The Long weeks and great Weekends

Hi all. Lesley here writing again to say hello and update you on our lives. Last week was so very long and seemed quite difficult. We all have weeks like that, don't we? Especially in the teaching field. However, I certainly sensed alot of resistance, heaviness and even opposition towards alot of things going on at Logos, so it was especially tough this last week. Things are tough sometimes. We keep finding out things about kids that you just want to fix or change and you just can't. The staff all go through their own difficulties, some more openly than others, and then there are people away, extra practices, trying to organize schedules that suit everyone. You know, it's just work, and it is all good in the long run. But, as I said, some weeks are longer than others.

Unfortunately, a long week here also consists of situations like what happened to our friends Karie and Brian. He's the one that had the verbal threat when reffing the basketball games. Anyways, this week, they heard someone on their communal staircase at their home, drop something--they head out to look, and find out that what has been dropped is jewelry from their home, that had been stolen! The theif was a newly hired young girl, apparently an orphan, who was working for the landlords. They were informed, Karie looked for all the stuff that was taken, and there was more of it, then the young girl was physically slapped numerous times, infront of everyone, during the discussion, and now the landlords have apparently taken her to jail. Jail here, means she could be there for the rest of her life. This was just a horrific ending to something that Karie is sick about being part of.

Also, a tough week consists of having to drive by a new "massage" parlor just down the street from the school, which is really a brothel. It was brought to my attention that that is what it was, and the number of times I've passed there during the day, it almost is enough to make you yell and scream. The girls sit outside, eating, hanging out, waiting for the evening, looking like they've been literally beat up. It's terrible. Our children don't notice, but once you know and you see the house and the girls, it just makes you feel ill for them. Why does their life have to be like that?

To top it off, if there is one thing the enemy would really like to see, is our marriage broken apart, so staying on the same team and fighting for each other takes alot of energy, stamina, prayer and faith that we can see through the desert times to who we really are as individuals, and who we really are as a couple, a team. So, pray for us, but also for many missionaries or overseas workers who get to their jobs and posts, and find there is very little resources or they didn't prepare for things to hit their relationships so hard. Our marriage out here has never been stronger, but it has also been difficult to maintain.

With all these things, I just couldn't help it. I wept and wept on Friday night, like I have never cried for so long. There is so much sorrow, it was overwhelming.

But God sees us through and gives us reprive, called WEEKENDS, and chances to do things like we did this Saturday. At 9 am, a group of staff from Logos all piled into vans and drove out to the new school building. The building is well into the final, 4th floor, and rooms are shaping up, and it is looking great. We went out to worship, dedicate the school to the Lord in prayer and with scripture reading (as has been done previous as well) and to SPRAY PAINT on the walls before they are finished and painted--bible verses, quotes, and many good things--written on the walls at the new Logos school building! Just wait until Dean puts up the pictures. It was a great morning. Very emotional, as I and I'm sure many of us were thinking--this is what we came out to Cambodia for--to build on what has been started. Especially Dan, our principal--he has been the driving force behind this for so long, and to see it getting so close, must be such a thrill! So, it was wonderful and great, rewarding and refreshing.

Saturday night, I was asked to be a judge at the Logos Talent show. What a treat. It was fun, hilarious, excellent, all at the same time. I had a blast and really enjoyed every single kid who put their talent on the line. Mostly middle and high school students, Singing, dancing, choreography, musical playing, skits... it was sure fun. One little Gr 2 student got up there and did a magic show. This little boy is very special in many ways, God has his eye on him. He had the most cheers, he was so cute and bold to go up there in front of that huge audience. He won "most original act" and was so thrilled to get a prize. As he was leaving, he appeared to be with a bunch of students, so I asked him where his parents were, and he said they were home, working on the house. I watched them pick him up in their expensive 4 by 4 luxury vehicle. Some things just make me so mad out here, and see what I mean about sorrow? My heart just ached for the little guy. He seemed oblivious, so I guess that's a good thing.

