Are we there yet? Yes!

We finally made it! We are so excited to be in Cambodia. We arrived late Friday night after 30 hours of traveling. The first thing we saw was Blake and Ryan Ruppel waiting for us to claim our luggage. After introductions and a ride in the famous “blue truck,” they showed us where we would be staying for the summer. It is located right across the street from the church, which is where the Ruppel family lives.

The next morning we were able to go with Blake and Rhadee to their soccer tournament. It was fun to see something familiar even over here in Cambodia! We were then able to go with Mrs. Ruppel to make a visit. It was incredible to hear her share the Gospel in Khmer. Saturday afternoon was a full day. The Ruppel family showed us around the city of Phnom Pehn. The tour included a visit to the corner store, the mall, and the market place. We were excited to have a chance to barter for some better prices! It was definitely a great first day in Cambodia!

On Sunday, we were able to see a Cambodian church for the first time. It was beyond anything we have ever experienced before. We started in the children’s service, where over 60 children were present. Many of these children rode in on the “blue truck.” It was packed full of kids! It was mind-boggling to hear children singing in their own language the same songs we sing at our churches in America. Although we could not understand them, we definitely could tell what they were singing. Our favorite was when they sang “In-Right Out-Right Happy All the Time.” For the morning service, Rebekah had a chance to work in the “nursery.” She was surprised to see the hammocks they use as cribs here in Cambodia. It worked great! Stephanie was able to listen to her first Khmer service. Once again, it was amazing to hear preaching in another language, and to see people come forward to the altar and respond to the invitation. It was humbling to see people pray in their own language, and know that God understands every word. This showed us how we must share God’s love and the Gospel to the whole world!

Monday we began our first workday! We were able to work in the school located in the same building as the church. Rebekah gave 13 piano lessons on the first day, and Stephanie spent all day teaching English. It was a long day, but God gave us the strength we needed! We also made our first trip to Lucky’s grocery store. Peanut butter and jelly was definitely at the top of our shopping list!

The Ruppel family has been such a blessing to us. They have definitely made us feel at home. We feel like we have gained three younger siblings in less than a week! Ryan, Blake, and Rhadee have been willing to show us around Phnom Penh. They have been able to translate everywhere we go. It has been great to get to know them even better. We are also thankful for our Khmer friends. Socheata, Sopiep, and Theary have been an encouragement to us already. Their strong testimony for the Lord has challenged us to walk even closer to Him.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we seek to follow the Lord’s guidance here in Cambodia. Pray that we will be a blessing to the Christians here, because they have already been a great blessing to us. The Lord has already made Himself known to us in so many ways, but we recognize that greater things are still ahead. Thank you for your prayers.

Theary, Stephanie, Socheata, and Sopiep at our first Khmer restaurant

"Blue truck ministry"

Cambodian Crib

Rebekah giving piano lessons