Funny Foods

China is a wonderful place with lots of sights, sounds and smells.  It is also a great place to come when you want some authentic Chinese food.

Anyway, since moving here, we eat in most of the time and so need to buy groceries, and throughout our time here we have come across some "funny foods".

Anyone who has been to China or seen funny signs from China has heard of the dialect "chinglish".  It is when the meaning from Chinese to English is lost somewhere in translation.

Here are some examples of "chinglish" on the foods we eat.

Noodles made by Gungzhou who?

This is the from the front of the package

This is the back - corporal what meat?

Snacks

More snacks

Sickness in Sydney

It was just a nosebleed, I know, but it was apparently the final tissue that broke this mama’s back. I could feel my own tears threatening to erupt as Levi sat crying in my arms with blood dripping everywhere.
Yes, it’s just a nosebleed, I know.
The deeper story is that we have been in Sydney for 10 days and we are utterly tired … tired of all the sickness that has been plaguing us. Justice’s non-stop coughing, which became Isaiah’s non-stop coughing and now Jonathan’s mother’s coughing (although she is so gracious that she doesn't attribute her cough to the boys).
Late-night hacking that turns to gagging which ends up as a gross mess in the bucket.
An ear infection and irritability for Isaiah.
Clinginess from Levi who is fighting the losing battle of health.
A mild MS attack for Jon’s mom, who stayed in the sun longer than she should of, and now her legs are giving her grief.
Crazy fire alarms that chirp in the early morning hours.
Hmmm, not quite the restful vacation we were hoping for, but God-breathed nonetheless. Apart from all the germs flying, it's been a pleasure connecting with all the family again! Meeting our newest two nephews, seeing how big cousins have grown, girls' night out with the cousins, family BBQs and a day at the beach. I just need to be able to see the beauty in the piles of soaked Kleenex around me. Bless You!

Lius allude raid

My Mom told me not to go down any dark alleys in China. So, when we stepped into the gated passageway I made sure to ask Jon if he thought it was a “dark alley.” We looked up and around and concluded that it was pretty bright; so we kept on walking.

Inside the narrow corridor were vendors selling rice, noodles, meats and vegetables. We actually found the place by tracing the line of Chinese people who were carrying take-out boxes from this area.  We figured that it must be good.

The infamous noodle shack

This was our first venture to eating “street food”. Until then, we’ve only tried tacky Chinese fast-food (like McDonalds, but with Chinese food) that had names like Kung Fu and a picture of Bruce Lee plastered on the front. As you can imagine we were pretty proud at how brave we were to eat like the locals.

Five minutes into our meal a man starts to excitedly tell us something in Mandarin. He’s smiling, so we’re not too alarmed. What was unsettling was what the people inside the make-shift restaurant were doing. Between flipping the noodles on the wok, they frantically started to pull everything into their stall and shut the garage door-like contraption.

I don’t know if it’s the Guangzhou heat or the genes, but somehow after lunch many shop owners will cover their wares and take a snooze. I thought this couple REALLY needed their nap for them to suddenly close up and try to kick us out.

Even the food lady in the back packed up and disappeared.
Look at how much noodles you get for $1 per plate!

Meanwhile, the man with the grin is still trying to tell us SOMETHING. It sounds as if he wants us to leave, but we can take our time and not leave?! Then Jon insists that he recognized a key word – police. Police? Ooh, this was getting exciting!

We got the owners to open the hatch and pass us some take-out boxes so that we could eat on the road … literally, by the way.

We laughed as we walked down the street, and then we saw the police giving tickets to illegally parked cars. Hmmm, should we stick around? Nah, it would ruin the adventure we already made up in our minds!

Just Keep Jigglin'

There are so many things to get used to about our new life -- the food, the heat, the 5-hour grocery shopping expeditions. But the things that are the most challenging for me are not living in my "own" house and not having my "own" money.

