(Backup) Battambang Youth Camp!

It has been a challenge to find time to write on this blog. Our days have been very full .... some days starting before 5:00am, and not ending until close to 10:00pm. What a blessing each day has been!

On our first Sunday in Battambang, we had our first Khmer breakfast at the noodle shop with Kakda. Then, we took our first tuk-tuk ride to Asia's Hope to join them for church.  We spent a couple of hours visiting our friends at BB2, and also Sameoun and Channet at BB11. Because our plans were slightly changed for the day, we were able to make it back to the Battambang Grace Center for church service at 3:00! The youth arrived at the center that afternoon from surrounding villages ready for camp the next day ... we enjoyed having dinner with them Sunday evening. 

First tuk-tuk ride with Sokha ... our wonderful driver and friend. 

Asia's Hope BB2

Simon, Joe, Seng, Pastor Choeum, Pov

Joe and Abbi making friends with the Cambodian youth.

Last Monday - Wednesday were our longest days! We were up and out before 5:00am to either walk or get a ride to the Grace Center to start prepping for breakfast. We pulled chicken off the bones,  chopped all kinds of vegetables, and set up tables. Each of the three mornings, two of us would joint two of the ladies at the market to shop for all of the food for that day. Going to the Cambodian market is something everyone should experience at least once! I personally love going to the market! It is so colorful and interesting to see how different the market is from home... 

Nisy and Sokvy are expert shoppers! 

The Youth Camp was a great three days! Joe and Abbi got to know a lot of the young people at the camp, and really enjoyed spending time with them. The days were long, but the time seemed to go fast .... probably because we were all having so much fun! Tony really enjoyed learning about how to cook Cambodian style, and asked a lot of questions! We had a lot of opportunities to spend with our CMP (Cambodian Ministry Partner) friends as a group during meals and throughout the day when they weren't teaching. We also had a lot of opportunities to spend time with the youth ... during meals, clean up time, and during sports time! If you've never played soccer in the pouring Cambodian rains, you should try it sometime 🤗 

See that dark cloud? It poured rain on the way back to the Grace Center, and all of these smiling faces were completely soaked! And, still smiling 😊

The Youth Camp was a great time of teaching, learning, and worshipping together in song and dance! Our team had many chances to interact with the youth, and one night Joe gave his testimony. The three days of camp were fantastic, and we were all sorry to see it end. 

After the camp ended, we spent three mornings with all of the CMP's and their wives discussing leadership and serving, and what that looks like in our home, church, and business. Simon lead the discussion each day based on Philippians 2:1-11 .... serving with humility, and considering others more important than ourselves. Each day, after our discussions, we went to lunch as a group with all of the CMP families. The lunches were very lively, and it was great spending more time with everyone! 

All of the CMP's and their families.

New friendships have been made, and old friendships have definitely been strengthened. What a precious gift  from God friendship is!! And, to spend time with our Cambodian brothers and sisters in Christ has been so sweet! Thank you for continued prayers!