We Made It!

Back home everyone around me was dropping like flies with the flu and I was quite proud of myself for escaping the flu season unscathed... or so I thought. Within 24 hours of landing In Cambodia I was seized by chills, high temperature, and cold sweats. The flu. So if you have been wondering why I haven't posted anything about our trip, no we didn't fall off the planet, I've been trying to sleep off an unbearable virus that wreaks havoc even half way around the world.

With that being said since we have only been here five days and I have spent four of those five days in bed there isn't a whole lot to update you on.
Except.....

Three planes, two cars, thirty some hours of travel time, and a twelve hour time difference, but we have made it safe and sound... and with all of our luggage I might add!



We have moved into our little apartment and are beginning to settle in. Our apartment is not huge but it is SUCH an incredible blessing. It is on a side street which helps reduce some road noise (if you ever visit Cambodia you will know why this is important). It is very safe, with bars on all the windows and doors, and 24/7 security guard downstairs. The apartment is considered to be very western, which means that the windows actually have glass in them instead of being "open-air" and it also has a "full kitchen" which means it has a sink and a counter top gas burner for a stove instead of just a garden tub in the corner of the room. The bathroom also has a glass panel separating the shower from the toilet, which may not seem like a lot to you but in Cambodia most showers and toilets are in the same area so essentially when you shower the toilet also gets soaked. The owner, Mr. Keith, is incredibly kind and even bought us two little chairs for our porch. The security guard, Ty, is so sweet and he and Ward are really hitting it off.

(This is a picture of a typical upscale bathroom in Cambodia, it's NOT our bathroom. The spray handle on the wall is the shower.  Do you see how it is basically impossible not to get the toilet completely soaked? We are so thankful our bathroom is set up differently!)















We have spent our time trying to find local stores that sell normal household goods for the apartment, and since there isn't a Walmart to run to this is somewhat more difficult than I had expected. We did find a few things at the local mall. But, like all malls, prices are a bit high there. So, Ward then went to the market, but then you have to deal with trying to haggle prices. Although I am glad there are some places in this world left uncorrupted by modern shopping systems, I did for a split second wish there was a Walmart up the street to get all of my needs in one quick, cheap, swoop. After we finish unpacking and get our apartment set up a bit better I will have to post some pictures.

We have had a few chances to meet with Andrea and the team briefly and they seem really excited to have us here. Monday evening we met with Andrea and had a chance to talk about some different projects that they are focusing on, as well as some areas for us to pray about working in. We are really excited about everything that XP Missions is doing here, they are a very small team but you would not believe the amount of lives that they impact by being here. It completely blew me away to hear about every educational program, rehabilitation program, feeding program, slum outreach, and so many more that they have initiated. It's truly amazing what they accomplish. I can't wait to be able to get involved with the incredible things God is doing through this ministry. I am hoping that tomorrow morning I will feel well enough to be able to go on outreach with the team, I can't wait to jump in and see what great things lay ahead.

Until next time, "lea-sen-hauy"!
(which is good-bye in Khmer)

Love and Blessings,
Hillary Farrior