These two factors crashed together this week as Micah locked a bedroom door and walked out. The problem is, we don't have the key. We knew this day would come soon. How could four little boys NOT lock a door?

Well, we could break the lock and get in. But, again we don't own this house and can't make that decision. We could hire a locksmith for $12, but I want to be a good steward of the money we get from our supporters and don't think breaking and entering is being one.

So, I did the only thing I could ... pray. I asked God, "How do I get in?" He said, "use the key." I calmly explained that I don't have the key and I don't know where it is! He said, "The key I gave you is prayer."

I remembered how the Bible said that if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed you can make mountains move. Well, then, surely if that could happen a little lock should be no problem. I mustered up all the faith I could and marched to the door.

I grabbed Micah and said we're going to pray for a miracle! He looked less than excited, but it didn't stop me. Then I asked God, "Now what?" He said, "jiggle the handle." "Oh, ok, I'll do it 7 times just like in Jericho," I thought.

One-two-three-four-five-six-seven .... nothing happened. I stepped away determined not to let the defeat at the door dent my faith, but yet wondered what went wrong.

Half an hour later I hear Jon yelling that the door is opened! I ran to see what happened. Jon said, "look, you just need to jiggle the handle and it starts to unlock the lock!"

Ah ... so the answer WAS to jiggle! God did reveal the "key" to the door, but I used my own interpretation of seven times. If only I continued to do what He asked me to do, I would have seen His miracle.

I wonder how many of us hear God's good and gracious plans for our life, do it as long as we think WE should and then give up and blame God that it didn't all work out? What if we all kept on jiggling until we heard the next step from Him?

Top Ten to China

Hmmm, if you could edit your life to two boxes, what would be in it?

I have spent the past several weeks in Washington doing exactly that. Our family of six can take with us to China 10 boxes at 50 pounds each.

So, I wanted to give you a glimpse of what each box looks like:

Box 1: Homeschool books! Our dearly loved treasures that take us to many different worlds through a turn of the page.

Box 2: Kitchen items, including Pyrex casseroles, my vegetable peeler, China set, and knives.

Box 3: Electronics, including our computer and monitor, various cables and other techie stuff I don’t understand.

Box 4: More homeschool books!

Box 5: Clothes.

Box 6: Toys and games – wooden train set, LEGOs, memory game and more.

Box 7: Household items and craft items – fabric scissors, paper, stamps.

Box 8: Did I mention that we like books?

Box 9: The biggest box so it holds odd –shaped things like a wooden Mancala board (it’s light!), silver vases that make me smile, a math thing, the Chinese fan from our wedding.

Box 10: The sweetest of them all … an electric piano keyboard for Justice. A gift given to us at just the right time!

Stay tuned for the next installment when I list the top 10 things we needed to give up.

Life's a Journey

We are now in Seattle, sorting through our stuff, giving it away, selling it...

I can't say that any part of this adventure so far has been "the best". It has all been amazing. Of course, some segments were harder than others, but it's been all good.

I was thinking about this because I was wondering what kind of ministering have we been doing lately? Sure, you could point to lots of stuff during our time in Cambodia, but how about Seattle?

But, I can see fruit, just in different ways. I think we're encouraging people to get rid of their unwanted stuff because they don't want to deal with it like we are :) I think we're sharing the vision for China and/or missions and people are catching it!

However, if there's a theme to our time in Seattle it's the goodness of God. He has placed amazing people around us who have offered their homes, meals, time, cars, money and talents to our family. Please note that this is not at all a reflection who our family is (because we really are a rag-tag bunch), but really, a testament to how great our God is!

And, because of this, I am truly humbled and thankful!

Hibernating in Honolulu

Wow! Our family has just been through the craziest six weeks of our lives!

Jonathan was homeschooling the boys and being the assistant building manager at YWAM while I was taking a course on how to teach English as a Second Language. I would go to school from 8:30-4:30 p.m., take a short dinner break and then continue studying until midnight. When I received my certificate I cried because I was so overcome with all of the sacrifices our family went through. I didn't even cry at my high school or college graduation.

