When Crystal and I visited Angkor Wat in 2007 there were thousands of other tourists present. We took the advice of a guidebook to start our day with sunrise at Bayon in order to stay one step ahead of the crowds but often still found ourselves surrounded by a throng. I’ve heard that the daily…
Author: Charles
2020 Visit to Baphuon
Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm are the most famous temple ruins in Siem Reap province but the lesser well known Baphuon is just as worthy of a visit. Located in Angkor Thom, not far from the more famous trio, it seems unassuming from the road but it grows more impressive as you approach and…
2020 visit to Bayon
The Faces of Bayon Bayon sits at the exact center of the ancient city of Angor Thom, adorned with smiling faces looking out over the land in each cardinal direction. It’s widely agreed that Jayavarman VII, the King who built Bayon, served as the model for the faces. The same face features over the gates…
Phase 2 – Study Groups
Last week the girls started with their new school, The Giving Tree. The Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports evaluated this International School as being in Phase 2 according to their COVID-19 prevention guidelines. This means that The Giving Tree has resumed in person meetings with appropriate safeguards but not in large groups or…
#27 Street 504
One year ago we were so grateful to inherit a furnished house and not have to look for a place to rent while navigating new jobs, new school, new culture, and so on. The house never quite fit us as a family but it was still a blessing. Especially during crisis times, like a factory…
One Year Anniversary
August 10 marked our One Year Anniversary in Cambodia. We celebrated by splurging on lactose free ice cream with sprinkles, dried fruit, and a banana.
Summer 2020 General Update
I wanted to give you all a quick update before getting into more specific details. YAMEN Departures: In my last post I shared that Moudy, our volunteer from Indonesia, made it home safely. Last week Jonathan and Victor, our volunteers from Kenya, made it home safely. There were a lot of COVID-19 challenges to navigate…
Home Alone (Well Almost)
For the first time since early March our family is home alone. Well, almost, we do have one returning IVEP participant doing her mandatory two week quarantine in the downstairs bedroom. But, given that she’s in quarantine, we don’t see her except to deliver meals. It was a blessing to have a full house during…
Some old friends are moving in
Difficult times are also opportunities for people to come together to find solutions and build up community. COVID-19 has presented many challenges to MCC’s operations around the world. I wanted to share one of the most straightforward actions we’re taking in response – some old ‘Friends’ will be subleasing a room at the MCC Cambodia…
Holding Grief, Holding Hope
The last weeks have been sad ones for me. I haven’t been able to talk publicly on why until now. MCC is, like the rest of the world, weathering the economic impact of COVID-19. This has forced MCC to make significant program changes. It’s important to note that MCC is celebrating its 100th anniversary this…