The Cambodian New Year is a 3-day holiday that usually begins on April 13 or 14 because it is the end of the harvest season when the farmers can enjoy the results of the months of hard labor before the rainy season commences. This year it was on April 14-16. This year the Lee Family was able to spend our first family vacation in Seoul and Seorak in South Korea (some pics below), where we met with our moms and some family members. We hear it was pretty quiet in Phnom Penh since many take this time to travel.
The night of our return, we were welcomed back by a drastic change in weather in comparison to the chill we were experiencing in Korea, a series of blackouts during the middle of the night and throughout the following day, and our dead car battery. That’s when reality hit. We’re home.
Today was our first Easter here. It’s now been over 5 months here and things are really starting to feel like home. We attended our church, where the the kids in our team (minus Nate) recited Matt 28:1-7 and sang Lord I Lift Your Name on High. It was followed by our potluck lunch. In the evening we happened to have our monthly team worship. After each worship we usually break up into groups and share prayer requests and pray. Kids are always included in this. Today Kaelyn (our team leader’s eldest) and Caleb were in Susan’s group. To hear them share as well as pray for one another is just a blessing. To hear Caleb share how he is struggling with his faith, whether his faith is genuine and whether his faith will persevere to the end, and then to see him moved by others praying for him reminds me that God is indeed alive, powerful, working and so good. We’re not in this alone but our journey is one lived in community, sustained by our Lord.
Indeed, Happy Easter!
Some Further Observations of Phnom Penh:
- It is not unusual to see women (or men) wearing a pajama set as if a fashionable outfit.
- It’s still common to see people walking barefoot on the streets, especially monks.
- Many of the nicer restaurants (where the customers are usually wealthier Khmer or expats) have a swimming pool or a small playground. We’re thinking we’ll hide out there next time we’re hit with a blackout or when the heat gets too bad.
- When there is a downpour, it is not uncommon to see people (mostly men and children) come out and take a shower.
Met President Obama at the wax museum (in Building 63)
Caleb enjoying the penguins at 63 Seaworld
Paul deeply moved by this work of art
Family at Chun Gyeh Chu ( 천계천 )
Tired Nate in Insadong
On our way to lunch
Walking the streets of Apgujeong w cool Uncle Chris & cousin Stella
Sharing a Choc. Blast at Waterpia in Seorak(san) w Stella
Or not…poor Stella
The Lees in Cambodia 
aww great to see pics of korea! looks like u had a great time. and happy to hear caleb is growing in his faith!