Thoughts on coming…
It’s 4 am and I’m wide awake, the jet lag still affecting my CA body. I’m sitting in the bathroom typing on my laptop, trying not to disturb my sleeping family. It’s really humid and my palms are sticking to the computer as I type. Since I can’t sleep anyway and my mind is racing, I’m going to record some of these random thoughts. 
We were scheduled to fly at 12:05am on January 18th. We planned to leave the house at 7:00pm to avoid any potential problems. Around 6:00pm, we discovered that two passports were missing and neither of us had a clue where they had vanished. Time to panic. Our large and loving extended family helped us tear through all of our bags and boxes and eventually they were found by Rebecca, my wonderful sister-in-law. Our journey’s first answered prayer.
After a sweet time of prayer and a tearful goodbye to our families, we headed through security, waited an hour or so and then boarded our flight to Cambodia. We arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, January 19th. The flight was shorter than we expected. Only 12.5 hours to Taipei, Taiwan, where we had a two-hour layover, and then another 4 hours or so to Cambodia (So, 
more motivation for visitors?). We were a little late to Taiwan because of the 30 wheelchair passengers that had to board before the rest of us. I’m definitely not opposed to wheelchairs, and many of the people were legitimately in need, but there were quite a few who seemed like they had heard the rumor that “wheelchairs board first”, and had decided to take advantage. I really wish that I had taken a picture. There were so many wheelchairs that it looked like the starting line of a wheelchair derby.
Ava did extremely well on the flights. This was such a big answer to prayer! The takeoffs and landings went smoothly (in terms of ear pressure) and she slept and ate splendidly for both flights. The airline provided a bassinet that attached to the wall in front of the bulkhead seats. It worked out perfectly for our tired daughter. It did look a bit like a coffin, and we had to snap a cover over the top in case of turbulence, but otherwise, it was so convenient! We highly recommend one for those traveling with 3.5 month-olds…We only wish that they had one for us grown ups!
As we were preparing to disembark the plane in Phnom Penh, the flight attendants gathered around their favorite passenger (Ava) to say goodbye. They had been so helpful during the flight—even giving us a complimentary baby bag with diapers, baby food (which we can’t use yet) etc. When they saw that we were somewhat struggling to carry everything, including Ava, they each took a bag and helped us off the plane. When we got to the terminal, they couldn’t abandon their duties any longer, so they asked a terminal worker to help us. He was a kind Cambodian who took us through all of the mandatory lines…customs etc., even taking us to the front of sev
eral lines. I was thinking that this was “normal” treatment when our missionary friends told me that they’ve NEVER seen that at the airport. Another answer to prayer.
It is now Saturday and so much has happened! It has been so great to reconnect with the Beck and Lopez families. We were greeted at the airport with open arms. They have served here for seven years, and were the original team that Nate came out with from West Hills, our home church. It was a comfort to know that even as we were saying our goodbyes in CA, that there were people eagerly anticipating our arrival. I’m looking forward to the friendships that will be forged and strengthened with these wonderful individuals.
Perhaps the biggest event was that we found a place to live! We’ll share more about that in a future blog post. Every day has been an adventure. Even though I’ve been here once before (for two weeks), I had forgotten so many things. For instance, if you don’t have a car and you need to get somewhere fast, no problem! You can rent a motodope to whisk you 
to your destination. This is basically any moto (a vespa/scooter) driver that decides they want to make some extra money, so they pull over to where you’re gesturing and you hop on the back of their bike. It’s like a breezy taxi. I have yet to do this, but Nate took one to the store yesterday.
I remember the driving being crazy in Phnom Penh, but I forgot how brave/foolish the drivers are. Motos dart in between cars with inches to spare. It’s amazing how much faith they have that you’re going to brake and not hit them…most of the time. I’m a little intimidated to learn to drive, especially since I haven’t driven a manual car for years and haven’t driven in Cambodia…ever.
I also recall it being fairly loud in the city, but I forgot how noisy it can really be. The Cambodians have a tradition of blasting the neighborhood with Khmer music, even in the middle of the night, to tell everyone that a party (or funeral) is going on (It’s like an evite.). Besides the sounds of vehicles, the other predominant clamor in the early hours are the local roosters announcing the new day. I’m fairly certain that these birds are on CA time too, since they seem to start their crowing at 2:00am.
