God's Word spoken

Is not God just so like awesome!

God has blessed us with a number of confirmations that serving in Cambodia is His call for us. From direct Scripture, to friends encouragement, our church's blessing, to a powerful dream. God working out His purposes through us, is such an exciting blessing!

And now the word is spoken in yet another way. Our trip is now public knowledge. We have informed my school Principal; he was very supportive and encouraging. Just how pivotal and freeing this feels is almost overwhelming.

Yes it is still all surreal, but we cannot imagine turning back, such is the strength of our call.

Psalm 40:4b(Msg)
Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God.
Turn your back on the world's "sure thing"'
Ignore what the world worships.

A Khmer Hello

Hi all, a quick 'Hello' in Khmer.
Khmer script may look unusual, but is actually quite pleasant and fluent to write!
Naomi and Nathan are learning to speak Khmer use a "Learn Khmer" DVD for the PC, this is quite fun (and available in many languages).

I have set myself the challenge to also read (and hopefully eventually) write Khmer. I did start with reading, but without knowing any words found this learning curve too frustrating. Instead I have learned to speak simple words and phrases using the PC. It is sooo much easier to read once you can speak it a little!

There is a romanised transliteration of khmer available - in fact there are a few of them.aaargh!

Romanised Hello in Khmer is:
Sues'day

Employment Contracts

We have received an Offer of Employment and Employment Contracts from Hope International School. They are updating the contract and we expect early May to have the finalised documents.

The offer of employment states that we will be provided accommodation on our immediate entry and then assisted in finding accommodation. It is good to know that side is managed at their end. The accommodation will be a simple but comfortable furnished apartment. You can imagine the diversity of accommodation in Phnom Penh, from slum to ultimate expatriate luxury.

Graham has been busy working in the yard to prepare the house for rent. Pre-surgery, Fiona had been sorting through possessions; now she is recovering and at least contemplating the task ahead. She is also about to complete her Cert III in Ministry with a unit on Missions. The kids are learning Khmer on the Computer.

We will keep you up to date with the official communication between us and Brent Willsmore (The Hope Director). It will certainly be good to finally meet the man we have been emailing since October last year.

Cambodia Bound

Hi all,
Well it is still a bit surreal, but after lots of emails, prayer and phone calls the decision has been made. Graham, Fiona, Naomi and Nathan are heading to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to work for a small Christian Mission based School called Hope International School, (http://www.hopeschool-cambodia.org/).

Graham and I visited Cambodia in October 2006 with Nowra Anglican College to build houses in association with the Tabitha Foundation. (http://www.tabithafoundationaustralia.com/) We developed a heart for the place, saving to return in the short term, for a short time.

One of the most challenging bible passages to me is when Jesus instructs his disciples to "pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out harvesters into the harvest field", and the very ones who pray this, are the ones who are sent. God has a way of taking our prayers seriously and blessing such hopes and dreams.

Time will still tell, of how, and when, this will eventuate, but I will keep you posted.

Pray for guidance as we minimise our possessions..

Fiona
<><