Before we left Kona we were commissioned by the YWAM base in preparation for becoming missionaries in China. It was so difficult to say goodbye to the many friends we made there.

Micah had a hard time saying goodbye to some good friends. He had the saddest face when we pulled out of the parking lot to take the plane trip to Honolulu.

On a happy note, we were reunited with family here and was especially excited to see Chappy and Sasha. They are now living with my dad and they are so happy with him! We're thrilled that they found a good home with him.

We're still marching toward Guangzhou -- we plan to be there around summer with stops in Seattle and Sydney!

The Great Road to China

What a difference a month makes! We have gained more clarity for our next steps and we're convinced that our family will be going to China.

During the DTS, we felt a clear calling to go to China. Several weeks ago it was confirmed by a woman who didn't know us. She said that she was awakened one night and God told her to tell us that "it's China." She had seen us on the YWAM campus before, so she knew who we were but didn't know anything else about us. She faithfully delievered the message and both she and our family were greatly encouraged!

Then one night I was telling God that the Bible is supposed to tell us everything we need to know, but it can't tell me which city in China to go to! I then said that I really want some direction and I opened my Bible to Jeremiah. It said, go to the city of Shiloh.

Jonathan and I laughed saying there was no place in China called Shiloh. So, we Binged Shiloh, China and up pops a map of Guangzhou. The funny thing is, is that our friend has been telling us that he thinks Guangzhou would be a good place for our family. Also, Justice somehow told his Sunday School class that we were going to Guangzhou, (this was before this whole Bible incident) so they were already praying for us.

Hmm, must be Guangzhou!

Justice's recap of outreach

Jonathan
1.  What was your fav. ministry?
I liked the market street ministry.
2.  What did you like to do?
I like to talk to people about God.
3.  Why did you like to do it?
to find out there story.
4.  What did you like to do in your free time?
see new things!

Michelle
1. What was your fav. ministry?
I liked all of them.
2. What did you like to do?
 I liked to teach hula and English
3. Why did you like to do it?
I liked seeing the people learn.
4. What did you like to do in your free time?
Seeing around Siam reap

Isaiah
1. What was your fav. ministry?
PCL.
2. What did you like to do?
I like to play in the sand.
3. Why did you like to do it?
Play with toys.
4. What did you like to do in your free time?

Micah
1. What was your fav. ministry?
none
2. What did you like to do?
none
3. Why did you like to do it?
none
4. What did you like to do in your free time?
ride bikes.

Justice
1. What was your fav. ministry?
Village.
2. What did you like to do?
Go out with Jeff and Levi and share the gospel
3. Why did you like to do it?
because people stateed to belive.
4. What did you like to do in your free time?
Ride bike

Last team update

Here is the last update from the team blog...

The Power of Prayer

Today is our last day, our final moments in Cambodia. The week was filled with God’s amazing power, fond memories of the ministries we’ve served with, and many tearful goodbyes.


Throughout our time in Siem Reap we have been asking God for us to be witnesses to His miracle power. He chose the last week to reveal His mighty Hand in big ways and small.

One night the team was in the downtown area and the guest house van’s battery died. The van had been having problems all day. So, the team prayed in Jesus’ name and the van started! Everyone cheered and thanked God for His answer – even Som, the guest house owner.

Another miracle happened when Jeff, Justice and Levi were on their regular ministry walk around the village. This is a time where they just go where the Spirit leads. A woman approached Jeff and motioned that she had a pain on the side of her face. Jeff prayed several times, but the woman’s face was still sore. Jeff then called Justice over and when the two of them prayed, the woman was healed!

The next day, Jeff showed them the Jesus film and she and her family accepted Jesus. We pray that her choice will be truly a life-changing experience!

