Having started out with activities from the day we arrived, we spent the day without any chores. Our mission team became tourists today and viewed some local historical sites ! It felt a little strange, at least
getting started. When we arrived we really hit the ground running and had accomplished everything we had planned so far and more. In the intensity of our schedule up to this point, it was a little difficult to shift gears. We realized that our time with the kids at Stronghold was at an end–at least for this trip. There was a sense of sadness in that realization.
Mission Team Tours Historical Sites
Still, it was a wonderful day. We traveled up Bokor Mountain in the van and stopped at a fancy hotel. At an old Buddhist temple, we took in the view from what used to be a royal palace. Next we visited the site of an old French Catholic church that still stands high up on the
mountain. It is no longer functioning as a church, but the cross still stands high above the surroundings. The acoustics made the Doxology sound great! On the way down the mountain we visited a waterfall. Because it is the dry season there was only a trickle of water, but that allowed us to walk right to the edge and take in the breathtaking scenery.
After lunch near the waterfall, we traveled back down to sea level and rode out to visit a pepper plantation. Kampot, it turns out, has a climate and soil uniquely suited to growing pepper. Kampot Pepper is known around the world. The industry had been interrupted by the Khmer Rouge, but it is quite an operation now. We even finished in a “tasting room” where we sampled the different variations. Who knew pepper was so complicated?
Saying Goodbye to the Stronghold staff
After our return down a long, dusty, and very bumpy road, we went to Stronghold Cambodia one last time for what Jesse called our “Last Supper.” Our team was done being tourists. It was our last chance to be with the whole staff, particularly Maria, Ashley, and Samantha, the missionary teachers currently serving. We had a chance to share our feelings, give thanks to God, and receive communion together from pastor Jesse.
The meal itself was fantastic, prepared by Naomi who is an accomplished cook. It featured the famous traditional Cambodian dish “Fish Amok.” After dinner the whole team laid hands on Maria, Ashley, and Samantha and blessed them and we parted in peace.
Traveling back to Phnom Penh
Tomorrow we will be up early and travel back to Phnom Penh, where in the afternoon we will lead a pastors conference for as many as 50 Cambodian pastors, many of whom we hear will bring their wives. We need your prayers for this–especially pastor Kempin, who will do most of the presenting!
Submitted by Pastor Kempin on Friday, January 17, 2010
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