Today, I got exceptionally angry, and not sure if it was appropriate, but I got pulled over by the cops, (again) this time for making a u turn where there was a no u turn sign. I was following Dean, which would be nice to blame him, but it was me who made the decision to ignore the sign. I tried to avoid the cop, ( they walk out on the street, and wave you over..I tried to drive around, but he had me blocked). They tried to charge me for disobeying the traffic sign. I was so mad--I did everything I have been told to do, to try to get out of this fine. None of this is legit, and I let them have it. "I've come all this way to your country to help you, and this is what you do? Try to rip me off? There is no way I'm paying..." blah blah blah.. rule number one, pretend you don't know any Khmer, and talk alot of english. (I know this is sounding awful, but this is how it works out here.) They wanted to charge me what I at first thought was $5, but then sounded more like 5000 riel, which is $1.25. No way--fine, I say, you write me a ticket, and I'll pay. They motion to another cop with a receipt book, "sure, you pay, you get a receipt!" NO, you write me a ticket, then I pay! They kept repeating 5000 riel, and I'm shaking my head no. Finally I say, "2000 riel" in Khmer, and I kept repeating it, that's all I would pay. Finally, one cop says, "ok, for you lady, 2000 riel." fine, I get up off the moto to get the money out of my purse which is locked inside my seat, (Julia's on the back this whole time freaking out because I'm yelling at policemen!!!) and I even had the money out, and the other cop says, "lady, you go!" and waved me on. Fine, I get on my moto and speed away, ticked off. Dean gets and earful cuz I told him we couldn't make that u turn, and I really have no idea how I got off without paying anything, cuz I really did disobey the sign. The only thing I can think of is they figured out I knew the game, and didn't want to put up with me? Anyways, doesn't all of that sound horrible? I just think it's criminal that I got so angry, and didn't want to pay, and all over $.50??? IT's the principal behind it all. This is how they make their money, illegally pulling people over for whatever they want, and charging and taking the money for themselves.

AAAk. ANyways, maybe I'm sounding too negative. Some positive for you. It looks like my plea for instruments for the music classroom, may have been answered, as a school in the states is willing to donate us money from their read-a-thon! I am thrilled, and will give you more information when I get it, as I still have to respond to the teacher, but it looks like the students would like to raise money for our music program! Great news.

And, we have company from Manitoba, friends of the Plett's, who some of you know were a family that taught out here a couple years ago, similar to us, who are currently here visiting. They are staying at another family's home, and we are hosting their friends, the Brandt family. Well, this wonderful family shows up and we knew that Dean's mom (HI OMA!) was sending some stuff for us in a rubbermaid container. So, Betsy Brandt starts to unload a rubbermaid with goodies like granola bars, chocolate chips, CHEESE, tons of stuff, and proceeds to inform us, that this is all from them!!! It was so much, we thought it was all the stuff from Dean's mom!!!! Later, the Plett's show up with an ENTIRE rubbermaid full of MORE stuff from Dean's family back home! What a windfall! we were amazed at all the useful treats and those that will just put calories into our bodies! We are so thankful, especially for the pictures from our nephews! Thanks everyone.

So, there is a snippit of the ups and downs that are plaguing... no, that's too negative a word. ... that we are "enduring" right now. Two more weeks of school, including a big spring concert, then a holiday, then the visit from the ACSI team that will be huge for Dean and Dan. Then it's all downhill from there! This week, all the elem and middler kids are writing aptitude tests, so Julia's not too happy, but Steph is ok about it. Every morning for an hour or so will be testing. More rehearsals for the Easter presentation, and visits with the Manitobans.

We hope you all have a blessed week, and continue to tarry, as do we, in the work you are called to do.
Lots of love, Les
:)

MEI comes to PP

From meicambodiateam

What a great time to visit with the MEI team! It was short but very sweet. The team made such a great impact here at our school. Over 40 kids raised their hands and gave their lives to Christ after they witnessed MEI perform the Drimes and heard the message of the Gospel. I am amazed. I couldn't believe that many kids opened their hearts and took the message in. Literally one particular student who, only days earlier, said the message of Jesus is a waste of time, came to the front and accepted Jesus. Very Powerful.

I love the fact that as an administrator, I can leave the school and go around Phnom Penh with the group. The team visited a local Khmer school and even there, many kids came forward and accepted Jesus and asked for prayer! The Lord is using the team as they are adding many souls to the kingdom of heaven.