At Sophy’s church, KK gave the final message there encouraging the people to have hope! The children, who have been practicing the hula to “Shout to the Lord” for the past three weeks gave a performance of the dance.

After the service, Sophy asked if we could pray for a 15-year-old boy who has had back pains for the past three years. Our team laid hands on him and prayed and God took away the pain! Amazing!

We all said goodbye to the prison ministry, the village, PCL, Mustard Seed, and finally, our family at the guest house. It has been an honor and privilege to work here in Siem Reap for the past six weeks. There will always be a part of each of us left in Cambodia and we all hope that we can come back to visit one day.

I can’t believe that our adventure is coming to an end. Soon our team will disband and walk the paths God has chosen for each of us. But no matter how far away we all are, we will forever be known as Team Siem Reap!!

Week 4 in review

What a mighty God we serve! Our team is so blessed to be here in Siem Reap for such a time as this!
Two of the children from the village have been sick for awhile, and when Joanne went to see them last week, they looked even worse. So, she took them to the children's hospital and the doctor's said that move probably saved the baby's life!
In Cambodia, the children get free medical care. However, the families in the village don't have the money to go to the hospital in the city. They also probably don't know when to recognize the point when the children's health is rapidly declining. It's by God's grace that Joanne was there for such a time as this! Praise God!
Another praise report is that our 10-year-old team members, Justice and Eman, have taken on teaching Bible studies to our children. They prepare the lesson, and create a craft or activity that goes along with what they have learned. It's wonderful to watch them grow in their talents and see how God is calling them to ministry, as well.
The team took a field trip to Angkor Wat and two surrounding temples. Although beautiful and amazing in architecture, we were all templed out by the end of the day. These temples were constructed for the glory of the kings of Cambodia, as well as the many gods that they serve. Each king trying to outdo what the other has done. So, in that sense, it is a very sad place to visit.

We got a pastoral care visit from Sean Murphy from Kona, which lifted everyone's spirits. We all have been wondering, "what next?" and Sean was able to help each of us think through future plans.

Today is Chinese New Year in Cambodia, a day where people get together to drink, gamble and dance. Praying that God's spirit would be poured out upon this city and that they would feel His love for them.

When I am weak

The Bible says, "let the weak say I am strong." That's exactly what we're finding out on this journey. God is transforming us daily into people that we don't even recognize! All for the glory of His kingdom and loving the people He is putting in our paths.

This is our final week of ministry. I feel such an urgency, the kind that Jesus describes in the New Testament. Everyday I wonder, "what needs to be said to such and such a person ... what needs to be done ... what seeds need to be planted before we leave."

Please partner with us as we give our final push for the work God has given us. Here's a brief snapshot of our final duties:

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday we will be going into the village and teaching 24 children English. They range in age from 2-15. I am so proud of them! It makes me want to cry when they remember their vocabulary words or when I see them coloring their artwork so diligently. These are children who live in shacks -- no doors, thatched walls, no electricity, no beds, dirty clothes, limited food, but such a joy in their hearts!

Thursday/Friday we go into a school called the Mustard Seed run by a pastor and his wife. We run the class for the days, sharing with them stories, teaching English, skits and crafts.

Friday: Our team is hosting a farewell dinner for the staff at our guesthouse. They have become like family to us and have been so kind! We will really miss them and want to use this dinner as a way to bless them. Not only do they have to hang out with us everyday, but we've also done some special events with them like playing dominoes and having dance parties :)

Saturday: I will teach the teenagers at PCL orphanage the hula to "Shout to the Lord." They have been practicing for the past 3 weeks and will do a performance of it at a Valentine's Day party. Jonathan helps lead a Bible study for the youth.

Sunday: Our final day ... we will do the church service for the Mustard Seed, where the children there will perform the hula to "Shout to the Lord". For the past 3 Sundays, they have been practicing hard! Jonathan was also teaching some of the children how to use the computer.

