Home from Cambodia

Ben recently returned from a Medical Mission trip in Cambodia. He along with several others from our church, and a few volunteer doctors and dentists went to five different villages in Cambodia. The people in these villages are very impoverished and have never been treated by medical professionals. Although the team was not able to give any long-term care, they went to serve as much as they could and to spread the word of God. Cambodia is largely Buddhist but there are several Christians as well. Buddhists believe that they become ill because they have angered the spirits. They also believe that even stepping into a Christian church will bring bad fortune to them. Because the team from our church had their medical equipment and make-shift "pharmacy" set up in Church's, they were showing the villagers that God loves them, and that stepping into a church can bring healing and not misfortune.

Ben had a great time, and though I really wish I could have gone, I am so glad that Ben was able to go and have this life-changing experience. We missed him a lot though and we're glad he is home safe. Here is a small sampling of pictures from this amazing trip.


Ben with kids from a school nearby one of the villages they were working in.




Ben with some of the Cambodian translators that volunteered to help.



This little girl was one of Ben's favorites - very sweet and reminded him of how much he missed his own little girl while away.




This little boy is getting some much needed dental work.




The team got pretty tired out each day.




This picture is from the "Killing Fields." In the 70s, genocide in Cambodia. The new leaders wanted to get rid of any educated people....Thousands and thousands of people were murdered and dumped into a field. Ben told me that you could see parts of bones and pieces of clothes sticking out of the dirt in the path. A very sobering experience.




Ben with new friends.




Big Buddah.




It's hard to believe that what's hauling all this stuff is a little moped. (the most common form of transportation there, well, besides walking.)




Yummy exotic fruit.




Ben with more new friends.




Way too many people in one vehicle.




Ben teaching the waiting patients "the blow up a rubber glove trick".




This beautiful little girl has very desirable hair. (the lighter the skin and the hair the more beautiful in Cambodia) It's sad because this girl should have dark black, shiny hair, it is only lightened because she is malnourished.




Common transportation.




More from the "Killing Fields" This is only one of many many cases filled with skulls.




Little boy with a mouth full of candy. Ben's team brought lots of candy and little toys for the village children. They were so grateful for everything.




Mom and baby waiting to see the Doc.




This is the "guest house" that the team slept at each night.



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Although Cambodia is poverty-stricken. God's beauty continues to shine through in its people and nature.

The Countdown Begins

Only 3 more weeks until I start my Master's Program at George Fox. I am filled with anxiety, excitement, and trepidation! It seemed as though I was in the application process forever, and even though I've only been admitted as of July it seems like it was a lifetime ago. I was so excited back at the beginning of the summer with thoughts of finally going back to school, and starting a new career soon...but now, oh, I guess I'm a little nervous of how it's all going to work out.

I am taking 9 credits, which is considered full-time in my program. When I was getting my Bachelor's, full-time felt pretty busy and stressful. And, hmmm, I didn't even have a toddler back then. I know it's possible and I am confident that I will succeed, it's just all a little overwhelming at this point.

Ben and I are still in the process of figuring out how the schedule and routine will work out. I am going to be at class Monday evenings and all day on Thursdays. Add that to both of our work schedules and trying to work it so that Sammy isn't with a babysitter for too long on Thursdays, it's a big job!

On the other hand though, I feel so blessed that I am able to go back to school and pursue something I feel led to do. I am excited to have adult conversations and be in on intelligent discussions. I am also so thankful to Ben for being 100% supportive of my academic life, no matter how far it's putting us into debt. He's an amazing guy!

Beachy Babe

Last weekend, to escape the heat, we went to the coast for Ben's birthday. I don't think Samantha has been to the beach since she was about 3 months old. It was so fun to see her play in the sand and run barefoot on the beach for the first time. Living in Tillamook, the beach was always such a staple in Ben and I's lives. It was so fun to finally get to share the beach with Samantha now that she's old enough to enjoy it for herself.

Friday Fifteen

15 things in my diaper bag...besides diapers



1. Wallet

2. Cellphone

3. Our electric bill from last month...oops!

4. Samantha's baby doll and play bottle

5. A real bottle

6. Butt Paste (best stuff in the universe!)

7. A plastic bag of kix cereal

8. Ipod...no headphones :(

9. Several keys of which I have absolutely no idea of what they unlock

10. A bulletin from church...from May

11. A bunch of pennies

12. Camera

13. Something sticky

14. Kleenex

15. Hand sanitizer

hmm...I guess I could go ahead and clean some of that stuff out now :)

Wishing for...

I'm wishing for some cool, rainy weather. Us Oregonians usually aren't caught saying that. It rains the entire Fall, Winter, and Spring here....but this, this is ridiculous! It's 107 degrees out today.



We're not made to breathe in anything above 85 degrees here in the Pacific North West!

Our poor little widow unit air conditioner has been working overtime for the last three days and it's still not that cool in here. We've been at the pool and the fountain park everyday. Yesterday we spent the entire afternoon at the mall just for the a/c...It's time for some nice rain! Or even a little breeze...something must be done! It's just TOO HOT!

For now, I'll just have to wish I was in these photographs and think, "rain and snow"

Country Life

I've always been somewhat of a "city girl." Now, I've never lived in the heart of downtown or anything, but I have always enjoyed the comforts and conveniences of city living. Lately though, I've been longing for country life. I think it's mostly that we are living with a very large dog in a very small apartment. I have been finding myself walking through vast fields, and taking the scenic route home from work just to see the farmlands and the rolling hills. Maybe someday...

Box House

Well it's been a little over a week since we moved into our new place...It's STILL full of boxes. I was able to finally put the kitchen in order a couple of days ago so at lease we can eat something besides convenience foods. That was getting a little old.

On Thursday as I was leaving the house that I nanny at, I said, "well, it's time to go back to my box house." The 4 year old little guy that I watch, replied with, "uh, you guys live in a box?!" It made me laugh. Don't worry, I assured him that, no, we don't literally live in a box!

I'm hoping that by the end of the week we will be mostly settled in. I can only hope, right.