We all had a chance to visit the garbage slums where families work and live as squatters. There is a local pastor Ross who lives beside the dump and takes kids in and gives them some education. The MEI group played with these kids and made them smile and laugh.
MEI also left some clothing for pastor Ross to distribute. Afterwards, pastor Ross took us through the dump area and allowed us to see what it is really like for these kids and their families. It is a very sad place to witness. The kid's feet are cut up, bleeding and their skin is in poor condition.
That is what we do see, I can't imagine what we can't see. Yet these kids, even there, are just smiling and laughing as they receive balloons. They are kids after-all with a terrible circumstance. With a guilty feeling, I really couldn't help but think how fortunate I was to leave this place.
Finally, we enjoyed having the whole team over for dinner at our place and before we knew it, the night was through. Our family is sooo thankful for all their prayers and the Canadian items. It was so nice to have regular Costco items in our cupboards. We really do appreciate it.

Anyways, there are many pics from the MEI team, so I will leave them for you to consider.

Deano

It's kinda hot....

Hello all. I can't believe it's been 9 days since our last post and more than that since I wrote. Time flies out here. To save a bit of my time, I'm going to copy an e-mail I sent to SOA who's X-streamers are following our adventures and praying for us. After I just copy that, I'll write a couple extra comments.

From meicambodiateam

E-mail:

Here's two interesting developments that have happened recently. last weekend, the X-Stream equivalent out here, the Gr 6-8 youth called "Solar", was on a retreat to the beach. They were driving at night on a small highway ( that's all there is out here!) and a moto that was coming the other way, swearved to miss hitting a cow that had wandered onto the highway. (that is common)> the moto swerved right into the bus carrying the 30 middle schoolers, and the two guys on the moto died. It was rather horrific. They had to wait 3 hours for a new bus. A number of the kids in the front of the bus saw the whole accident and got trauma counselling, and the whole weekend was overlaid by this tragedy. A teacher friend of ours was chaperoning and let us know God was very present and a great provider of help and healing, but it was still tough. Steph was not interested in going on this retreat at all, even from the get go, and I don't know if I would have let her go anyways, as just not that comfortable with the group and not sure of the leaders, etc. etc. (Cambodia is unpredictable enough even without letting your child go on a trip without you!). and I thank God that she was spared the situation. Hwoever, many in her school were not and were on the bus, so it's had some rippling effects. Pray for the kids, the solar leader Christina, and the families of the two men who were killed. Who knows if they'd ever had the chance to hear about Jesus???
Also, Monday after school, our senior boys were playing basketball against another International school, Northbridge, and apparently they came with an attitude against Logos. They don't like that we use our own refs. (Is there even a ref league out here???) Anyways, things got pretty ugly towards the end of the game, and after a call by our ref (who is a teacher and a friend of ours) one of the rich Cambodian students from the other team, turned to his "bodyguard" (yes, he had a bodyguard there watching out for him) and pulled up his shirt and pointed to where his gun would be, and shouted in Khmer, "SHOOT HIM!" (refering To the ref) The game was called. Apparently out here, all theKhmer we talked to said unfortunately that we had to take this threat seriously, and the teacher and his wife were ready to leave

From meicambodiateam

the country that night. Almost seriously. They ended up going into the care of a high up government official who's daughter goes to Logos, and there was a big meeting with both sides. Dean was involved with that. Anyways, it was messy, but the emotional stuff Karie and Brian are going through is pretty heavy as it is. This is Julia's teacher actually, (Gr. 5 Karie Bourdet, and Brian teacher some computers, and was the ref.) They had signed a two year contract just as we had, but have felt it is too difficult out here, so have bowed out and are going home after this year. Back to California. It's a tricky situation. Anyways, prayer for safety for our school, for good repor with this other school, for Logos to be a witness to them, for the Bourdet's to have safety and peace. NISC (Northbridge international school) is, by the way, the school that Melanie Ens goes to, but this was the high school students, and not the elementary. The student who made the threat has realized it wasn't smart and things are getting dealt with. Just another work day.....

From meicambodiateam

I don't think there are any bug stories, but there is a bat that lives in our carport roof, it dropped something on Dean the other day and we got a really good look at it. The geckos are out in force, as are the ants, and the mosquitos are mild.(for out here.) There are goats that roam the street eating grass, as we drive to school everyday--they are new, I don't know where they come from, and there a sheep a few streets over. Kind of like abbotsford, I guess. haha.
i am very overtired today, lots on the go, and I'm really cranky tonight, and realized with all the fans on, as I write this at 7:30 pm in the evening, our thermometre in the house reads +32. I guess you could say I'm hot and bothered!

