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Neighborhood
I remember in the '70s that neighborhoods in Hong Kong were very close. Whenever there was a need, we would mutually help each other without struggle or much consideration. However, as people have become so busy with work and ‘competition,’ they've gotten too tired to build up close relationships with neighbors. “Hi” and “Bye,” nodding the head with a smile are now considered a friendly encounter.
Over the years that I have lived in Cambodia, I've come to see that neighbors are an important part of people's lives. For an example, my staff sometimes tells me he needs his neighbor to take care of his daughter because both he and his wife work. I have moved 3 times already in Cambodia, and now I am living in a long building that has more than 60 households. My landlord’s relatives live beside my house and 2 HK missionary couples also live across from me. During the day time, some neighbors’ kids play with each other, some ladies sit outside their homes and chat with their neighbors, and some are very ‘enthusiastic’ to ask me where I am going or what I am cooking. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere in the environment. Most of the time, I just lock the front gate when I am out instead of many locks for security because I know my neighbors are the best door keepers. Besides that, I admire their attitude to bring harmony through different means
The celebration of the Khmer New Year
My neighbors told me that there would be a Khmer New Year celebration gathering at our ‘estate,’ and all are free to join and contribute either money or drinks without any restrictions. The organizer is a chief police officer of our district and he lives near the entrance to the estate. That evening, some people ate their dinner outside their houses, and the children were hanging around cheerfully. About 7 pm, the chief police officer made an announcement to invite the neighborhood to join the party. They hired a live band, and the program lasted almost 5 hours. Even though some people drank lots of beer, they did not bring about any troubles. Some ladies wore beautiful clothes to join the dance, so that I hardly recognized them from their day time attire. Spending time together is the key element to building up relationships; however, we are sometimes so pragmatic we only do things with ‘goals and purposes.’
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Khmer New Year Celebration
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The Wedding invitation
A few days ago, I received an invitation for a neighbor’s wedding banquet. I do not know her, and on the card there was no name written either (I think she doesn’t know my name). I understand that Cambodians are happy to invite as many as guests as possible even though they are not familiar with each other (some church members also like to invite us whatever the occasion, even though I don’t know his/her relative). However, they have a better sense of community than us. They treasure the opportunity to meet and share the joy or grief (funeral). On the contrary, I sometimes treat many things as ‘personal’ and don’t want to involve others. The Bible reminds us to rejoice with those who rejoice and grieve with those who grieve.
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wedding invitation
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Mutual help mentality
A few months ago, there were some new residents who moved into in our estate. They are students at a nearby university. However, they always turned their hi-fi or musical instruments too loud and irritated the neighborhood. Then the neighbors called the police to help. Nevertheless, the students did not change their attitude and called up some BIG guys to support them. Consequently, our neighbors signed their names to lodge a complaint, and the students finally moved out of the apartment. Community is a strong power to confront 'evil;' as the Bible says, ‘Two are better than one.’
Every time I leave home for work, some neighbor is kind to direct the way out when there are many cars parked in front of the houses. Even though it’s a small thing, it shows concern for others. When there is something broken or a problem, my neighbor (landlord’s relative) is prompt to help. Life is easier when there is always someone nearby. The Bible reminds us to not only be concerned about your own affairs, but also the affairs of others.
God is gracious to provide me good neighbors so I can experience the local culture of friendliness. May God also use me as a blessing to my neighbors.
I Thessalonians 5:15
Prayer points
- Pray for building up the relationships with my neighbors that I can witness about God through my daily life
- Pray for the Wilkins as they will leave for Japan in June for a month to attend a Mission Congress and visit churches and family
- Pray for my sister who will visit family and friends in HK in late April; may God grant her health and strength for traveling
- Pray for the future system for the local churches to support their pastors
- Pray for more young people to commit themselves to serve the Lord, especially in this age of darkness
In Christ,
Davis Lam
May 2011
Cambodia Mail Address: P.O Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Davis Lam