Some other things…EVERYONE has these periwinkle plastic lawn chairs. We went to the government police station to file our rental agreement, and we sat in those plastic lawn chairs. You drive along the poorest parts of town, and people are congregating in the shade in those lawn chairs. We may have to get a few to fit in.
Speaking of the police station, yesterday was the first vivid realization that “We ain’t in America anymore.” When we arrived at the office (which was a red metal barn-like structure with a dirt floor, and rice bags lining the walls), the head guy was nowhere to be found. He had apparently wandered off. So, we sat waiting for him to arrive. As we sat at the concrete picnic table with the 4 government officials, I didn’t know whether to stare at the ground or engage with them. They somewhat ignored us, talking to our landlord and glancing at us from time to time. I was suddenly aware that many of these men were older and could have been in involved in the Khmer Rouge. As many of you know, the Khmer Rouge was a brutal regime that massacred millions of their own people in the 1970’s, which was not very long ago. So, I was probably overdramatizing all of this in my mind, but I was suddenly scared at the potential of these men. Had they been involved in the mass murder of their fellow Cambodians? Would it happen again? Would foreigners be in danger? After a few moments of this irrational fear, I was reminded that we are just as safe on Cambodian soil as we are in Morgan Hill, CA. God is completely sovereign over our lives and we are in the palms of His loving hands. There have definitely been times when I’ve struggled to grasp this completely, especially with our helpless, vulnerable Ava, but I trust and pray that the Lord will continue to affirm this in my heart. And with this, I end my somewhat random blog post.
And a few parting shots…
Nate maneuvering the Lopez van through traffic. I am amazed by his abilities.
The mansion next to the shack – A common occurence.
Driving from the airport – Ava’s first impression of Cambodia
Driving with the Lopez clan from the airport
A “squatting toilet” at the local mall. It’s probably 6″ off the ground. And no toilet paper provided.
Joy ride over the Japanese Bridge
The second youngest Action Cambodia member, Drew, meeting Ava for the first time.
Jodi and Ava bonding
Meeting the Lopez canine clan
Having a good time with Theda
Ava’s tongue habit influencing Kamryn.
Car hunting with Mom and Dad. We haven’t found one yet. Please pray!
And finally, our sweet baby asleep on the airplane.
DISCLAIMER: In the future, we’ll probably have more of these longer blog posts. Please know that the intent is to give those who are interested (especially our families), a closer look at our lives in Phnom Penh. We don’t expect everyone to have the time and desire to follow us constantly…We’re really not THAT interesting. It is also a “family journal” that we can refer to in the future. In many ways, the blog has replaced the Creative Memories (scrapbooking) that I used to do.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:16 am
keep blog coming love to see and hear all. Very interesting including the 6″ off the ground toliet. Need to see the lawn chairs you were talking about though.
January 23rd, 2010 at 8:32 am
Mark and I are sitting drinking a cup of coffee and thoroughly enjoyed your blog…love your “random thoughts”…made your trip very personal! Thankful for the Lord’s travel mercies upon you all and Ava is amazing! We are happy to “share” your life and all the Lord will do in it while serving him. Love to you all. We will be praying for you…keep the pics and your thoughts coming and take care. Oh, and Mark said be sure to tell Daren hello..love you guys…xo
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:37 am
What a fun post! I love all of the details. Keep ‘em coming!
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
I don’t mind the length and it was interesting to me!! Loved all the pictures and the way your writing brings it to life. Agree with Aunt Mary above…keep it coming and show us the lawn chairs.
Praying for the car.
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:56 am
It was so much fun reading this Christiana and I do not mind the length either! It makes it feel that you are not so far away! I miss and love you! Praying for you always!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:43 am
Loved your blog and the pictures. It makes me a little “home sick “for a country I also have grown to love through the times I have been there. Joel and I are praying you will find Cambodia “Home”. It is a wonderful ministry you 3 are going into.
I know Daren, Jodi and the Lopez’s are very excited to have you there.
God Bless you and richly bless your ministry there.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thanks for the detailed update! What a blessing that your travels were so smooth. I enjoyed hearing how you’ve been settling in so far, your post gave me a small glimpse of how life is in Cambodia.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
It could have been longer, I would have still read it all! I liked your random 4am post, not that it should be a regular…praying your body will adjust quickly so you can get some sleep! And that you find a car soon. Love you and miss you!