From meicambodiateam

The mei team brought us out some goodies, like cheerios, muffin tins, licorice. yay, it was yummy and very kind of them. Nice to have, for a treat.
They went to the garbage dump, to spend some time with the kids out there, who live, play and eat in and on the garbage dump. Now that is an experience. I didn't go, but Dean did. I should send you a couple photos to show the kids. Be thankful you live where you do, and eat what you eat, is all I can say. How do people survive living in garbage??? (end of copied e-mail.)

From meicambodiateam

So, that's a bit of what's been going on lately. I'm super busy at work getting ready in a few weeks for another concert, so that consumes all of my brainpower. Dean has his documents now officially sent off for the ACSI Accreditation, and boy, is that a load off the shoulders of Dean and the Principal Dan. It is very good to have that done.
As mentioned, We are just off of hosting the MEI missions team this past Monday and Tuesday. OK, they didn't sleep at our house, only ate one meal, so it wasn't really hosting, but they were around the school for 2 days, did a chapel for the m iddle and high, and was it a blessing to have them at our school! Their drimes were very good, and the message at the chapel was so real and honest, and to the point. I really respect the Reimer family that took the team out. And I got to FINALLY meet Joel Reimer, as he and his helper buddies were out for the couple days too. He's really doing some mega faith things out there in Poipet, so keep praying for him. I'm sure he must have some sort of website or blog, so if you're interested, try googling it. I haven't yet, but will.

The team wore these bright green t-shirts and some of the boys were so very tall, that they really stuck out mingling with the kids at lunch times, etc. They were super friendly to all the little kids and students that were their peers, and many asked me about them, and asked if they were coming back. Those t-shirts were sure full of sweat after not such a long time, as some of the boys even played a big of hoops with our guys over one lunch hour. I hope and pray their ministries in Poipet will be as fulfilling for other and them, as their trip here to see us was for us and Logos!

Our kids are good. Dean had a decent fever and weird illness last THursday before the team arrived, but got over it in about 2 days, so that was good. He was pretty sick there, though. Julia is still busy with soccer and basketball afterschools, and Steph is also on the middle school soccer team, which is great! Maya plays with her friends all day and then wants to play more after school. When we get home, she is often very busy doing "homework." Her teacher, Mrs. Injeeli, is just great and we are so thrilled that Maya enjoys Pre-K 4.

So, as I mentioned at the beginning, it is now hot out here. I mean, really hot. I'm not comoplaining, I like heat, but it is very different now than it has been for the last few months. It gets very, very muggy, and you just constantly sweat, all the time, from the moment you hit the heat. Our air cons run at night, so we sleep great, and the air cons run in the classrooms, so we teach well. Anything other than that though, is a big sweat show. It's really, really, hot. I hope I'm making my point. Quite amazing. Over +30 in the house in the evenings. Really hot.

Finally, thanks to the MEI team for bringing us gifts! I hinted to that a while back, but i'm going to give you the complete list of how they blessed us:
Dean got NICE basketball runners from Pete, and the school got some good balls! They also carried over textbooks we needed for the school.

Our family got, are you ready for this, Costco size of all the following:
Red Licorice, chipits Chocolate chips, 2 Edwards decaf coffee tins, 2 bread knives, notecards, from House of James, 2 huge blocks of Cracker Barrel orange cheddar cheese (!), and there's more. They brought out Claire's old trumpet for Logos to use, and I've already played it and showed it to classes as part of our study on instruments of the orchestra. What else, oh yes, 2 muffin tins!!!, CHEERIOS, lots of them, a massive pack of Kraft dinner, and 2 huge tubs of Peanut Butter! we are STOCKED, and have lack of nothing! Tough life we're living, honest, it was way overboard! Just tonight, I made my first batch of chocolate chip muffins in the tins, with the real chocolate chips and let me tell you, I am now officially up for the running of Mother of the Year! haha I admit, they were tasty. And yes, I am baking indoors with a hot oven in way over +30. I'm sorry, but it is a necessity! haha

From meicambodiateam

So, how are you all? E-mails are always welcome, as are comments on the blog. sorry it often takes so long between posts. I need to get Dean to put up pictures, some of the MEI team, the garbage dump, them eating at our house. They brought some nice thank you gifts for Sokhom, who of course, made all the food to feed to them. It is weird hosting people for dinner and not have cooked it. Can't say it's a bad feeling, but still a weird one. We will be paying it forward for years to come, that's all I gotta say!!!