On Monday we will be taking a bus back to Phnom Penh to debrief with all the teams who came to Cambodia. Then on Friday we will be flying back to Kona for more debriefing with the India team, too!

The final countdown

The reality that we only have one week left of ministry and life in Siem Reap is hard to grasp. This is a place where our hearts have melded with so many people, our boys call home, and where Jonathan is turning Cambodian! Som, the owner of our guest house, laughingly said that Jon just needs only one year here and he would pass for a local because his pronunciation is amazingly good!

Yesterday we visited PCL's ministry to the floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake -- the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Here are the notes from the journal I was writing while on the boat:

"How can my Western mind comprehend the Tonle Sap Lake? Children jumping from boat to boat and hanging precariously off the sides. Some of them are no more than seven years old and they are navigating the vast, brown waters on their own. The community is separated by water, but bound by lifestyle. There is no place for the children to run and play. But in the middle of this is a beacon of light, a large white and blue boat -- mammoth in its size and construction compared to the thatched shacks floating nearby."

Pulling up to the PCL ministry boat took my breath away! Here, in the middle of the lake, was a beautiful boat used as a meeting place for the community. They have school and church there.

There is so much more we want to do in Cambodia -- so much to do in any part of the world! I pray everyday that my heart would be open to whatever God asks us to do and that we'd just do it!

Practicing what we're preaching

Here's a write up I did for our team's weekly update:

Wow! What a week of powerful prayer time! It all began on Sunday when Jonathan gave a message at PCL about spiritual warfare. We were just about to break into small groups to chat about the topic when Ezra, one of the leaders, said he wants us to go and pray for a woman in the village who has locked herself in her bathroom. A bunch of the kids went with our team to the woman's house. We all prayed for her, and the time ended with everyone, including the woman, singing praises to God.


Sophy and his family was also in need of some spiritual cleansing. There was an evil spirit in his home that was disturbing him and his wife. The team was able to pray, and through the Holy Spirit, was led to have several objects removed from the home. However, the evil spirit remained there the following night, so the team prayed as Sophy commanded it to leave again.

We launched two new ministry opportunities at Sophy's and PCL this week. We are offering a buffet of classes for the children including worship, Bible study, computer classes and hula lessons. It was a wonderful treat when the guitar class joined the hula class and praised God with "Shout to the Lord" through music and dance.

The team said goodbye to Sokrey, one of the staff at our guesthouse. We marked the end of her time here with a farewell party that included delicious ice cream cakes, playing Mexican Train dominoes (which we re-named Cambodian Train) and a fun time of dancing under the stars.

The village and prison ministries also continued this week. Everyone is grateful for the deepening relationships that we are making in those two areas.

It's hard to believe that we have passed the halfway mark! We are all feeling more at home here, accepting the dust, road conditions, etc. to be a "normal" way of life now. For the first time since arriving here, the majority of the team is healthy! Praise God!

Week 3 in review

The sun is shining, tuk tuks are humming, it's a good time to be in Siem Reap!

The week began with a shopping spree as we prepared for a photo project for the village. We bought toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, combs, and laundry soap for the families. Each student in the class also got a school uniform: a white shirt and blue shorts or skirt. Joanne and Renee did an amazing job purchasing, organizing the supplies and sizing all the children!

When our van pulled up on picture day it was so beautiful to see all the children wearing their new clothes and the mothers of the village in new outfits. Each child received an 8x10 family and class photo. We anticipate that these pictures will be a special gift for them because they don't have any photos of themselves.


The team also spent some time at Sophy's ministry. Some members helped with the English Corner while others went on home visitations.

Jeff created his own ministry by biking about 30 minutes to Angkor Wat and shared about Jesus to some security guards. He then took Jimmy and Jonathan along on another expedition where they connected with the same people. This opened up a possible ministry opportunity to the village where one of the guards live.

Next week marks the beginning of the half-way mark of our time in Siem Reap. So much to do, so little time!