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
We’re reading, so keep it coming Christiana! The pictures are a great addition. Looking forward to seeing your new lawn chairs. Always in my prayers.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:30 am
Thanks for the updated Christiana. I really enjoyed reading and lookingvatvthe pictures! I’ll pray for the car.
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi,
We are praying for you as well. We are fellow West Hills, now at Grace Bible in Hollister. Hope everyone remembers us:) God is good and its wonderful to see how he is blessing you all. Its a blessing to us as well. Really enjoyed your blog… it really felt alive… Looking forward to more… God Bless, The Carvalhos
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Thanks for the updates guys. You are so good at keeping in touch. It was so fun to talk with the webcam last night. Praying for you.
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I love hearing your story and seeing your pictures. It’s almost as good as being there.
With love and prayers,
Jan
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Thanks for the blog sister. Shannon and I will continue to pray for you guys. It is also great to know what specific things you need prayer for.
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I LOVED the long blog post – keep them coming!! Its so amazing to see these pictures and hear you tell of what life is like in another country. God is going to use you guys in mighty ways, I just know it!! You are in our prayers daily. We’re praying for the “big” things and then for those little things, like the missing of your family, friends and American food part :)
I hope the adjustment continues to go well for Ava. What a blessing that she’s handled it so well thus far! The comment about the periwinkle lawn chairs made me LOL – too funny!
God’s blessings to you,
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for including me in your adventure across the pond. Blessings on you.
roy
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Hey guys, we love your blog!! Thanks for updating it, we are so happy we can check in on you guys all the time now!! We love you and are praying for you!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Michelle & I have been praying for y’all a lot as you start this chapter in the book God’s writing for your family … we can’t wait to hear more, especially about the place you found to live, which has been one of our primary prayers for y’all so far!
January 24th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Thanks so much for sharing! We will be praying for you today in our Sunday school class!
January 24th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Hi Christiana! I loved reading up on your 4am thoughts of the day! I couldn’t help but laugh when you thought of the older guys being involved in the Kmher Rouge. I would have done the same thing. I had to think of our experience in the hut where you were planning to take the stool and attack the crazy man who we all thought was going to get us! LOL. Isn’t it funny how we think God is with us more in our hometown than anywhere else? I love you and your posts! Praying you get a car and can’t wait to see pictures of your new home! =)
Esther
January 24th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
What a blessing to see God’s provision over your family. Thank you for the updates. You are in our prayers. Love, James, Courtney and the boys
January 25th, 2010 at 11:33 am
So happy to hear you made it safely and that God has already provided a house for you! He is taking care of all the details, isn’t He? Know you are in our prayers as you transition into life and ministry in Cambodia. HUGS!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
You did a nice job. It’s a blessind to share in your lives. God Bless,
Barbara
January 25th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Hi!
Great to hear you’re getting settled! Praise God you have a place to live.
Did you show us a picture of your apartment, yet?
Do you have airconditioning there?
Will be praying for a car and that Christiana will learn to drive aggressively and soon fit in.
In India, we had holes in the floor (and no TP!) so the toilet looked pretty good…!
God bless all of you!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
You journal so well its as if we made the journey with you. :o) It’s such a joy to watch your lives. We are praising God that you have found a place so quickly and that God provided you with a safe journey. Praying that you find a car soon…
January 26th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Hi Wells family. You have the gift of communication Christiana. If that’s not in the scriptures, it should be. It is enjoyable following your adventures as you step out into new territory. We will continue to lift you before the Lord as we hear of your needs, and also thank Him for answered prayer. God bless!!
January 28th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Thanks for being so vulnerable with your walk with the Lord, fears and all. I struggle with random fears and that really comforted me about how it doesn’t matter where we are or what scary guys are around we are always in His total control. I will be praying for the Lord to give you perfect peace as your mind stays fixed on Him. Love Karla, Jon Michael, Dominic and Bethany Porras
February 4th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Christiana, I loved your blog and the pictures.. I agree with Mary..need to see those chairs.. they may catch on here!! Of course Ava attracts attention.. Besides being adorable, her precious innocence is a great introduction (pass) to strangers.. she shares the gospel with her smile, like the Lord does. a Joy for sure.