Cooking Where God Leads

Praising God in Smelly Water

2012-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Today I decided we needed to figure out what Khmer dishes we are going to have on the menu. I tell the girls I wanted them to cook their best Khmer dish. The only stipulations I gave was no boiled eggs, no fish paste, and I wanted one vegetarian dish and sent them to the market. I had the change to have some quality FaceTime with my brother!! Then I began working on the POS System (point of sale) in the dining room. I heard water dripping. I get up to see what it is, my feet get wet from all the water. I guess I was so focused on the computer I did not notice til it was bad and I then realize the sink was backed up. I went into the kitchen to find Mr. Den; I notice all the sinks had the same problem. We quickly figure out the tanks were full. Call to have them emptied; as we are waiting I look at the pipes. (Unlike in America pipes, most pipes on people’s property are above ground) The pipes that carry the waste to the tank are on an incline and small, this was causing some of our problem. I talk with Den and he tells me he can run pipes so that they were on a decline and able to drain. So for $50 we ran new pipes that will drain the right way. We also had the tanks emptied and flushed out.

I found myself praising God have this happened now instead of in a month or so, when the restaurant is open. We would have had to close for the day. Also praising him that the pipes are above ground and were able to be fixed quickly. If this would have happened in the states I would have freaked out and let it ruin my day. Instead I stood in awe of God’s timing.

It didn’t faze the girls. They were all on a mission to cook a great dish. For lunch we some of the best chicken curry I have every eaten, wonderful veggie stir fry, and egg dish that have smoked fish (Not my favorite, but had good flavor), and stuffed spicy frogs!! I have to brag on them a bit, everything was great. I was very pleased.

Last week we started having a daily Bible study. It is going great, the girls really seem to enjoy it, and they are asking questions. I started in Genesis, since they have very limited knowledge of the bible or Christianity. We have normally been covering a chapter a day. As we finished the chapter and I get ready to pray they asked if we could continue and cover more than one chapter, I gladly when on. This excited me so, and with all the events of the day I had only planned to review, before English time.

Tomorrow I am going to give the girls alittle test. I plan on giving them all an item to cook that we have covered and they should know. Then Ly Phalla and I are going to do things around town, and see what happens. I am hoping they will pull together, work as a team, and come out with great products. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Things to Pray about:

As we continue studying the bible, that girls will ask questions are they are able to see God and his wonderful love. Having Buddhist back grounds the spiritual side of this will be challenging, as well.

I am going to Phnom Penh the first of the week, Pray this trip will be productive and I am able to make the connections and find the items needed.

Thanks for all the support and prayers!!

Ryana

Do for ONE what you wish you could do for EVERYONE

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

As I sit down to write this the words of Andy Stanley come to mind, “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.”

So this story has been a few weeks in the making. It is pretty long, but I feel detail in necessary.

Today I had a pretty laid back day scheduled. I needed to fill out a few papers dealing with my visa, planned to talk with one of the girls mom, and then dinner and a Christmas movie with my neighbors. The paperwork was done pretty quickly. Then we headed out to Nimol's house.

Nimlo's House, This is Nimol's and the mom's

Where they collect water and the Bathroom

A little about Nimol and her family.
Her father was killed in a car accident an few years ago. She was able to study in the orphanage after that. She has an older brother, Sambata, who is 19 and a little sister who is 13. She lives with her mom, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandmother, and dads sister. The mom goes to "wholesale" market every day at 4am, buys stuff to sale, from 6-11:30ish she sales, then goes home to eat and rest. Then at 2 she goes to sale again, if everything sales quick she is able to come home around 6:30, but if not she will stay last to sale til around 8 or 9. All that work to make $2.5 on a good day, many days less. The brother works 7 days a week, but is paid very little.

