Late in April 2022, our family was finally – after two long years of COVID travel restrictions – able to make the trip to the remote Northeast and visit the project in Kratie province. When we came to Cambodia in 2019 I had planned to take the girls along on field visits regularly but due…
Visiting Ba Phnom in Prey Veng
Last month during our team visit to Prey Veng province we visited Ba Phnom district. Located in the flat heartlands of the Mekong delta, Ba Phnom holds the only “mountains” in Prey Veng province. Ba Phnom is an ancient cultural center of the Khmer people. The name Ba Phnom actually means [Ancestor] [Mountain]. The first…
Christmas in Cambodia 2021 & 2022
I just realized that we never shared photos from Christmas 2021. I was wondering why until I looked back on the photos and saw my face – then I remembered, that’s right I had Chikungunya. So here are some photos from then, better late than never! I haven’t been immune to health issues this holiday…
Baby Boy Conklin
Following a molar pregnancy miscarriage in September 2021, Charles and I have been cautious about making a major family announcement. After months of doctor visits, testing, and an absurd amount of mosquito spray (I do NOT want to get dengue), we are ready to announce that Baby Boy Conklin is scheduled to arrive in early…
Visiting Mok Samun’s Farm
Early this month we took an all-team trip out to Prey Veng province for the first time since March 2020. I think it’s very important for our short term volunteers in the city to understand what life is like for the majority of Cambodians and it means a lot to our Cambodian staff to see…
Fungal Ear Infection
Throughout my life I’ve had trouble with ear infections. I seem to be prone to them. But my left ear has been significantly worse over the last two years. I didn’t want to visit the Doctor during the COVID lockdowns of 2021. Even though I had been vaccinated I was nervous about testing positive and…
Preparing to host another International Thanksgiving
I learned a decade ago that in order for me to enjoy any part of guests coming to dinner, I needed to prep. This is more true of holiday meals than any other event. There is always a bit more to do the day of and to be present with people, I need to have…
នំបុ័ងខគោ | Bread with Braised Beef Soup
Rice with Pork/Chicken/Fish/Egg, Rice Porridge, and Kuv Teav soup are the most popular breakfast items in Cambodia. However, there are other less common but equally delicious breakfast items like Bread with Braised Beef Soup. This delightful breakfast soup is tangy, sweet, and hearty. There are heavy flavors of anise, lemongrass, and mint grounded by a…
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit
Last week Cambodia hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) annual summit. Foreign ministries and leaders from around the world gathered to meet with Southeast Asian leaders in Phnom Penh. The heavy influx of motorcades brought traffic in the city to a standstill. Schools were already closed for the national holidays of Water Festival…
Sihanoukville
Imagine that – instead of Washington DC – George Washington personally established the United States’ foremost seaside resort, Washingtonville, and that it was the top vacation spot for Americans for decades. That should give you an idea of how Cambodians view Sihanoukville. King Norodom Sihanouk, after negotiating bloodless independence from France, founded Sihanoukville; Cambodia’s only…