Monday, July 18

We arrived safely with all of our luggage yesterday. Today we met up
with Pheakdey, a friend of ours and former Asia's Hope employee. She
is expecting her second child in November. So even though my body felt
like sleeping, I persevered and took her shopping, what else of
course, as a way to be an encouragment to her as she has had a
difficult year. We were able to buy her some maternity clothes. She
was very excited. We also spent time purchasing some jewelry for
GROW. The rest of the family didn't need as much time at the market,
so when a cat came into the market, they found ways to entertain
themselves. I just kept hearing the cat meow and the kids laughing.I
am not sure i want to know.

Cultural note - My children learned that the old saying, "children
should be seen and not heard" is still alive and well in Cambdodian
families. Pheakdey explained that at the dinner table the parents talk
to each other and the children are silent or silenced with the wag of
a finger. Parents do not interact with their children as we do. This
was quite foreign to our children who as many of you know are never
short on words. Their response was that would be boring if we didn't
talk to them. Dinner time around the table talking with family is
precious to me.

Well we are still on Ohio time or somewhere in between and I don't
think i can stay awake any longer. So more tomorrow..