticipated Future Ministry [pt. 1]

Do you know that feeling you get when you're waiting in line for your favorite roller coaster? It's nervous excitement. The wait feels like an eternity and I'm so anxious to take the plunge, but the closer I get, the more nervous I become. However, only an act of God will get me out of line.

God has given me a great passion and many big dreams for reaching and for sharing His love with the people of Cambodia. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I have such big visions, because I do not always feel strong, but I am drawing my strength from God and from others there. Anyways, I cannot fully explain how excited I am for this ministry... but please stick with me as I try to organize my thoughts and feelings into words.

Dream #1) -- Cambodian Youth for Christ

I have a passion to reach young people, through working with the local Wesleyan churches to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who exemplify godliness in their lifestyles, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement. I want to create a safe place where youth and students can come after school, spend their freetime, and be introduced to Christ. I feel my heart drawn towards the youth who are shackled by the chains of Buddhism. I want to open the Bible with them, to sing praises with them, and to learn and grow with them. I want to speak truth into their lives, to show them God's love, and to introduce a new way of living, a way from very differnt from their families and their traditional culture. Youth are at an age where they can be so easily influence, and also rather strong influencers. Ideally, the center will offer English classes, and eventually computer access and music lessons.

Here are pictures from a recent university students fellowship at the home of missionaries Greg and Resie Fernandez:

Love love love, Jewel

I might forget the beggar...

During a 13-hour layover in Seoul, South Korea, I wrote this in my journal "I can't say that I went to Cambodia without fears or hesitations, but because I was obedient to follow God's call, He was faith and did incredible things while I was there. I sought God and I found Him. I saw God in Pastor Vandy, who, despite his own financial problems, shared his income with an ill church member. I met God in a Buddhist temple atop a mountain, as I gazed over His beautiful creation. I felt God as I joined seven students in Khmer worship, their hearts fully surrendered. I heard God speaking as Tess and I joined together in prayer and fasting." [June 13, 2009]

I could tell you many stories about the people I have met, about the places I have gone, about the things I have seen, about how I have lived there; but what is greater is what I have learned, how God has changed me, and worked in and through me. I might forget the beggar in Kampong Chhnang, but I won't forget what she [unintentionally] taught me - how she challenged me. I can't admit to you that I responded to her differently than others would, or that I "loved the least of these..." but I can tell you that I learned something great as I reflected on our moment in passing together.
What if I had stood, offered her my seat at the table, and bought her meal? Others might have thought I was crazy or went a little too far, but what would it have shown her about love for neighbor?

I am so anxious to return again in December, to enter into another phase of life there, and anxious to learn and experience new things, and see how God will work in and through me. Thank you for supporting me as I follow His call to Cambodia.

Love love love, Jewel