Week 2 in review

Siem Reap Week 2 On Monday we said goodbye to Darrel and Jan as they traveled to meet with the team at Kampong Thom. Then, we went for a prayer walk around the city, focusing our efforts on a Buddhist temple and the nearby river.
Sickness continues to plague us as we march into the second week of our outreach. It is dizzying just trying to keep up on who is sick and who is well! We would appreciate continued prayer in this area.

Several of the team ventured into the back of the open market next door and the reports were grim. Slabs of meat and piles of poultry are exposed to the heat, flies and questionable handling practices. Could this be the source of our stomach ailments?

During the Sunday night ministry time with PCL, Michelle helped the youth recognize the gifts and talents that God has given to them.

The village ministry had a mixture of moments this week. On Tuesday, we combined the women’s and children’s classes together and made salvation bead necklaces. This was in response to watching the Jesus film the week before. On Wednesday, both classes seemed very chaotic and unproductive. Emmanuel was sick on Thursday, so it was a day off. On Friday, things went well and we were able to make meaningful connections with the people we are serving.

At the prison ministry, Jonathan and Renee gave two powerful and personal messages. The team had an opportunity to pray with several of the men. We want more chances to do this every week.

We also visited Pastor Sophy’s ministry to hear his testimony and more about his school. Several of us spent the afternoon with the ESL students helping them with pronunciation, vocabulary and conversation.

At the same time, Jeff and Renee took all the children to an indoor play area and let them run, jump and throw balls for a couple of hours. Our children have really missed the freedom and open space like they had in Kona.

As we close out the week, we are amazed to see how God can use us when we are obedient to Him. We are still praying to see miracles for the people of Siem Reap!

Week 1 in review

Week 1 Dec. 26, 2011 - Jan. 1, 2011


After about a week of separation, the two parts of our ministry team reunited in Siem Reap. We are staying at the Green Park Village Guest House, which is next door to the local market and on the outskirts of the main tourist section.

Half of the team was immediately dispatched to a youth group at an orphanage, where they sang songs, gave a teaching and played games.

On Monday we visited a “slum” neighborhood that we are calling “The Village.” It is made up of wooden huts along a dirt path with 80 men, women and children living there. Our contact, Emmanuel, has been teaching the children English and about God for the past several months.

Emmanuel wanted us to expand the ministry to include the parents, teaching them the value of educating their children for a better future. The team’s approach with the parents was that we wanted to get to know them and to share a little bit of ourselves and our relationship with Jesus with them.

On Friday, we showed the villagers the Jesus movie and four women, one man and several children received Jesus into their lives!

Another ministry that Emmanuel is part of is an outreach to a prison drug rehab program. Every Thursday and Friday we will be visiting the 20+ inmates and sharing the love of Christ through music, food, testimonies, English teaching and games.

A fringe ministry we have also adopted is reaching out to the workers at our guest house. One of the amenities they provide is free transportation around the city. Since we’re only on the field about an hour at a time, the drivers have been staying with us at the locations and sitting in on our ministry time.

The son of the owner of the guest house, whose name is Som, has been interpreting for us at The Village. As he hears the word of God spoken we are praying for his transformation! Mom, another worker, takes us to the prison and joins in as we sing Making Melodies in my Heart.

Our hearts are opening to the people of Siem Reap, we are growing closer together as a team and we are seeing God’s Spirit move in this city. As always, we are praying for more!

Taking the show on the road

While Micah was practicing his high flying circus act on New Year's Day, he missed the mark and went head first into the corner of the bed. Hours later with stitches in his head he was back to normal bouncing around.
Today I'm pondering how to include the children more during this outreach. We need your prayers on this. We need to get creative, because sometimes they become more of a hinderance than a help.
The one boy who seems to have found his ministry is Levi. Our team member, Jeff, who has a gift of evangelism, has been taking Levi with him as he shares about Jesus to the Cambodian people. What a beautiful legacy Jeff is giving to Levi!