Well it’s been over a month. I’m sorry…again. Here’s the deal: our internet is terrible. And sometimes it’s not easy, convenient to find wireless connection outside of the ship. And when I do, updating my blog isn’t always my first priority. Sorry about that.
Here’s what’s been happening. I had a good time in Cambodia. It was different than I expected but we enjoyed it still. The down-side…it rained pretty much EVERYDAY. It got really frustrating and wet. Because of the weather, we didn’t have very many visitors. But we are praying God is going to work in the lives of the people we did come in contact with. Speaking of the rain…two memories come to mind. The first one is of the first attempt I made at exploring the city. Carola and I went walking without any idea of where we were actually going. We hadn’t made it too far before it started to pour. We had no car and all the taxi’s/tuk tuks were taken. So we started to walk back. I, unfortunately, was wearing a white shirt. Thankfully, Carola had a jacket she let me borrow. We got close to the ship when the wind and rain really started to pick up. The force of the rain into my face was physically painful! We took shelter behind a building and spontaneously shot a video of carola standing with her useless umbrella in the storm while pretending to give the weather forecast. We made it back to the ship but not with any dry part on our bodies and not without the stinging sensation of raindrops on our faces. But it was still a great time and an entertaining memory. Then the other time wind and rain interrupted my normal life on board was even more dramatic. It was a Sunday. The sun was….ok, not shining. But so far, no rain. Just setting the stage here. I was on the crane deck which is a separate section of books for sale at a discounted price. The area is set up under a tarped tent. There were a good number of people there looking to buy books. Then suddenly, the skies opened up. I hurried to pull the front of the tent closed to protect the books but the wind was insane. As soon as I got one side down and went to get the other, the first side would blow back on top of the tent again. I yelled into my walkie talkie that I needed help and Josh came running up the stairs from gangway out to assist me. It was a typhoon! While we desperately tried to hold the tarps down to protect everyone inside, we couldn’t help but look at each other and laugh. It was ridiculous! The tent was blowing around and we decided it wasn’t safe for people to stay there. We rushed them to the bookshop and secured the tarps. Meanwhile in the bookshop, the floor was being flooded and many books were ruined. It was the craziest time at work I can remember in the past six months. But what a humorous story to tell. and we all lived to tell about it. In fact, the wind and rain was so bad that the ship had to leave the port and go out to anchor so we wouldn’t get broken against the quayside. It will be one of my biggest memories of Cambodia.
We were also blessed to have a five-star resort offer for us to use their pool for free and their spa facilities for a discounted rate. I took advantage of a massage, pedicure, and walk along their beach more than once. It was so peaceful and beautiful there.
I was also able to participate in International Night. It was the first time I had been to once since we joined in Cebu, Philippines. It consists of dances, songs, and international performances by the crew of the Doulos…all with a gospel message. It’s usually the biggest event in the port. Well, I was blessed to be able to be in the gospel choir. It was the last performance and we had such a good time. I also got to be in the parade of nations. Many crew dress up in their national costume and are introduced in front of the audience by name and country. Then we bow or wave or whatever. Well, Josh and I were both representing the USA. I challenged him to yell “Oh Yeah!” with a fist pump after I announced we were from the US. He pulled through and got a big laugh out of me…even if no one else was entertained. Afterwards, I went to get a bite to eat with Jen and James. We went to a really nice local restaurant. The best moment of the night came when two drunk guys were leaving the restaurant and one stopped behind James. Jen and I were facing him so curiously watched the guy to see what he was trying to do. He leaned down until his mouth was near James’ ear. At this point, James’ heard the guy’s saliva in his mouth and turned his head, jumped about a foot in the air, and gave the man a disgusted look. Jen and I were rolling on the floor with laughter. Even our waitress got a kick out of it. Only James…
Another highlight in Cambodia was our bookshop shift 2 outing. After one of the girls in our shift made pizza for lunch and then we headed to a local HIV hospital. James had been earlier in the week and saw a small building that the hospital planned to use for patients in their final stages of HIV. The place was disgustingly dirty and not fit to be used in that manner. We got right to work and cleaned the building from top to bottom as well as painted all the rooms and the outside. It was hard work but so fulfilling. I had felt liek I hadnt been able to do much ministry so I was really grateful to be getting my hands dirty and doing something out of love for those less fortunate. And funny Carola story…while we were changing to leave for the hospital, Carola put on work pants and sat on her bed to put on her shoes. Then she commented, “man, these pants are hot.”, stood up and proclaimed, “Or it could be the PIZZA I just sat on!”. She had brought an extra piece of pizza from our lunch, placed it on her bed and forgot. She had an awesome pizza butt stain for the rest of the day. Of which I also felt called to take a picture. Perhaps I’ll share that one day 
I am now in Bangkok, Thailand but won’t be here for much longer. It has been a fun and very busy city. I was able to make a visit to the Grand Palace on my off day. It’s beautiful and is a must for anyone who comes to Bangkok. The king used to live in one of the buildings on the grounds. I felt very asian walking around there. Partly because they don’t allow shorts so I had to rent an asian skirt to wear around.
Speaking of being asian, I am now officially a Filipino dancer. Meaning, I have learned and performed part of the traditional Tinikling dance of the Philippines. I’ve done it three times now and have another performance on Saturday. I recorded my first performance which will be seen at some point I am sure. If you don’t know anything about the dance, please google it because it is hecka fun!
Also big news, the princess of Thailand came on board a few days ago. She is very well-respected in Thailand and we were excited she was coming to visit the ship. I was asked to be in the parade of nations and felt very lucky to see the princess face-to-face. Out of 350 crew, only 25-30 got to stay on board during her visit. We all stood in a line in our national costume and bowed politely as she walked past us. Then we were introduced by name and country and one at a time walked up to her in her chair and bowed. It was a very cool experience and she seemed quite kind. It was a big ordeal and we were even on the news. Though we hoped it would bring a lot more people to the ship, that hasnt seemed to happen so far. But we still have a few more days.
I have had some great edays and have enjoyed spending some time with precious Thai children. I’d like to come back to thailand someday. The people are really nice.
In sad news, I’ve learned in the past few days that my grandfather is getting close to passing away. I rejoice in the fact that he will be home with the Lord but it is still hard to let him go. It’s also hard not being there for my family. But I was able to talk to him and he told me, “You are where the Lord wants you”. Even being ill, he’s thinking of the Kingdom. I have an amazing grandfather and have felt so blessed to have him in my life. His faith is encouraging and inspiring. He will be missed but I look forward to the day I will see him again. Please pray for my family and my granny during this time. Thank you and….I’ll see you here in another month