Take care all, and we'll hopefully write again soon.
Lots of love,
Les

School Pics

Well here are our School pics. Quite a bit different than our standard school pics. I like the tropical look. The background is "real" not one of those fake photographer's background drop sheets.

STEPHANIE	LESLEY	MAYA
	JULIA	DEAN

update

hi all. Well, my parents are home safe from their snow bird trip to Texas, so that's a good thing. Hello to all my grandparents out there, by the way, as well. All three of them will have birthdays this spring, so quite the milestones they are reaching.

A few dates for you to be aware of, things we are doing.
Next weekend, our family will be helping out with Patti and David's church's soup kitchen that they put on every saturday. We will sponsor the food, and then our teacher friend Anna has a khmer outreach puppet show that she does, and she and her crew are going to put it on for all the kids. My Love Cambodia team ladies will remember when we were there, and can imagine that a puppet show will be a big hit. So, we are excited for that.

We have been playing volleyball on Sunday afternoons with other families and it's been fun. Still going around to visit other churches. I get so refreshed going to Khmer churches, to see what God is doing in their lives, that I love to go, even with language barriers. We usually go to a place that has an english translation. We are welcomed so warmly whenever we go to a Khmer church.

Steph is going to an orphanage this wed. with her class, to take clothes, food and play. She is looking forward to that. Steph and I again visited House of Smiles, the home for disabled kids run by Hagar, and it was neat to take them all on a walk in their wheelchairs. Those kids are so sweet and happy, and enjoyed the simplicity of just going up and down the street for a bit. It was nice.

We have the day off of school tomorrow (Monday) but Dean will have to work as it's really crunch time for the school's ACSI documents to be sent off. It's a huge job, chapters and chapters of writing about programs and procedures, etc. So, once that is off this week, then it's waiting for the accrediation team, that will come after our Khmer new year break in April.

We are officially heading off to Thailand for the Khmer New Year break, for which we are exceedingly grateful AND really looking forward to. It's been a good long haul of work since January, with lots going on and we're really looking forward to the holiday. We will travel on a 6 hour bus ride, then a 1 hour ferry, to get to the island of Koh Chang. From there, nothing but R & R and swimming in the ocean for 5 days. We are blessed to get this opportunity.

Gotta run out the front. Our Landlord's have invited us to dinner to visit with their friends, the Gabriel's, who are the family that lived in our house before us. They are now working out in the province, and are visiting before going back to the states for a 6 month furlough. They have 3 kids, and the girl, Megan is the same age as S, J and Mony, so it's one big party today. They are all out riding the moto and trying it out, so we must go visit.

FInally, thanks for those of you who knew about Sokhom and prayed. She is our helper and her sister died this past friday from cancer in the stomache area. she was sick for a long time, and had had surgery but was not eating or drinking. There is a teenage daugter involved. Sokhom is doing much better, and is here visiting now, but will need some time off this week for the funeral, which, of course, is very easy to give her. She is doing well, so that is good. That is the third person in our closer circles that has succumb to a similar cancer since January. Robin Lane's mom has just passed away, and Debbie Klassen. We are still in prayer for those families.

I think there was more I wanted to say, but can't remember now. We hope to visit a bit with david and patti when we head to their soup kitchen next week. Then, just a couple more weeks until we get more visitors and company. very excited for all that.

take care all, and God Bless.
PS Maya is well over her sickenss, and Julia who was rather ill on Friday and missed school, is now feeling much better. I hope it had nothing to do with the test she was supposed to have on Friday!

PPS I remember what I was going to say: It's an early arrival of hot season, so we've been losing power a little more regularly. It was funny that it went off in the morning on Friday at Logos, so Dean couldn't work anyways, and was home with sick Julia. The power was out at home too. What was funny was that since the classrooms heat up like crazy and very quickly when there is no fans or air cons, alot of the elem. classes moved outside. It was really neat to see pockets of classes sitting where they could in the shade, to beat the heat, and still do some learning. Logos really is a good quality school out here, as we hear so many horror stories of the public Khmer schools, where money is paid to the teachers for test answers, and it's just a fact of life. It is not seen as wrong, but rather a means to an end. That kind of cheating is rampant here, and is a significant underlying problem in this society.

PPS The heat also wears you out faster, and fatigue sets in quicker and sleep is more necessary. And this we are told, is only the beginning.

Anyways, will write again soon. we are trying to get the girls to write.