Update from former intern Holly Sobetski

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…”

…including rice and fish! As my first month in Cambodia comes to a close, I am reminded of the many blessings the Lord pours out on his creation. The different foods that our taste buds enjoy, the beauty of trees bursting with pink blossoms, the laughter shared with friends and the fellowship we have with Him! I invite you to read about my first experiences in Cambodia and share in the Lord’s goodness.

Arrival

I landed in Cambodia January 11^th with a group of 18 people from Christian Service International (CSI). During the first week, I visited different ministries with CSI, including a ministry for girls who are at risk of being sold into the sex trade and one of World Relief’s HIV/AIDS cell group meetings in the slums. We were able to go on a boat ride down the Mekong River to see the house boats and visit a silk weaving business.

Stan and Beth Doerr and Sopeat helped me with basic arrangements for moving to Cambodia. We visited Robledo Intal’s farm in Prey Veng province where Stan and Beth conducted a training on bucket drip irrigation. We met with the president of the Phnom Penh Bible College about using some land to experiment with agricultural techniques. Eventually, we would hold trainings for the students who will one day go out to minister in the provinces. The team left on the 19^th of January, and Sopeat and I began to plan for the ensuring weeks and months.

My Host Family

Living with a Cambodian family is like getting a new surprise every day! I love watching and learning how they do things. They encourage me to practice the language and laugh heartily at my mistakes. I eat dinner with them in the evening and even help cook sometimes. We always eat rice with 2-3 other dishes, including soup, whole fried fish, or stir fried vegetables and meat. I have my own room and praise God for their generosity and welcoming spirit.

The Language

Three times a week for two hours, I have one-on-one tutoring classes at a Khmer language school. I am learning speaking and reading/writing together and, thankfully, my teacher is very patient! I have learned a lot in the past month and continue to pick up on words that people say.

Teammate and Friend

Sopeat and I work together every day and she is a constant source of joy and insight. Culturally, we have different ways of communicating, so we are learning about working together and are committed to being honest and open with each other. Every morning we meet in my room and read the Bible and pray together. It is so encouraging and puts the rest of our day into perspective.

Agriculture Ministry

We have met with a dozen NGO’s over the past 3 weeks, to hear about the agricultural aspects of their ministries and to discuss how we can partner with them. Some of them have projects in the provinces (out in the “country”) and we went to visit several. We are praying about all the different ministry options and continue to research the greatest needs. We hope to start the experiment garden at the beginning of March. I am eager to start working the soil! By June, we will have a ministry outline and plan of action for the next year.

Development

The political and mental situation in Cambodia lends to making development work difficult. During the Pol Pot regime, the people learned not to trust their neighbors and to get what they could for themselves, whatever the cost. It takes transformation from within, not from outside, to change these learned survival skills. Pray for wisdom and patience for all who are working in Cambodia.

Korea

I have the opportunity to go to Soeul, Korea in April for the World Mission Conference of Suwon Central Baptist Church. They invited me to come and share about what we are doing in Cambodia, with the possibility of the church becoming a prayer and support partner. A Korean medical team just came to Cambodia from the church and they have a deep passion for Cambodia. Please pray about this opportunity to partner with them!