Drastic Changes in Seasons and Life
I have been back in Cambodia for more than 3 weeks already. The hectic schedule sometimes brings an exhausted feeling, even  though I thought I was ready to pick up my usual work after the refreshment of my vacation. As the Apostle Paul said, he could adjust himself to be whatever kind of person necessary to ‘gain' the souls of the lost. Adjustments are never easy, no matter how familiar I am with the place and the people.
The adjustment to the climate
In America and Hong Kong, it was the chilly season and I needed to wear very thick clothes outdoors. Actually it had been more than 6 years that I was used to wearing T-shirts and shorts on the field. The temperature difference was more than 50 degrees Celsius (from - 20 C to +35 C). I also was able to see the spectacular snowy scenery in Korea, Canada and America, as compared to the contrasting sights in Cambodia. Both extreme environments actually bring similar phenomena - snow blindness isn't much different from the glaring tropical sun, and headaches and respiratory problems can happen in either situation (especially going from the chilly outdoors to the very warm indoors). However, God spared me from any sickness throughout the trip, as well as in coming back to the hot climate in Cambodia.
The adjustment in language
I didn't have any opportunity to use Khmer for 5 months, and I now feel quite helpless to remember the words or expressions of Khmer. Especially I was a bit worried because we would have the annual meeting soon after I returned, and I probably would be the secretary and need to write the minutes. There would also be lots of meeting with the members. Nevertheless, God's grace is sufficient so that I could ‘survive' and fulfill my responsibilities.
The adjustment to the change of students' status
I heard some boy students were engaged just when I came back. There are 3 students in our dorm who were engaged and I had the chance to join one of their engagement ceremonies. At first, I tried to figure out why they were in such a hurry to get engaged, especially as some of them need to wait 2-3 years to get married. Afterwards, I understood that this is a way to show respect to the girl and her family. According to Khmer culture, when people see a boy and a girl walking together in an ‘intimate' way, they will think the girl is not a ‘good' one. Moreover, young people like our students have arrived at the appropriate age for courting and they may need to protect their ‘girl friend' from rumors, plus do not want to bring shame to their family. Hence, they will ask permission of their family to get engaged and acknowledge the true situation to their neighbors accordingly. During the engagement ceremony, I heard the pastor ask the girl's parents and relatives if they agreed to the relationship. He also seriously told the engaged couple NOT to have any pre-marital intimacy, but to wait for that until marriage. Since then, I have become more alert to the maturity of our students and that they really need more support in some complex issues.
 
May God grant me the wisdom and patience as I serve my 3rd term in Cambodia.
Prayer points
- Thank the Lord for granting me joy and safety during my home assignment and vacation
- Pray for my re-adjustment to the life and work on the field
- Pray for strength and health to serve
- Pray for seeking a new apartment before May
- Pray for the moving of our mission office to our property in Phnom Penh Thmei in late May
- Pray for the progress of the school and that we can recruit faithful Christians to work together
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:5)
Davis Lam
Cambodia Mail Address: P.O Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Davis Lam
