Contrasting Images

We ventured to the outskirts of the city today to attend church in small village. Thudding along the dirt road, we witnessed a drastic change in scenery as the crowded streets and buildings faded into murky swaps where lotus flowers are grown. Just beyond this was the village, consisting mainly of squatter homes built out of sheet metal, cardboard, etc and set upon stilts to avoid flooding. These families used to live by the riverfront, but two years ago the government and private owners pushed out what was considered to be the slum in order to put up housing complexes in an attempt to beautify the city and better the economy. However, now an even worse slum has been created and, with the distance from the city and lack of transportation, there is even less work available. What's worse is the plan in the near future to push these people even farther out so that their current area can be developed.

However there is hope within this village as was evidenced by this little church and the countenances of many people we talked with. Also, how moving it was to be there knowing that despite so many differences in language and culture, we worship the same God!

In evening, we went down to the river front. Though it was pretty walking along there and even having a chance to ride on a boat, the sight was tarnished knowing the expense at which it was created.

Tomorrow we start Khmer lessons! I know it's going to be difficult, but I'm excited to learn as much as I can in order to better communicate. Thankfully we're sticking to conversational Khmer as I would be terrified at the thought of trying to master the written language:

Perhaps these lessons will equip me on how to better respond when, like today, I am told by teenage boys through broken English that I look just like Taylor Swift...