Saturday, February 21, 2009

Phnom Penh

We have had a really great time in Phnom Penh. God has truly given us the desires of our hearts to see everyone that we needed to see. In a third world country, it is often difficult to connect with people.

Friday night we arrived in Phnom Penh after, in Kristen's words, "The most peaceful car ride that I have ever had in Cambodia." The driver went slow and did not take any silly chances. We also never got more than five feet from another car, water buffalo, cow, child, chicken, cat, dog, or old man in a wheel chair. It was amazing! I did not know these drivers existed. Praise God for answering prayer.

After we arrived in Phnom Penh, we had dinner with our good friends Sonja and Tola Kim. On Saturday morning, we came down from the lobby of our hotel and there was Pastor Siani. He was picking up a mission team from Singapore who were staying at our hotel. Kristen had prayed that if we were suppose to run into him that we would. It was great seeing him and hearing how everyone from Banteay Meanchey is doing. After spending a few minutes with him, we had breakfast with Daren and Jodi Beck. Friends of ours who have lived in Phnom Penh for years now.

After spending the morning in Russian Market, we stopped by the new "mall"and had Swenson's ice cream. I had heard a rumor they were here now, but wanted to see for myself. Again, praise God for answered prayer. It is good to know that I can get real ice cream every few months when we move back to Cambodia. HA!

Last night we went to see our dear friend Lyda. Her mother and father were in from Kampong Cham and it was an incredible time. Her father used to stay with us when he came to Phnom Penh and we spent many nights and days out in his village. He is 72 years old and his health is holding up. He used to love to watch the Jesus film at our house and would watch it over and over. He is one of those special people in our lives who have touched us deeply through the years. I never have time to visit him on one of these trips and it was so good of the Lord to let us run into him at Lyda's house here in Phnom Penh. We sat on the floor for over an hour with them catching up. It truly felt like we were visiting family. I really cannot express how thankful we were to see them all. God is so good!

We leave tonight for our long trip back to the states. We have over 36 hours to get back to Knoxville. Please pray for safe trips, our luggage to arrive with us on time, smooth airplane rides, our health, and for no delays. We really hope that we can check our luggage from Phnom Penh to the states. We do not have want to have to pick up our luggage in Korea.

We are very thankful for all that God has done on this trip. We are blessed. Thank you for praying for us during this trip. We pray that the Lamb that was slain would receive the reward of His suffering through His Church in Cambodia!

Servant of a Passionate God
Lewis Burke
Rom 8:31

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1 comment:

MrsWendy said...

We have so enjoyed these updates from your trip Lewis and Kristen! Rejoicing with you over the goodness and faithfulness of our great and loving Father! We will continue to pray for you both as you travel back to the states.

Much Love,
Doug & Wendy