A Plea

Hello all and Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians alike! We have so much to be thankful for, don't we? Even here abroad, the reasons for thanks, perhaps even moreso than actually in Canada, are abundant.

We're back at work now after 4 days break at the beach in Cambodia. It seems everytime we go there, it just gets better and better. We stayed for the 4th time, at a lovely little guesthouse called the Orchidee. EVERY, and I mean every, expat knows about this place. It's run by a dutch fellow, and for $40 a night, our familiy gets a huge family room, 2 king and one double bed, a nice pool to swim in, breakfast included AND it's only a block from the beach. That said, it's only a walk down the street to some local BBQ restaurants, which Dean goes crazy over everytime we come. For $3 a plate, you get delicious skewers, salad and fries. It's really so cheap, I don't know how they make any money. And those workers and cooks run all night long.

And while iT was a big Cambodian holiday, that made for the beach town to be quite busy. But there is a little secret in Sihanoukville called Victory Beach. I shouldn't be telling any of you, because then the secret might be out. But, if you're willing to drive or moto to the other side of the town, there is a small strip of beach that is fronted by a very strange bar type restaurant, that actually has a real airplane in it (yes, the kids can go in and play!) that is built like a real hangar. ANyways, for the price of a beverage or some food, you can use their chairs and sit on the beach all day, in and out of the warm sea water, retreating to the shade under the bent palm trees.

Sound appealing? I'm doing my best.

You see, we need visitors. Well, maybe want them, but we'll leave it at need for now.

This is very likely the last year we will be in Cambodia for a (long) while, and to date, while we have had some visitors come out, they have all been groups or people with alternative reasons for coming out. We'd sure love to have guests that come out to see us, see what we do here, experience our lifestyle, taste even slightly the beautiful things Cambodia and neighboring countries have to offer. We welcome visitors and are outright asking for them.

Ok, Ok, I know. It's not like driving to Grand Beach, or a quick trip over the border to Washington. There a fair chunk of time involved. ANd of course, money: depending on how many people come in your party, it could be pricy. BUT... there are ways around big prices. Did you know? First of all, there's different routes you could take, to get you here, that could save a ton of money. We know a bit about discount airlines and websites that offer some potential deals. But most of all, did you know that money is the LEAST of God's worries??? If there's one thing I've learned over these last three years, watching the provision that has taken place for our family, is that God could care less about money, and it sure doesn't cause him near as much concern as it does us! "Ask, seek and knock," It sure doesn't hurt to ask, does it???

So, perhaps this is the inkling you've been needing, the nudge that will push you over the wall, the fan that flames the spark. Maybe you've thought it in the back of your mind, but just dismissed the idea, considering it just too far fetched. Well my friend, maybe it is time to reconsider. Maybe it is time to find out if the possibilities really lead to dead ends, or if there is a chance, a small window, that could be openned wide.

Well, don't want to shame any of you. Certainly you all know your limits. HOwever, you know, the thought is worth the thought, at the very least. You just never know, you know? I mean, we're out here, and there certainly was a time where that seemed like a total impossibility. And just think of all the scriptures I could quote where God wants to give us good things!

So, we have lots of time over Christmas. We get a good two weeks off then, the weather is superb, so there would be time to travel a bit, see the big city of Phnom Penh. After your flight costs, really there's no accommodations staying at our place, we have lots of room, food is very cheap, and so much of it would be covered at our house. THen, just what you want to spend for spending money, and if you want to go to THailand or ay other close traveling. We can do aloat of booking things if you have ideas.

If Christmas isn't your gig, we will accept visitors ANYTIME! WE have a one week break in April. It's smokin' hot then, so you could have a real taste of hot season in the tropics! Of course, any other time we would have to work, but we can certainly plan to be as free as possible, and set you up with tuk tuk drivers, to get you around on your own. Really, it could be such an excellent opportunity and experience for anyone, families, parent and child, couple, single if you're of the brave variety. We would bend over backwards to entertain you Cambodian style, which is generous. Get your shots, your passport all up to date, a return ticket and get ready for an experience of a lifetime in Southeast Asia!

Sigh. I'm a terrible sales person, always have been. Anyways, we send out the invitation and leave it at that. No, I won't leave it at that. We would really like to have visitors, REALLY! It would sure be a special time for us to have guests, and we welcome any inquiries, even if they are just that. Feel free to ask. No expectations, just alot of prayers!

Ok, that's enough for now. Love yous so much and hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful long weekend with friends and family. (I heard it was warm in Manitoba!)
Take care. God Bless.