A photo of Nimol's Family

One the ride there Ly Phalla explains to me that her brother wrecked the family moto last night. It was his fault so he would have to pay for to fix his and the other guys. This means that until they had the money to fix their moto the mother could not get to the market to sale and make money. You can see the cycle. The journey to the house was off the main road, down a small street and then onto a smaller dirt road. It took us about 20mins by tuk tuk. Nimol rides it every day by bike to the training center, and is normally the first one there every morning. When we arrive at the house, which was very small, just room for three beds with the kitchen and eating area was off to the side. Nimol had fixed French fries (better then he ones we made at school this week), cut mangos and apples, had green tea and bottled water waiting. After looking around and seeing the moto, we sat down to talk with her mother. We want to help the mom with some kind of business where she would grow stuff for the restaurant. We would have top choice and then she would be able to take the rest to market. Or we could put her in contact with other restaurants. As I talked to her and thought about the lot they live on. It seems it would be very hard to have a garden. I saw a chicken run by, and then ask her what she thought or would like to do. She looks at the aunt and explains raising chickens would be nice. But knows it would cost a lot more than a garden, so she said whatever we would like her to do. I smile at her and told her we would be serving chicken in the restaurant. Then I ask did they want to raise chickens to eat or for eggs. They talked to other with the family and she said both if possible. They explained to me that there is a short class to learn about how to raise chickens. I tell them that I have to talk to Chris and other people in America first, but I will do everything I can to help.

I then walk over to the wrecked moto and ask how much it is to fix the moto. They tell me they didn't know since there was no money to fix it. I talk with Bouth la, he thinks it could be fixed somewhere between $30-$50. I stand there looking at the family; their means of being able to survive is riding on not having $50 or less. The amount I spent on a pair of jeans to bring with me, or the amount I have spent on food the past 3 weeks. I tell them ok let's get it fixed. Nimol look at me and quietly ask when chef. I tell her why not right now. So we load the moto in the tuk tuk and took it to a shop. As I started to get in the tuk tuk, Nimol looked at me, I could tell she was about to cry. I hugged her and hold her that I loved her and so does Jesus.

Loading the Moto in the Tuk Tuk to take to get fixed.

We got the moto to the shop. I was able to talk with Ly Phalla more about the family. The cost to fix the moto came to $37, but was going to take a few hours to fix. So I left to cook what I was taking to dinner and meeting the Internet man twice. We went back to the moto shop to check on everything and pay. They were just finishing up. When Sambata took it for a test drive, I could tell it shook. I asked the shop owner why, he explained to be because it had the wrong kind of tire. A few weeks before the tire had a hole, so a friend gave one that he had. They tell me that the mom had turned the bike over last week, and it's prob why he wrecked. I then ask how much the right tire is. As with most things, the reply was expensive. I ask how expensive, $8.25 for the tire and $1.75 for the tube. I instantly say put the big tire on. The total cost came to $47. He was so happy. As we were leaving I reminded him why and how I was able to help. When we got back to the training center, Nimol called and asked if we were going to church tomorrow. We tell her yes, and then she asked if her mom could come, I reply of course!!
A note: The family borrowed the money to pay for the other man's Moto, from a neighbor. I talked with Ly Phalla about how they would be able to pay it back. She said they will pay alittle at a time. If the person they borrowed from is nice he will let them to that, if not he will demand the money quickly plus some for the loan. Then they will borrow from someone else to pay that guy. And so on til they get paid off.

The brother, Happy and grateful for the moto was fixed.

I later talk more to Nimol’s mom about the chickens and how to help the family. We decide that chickens were not the right fit for her. This was a learning experience for me, not to always jump at the first thought. She expressed to me that starting a coconut shredding business would be easy and would be able to make profit quickly. Here in Cambodia coconuts are plentiful, and are used in almost all the traditional holiday foods. We figure out the cost of the coconut business was just under $150. This amount included the shredder, a battery (so she could work in any of the markets in town), and a cart to carry the supplies. How this works is CGI has a program called the revolving fund. What happens is people in the states give money to the program, then the money is used to help families. CGI strives to give people hands up instead of hand out. This helps the families not just in the present but in the future as well. As the family begins to profit, they pay the money back over a year to a year and half. Then that money is used to help another family.

So on Saturday I went ago town buying the items. Once we had everything we called for Nimol’s mom to come to the training center. Present her with all the items she needs to start the business. We agree that she will pay $8 a month for 18months. She tells me that she would pay it back faster than that. It was such a joy to be able to make a difference in this families live. I prayed for her, the family, and the business and got do explain the love of Jesus to her.

The Shredder, something so simple could make such a change for this family.

Filling the battery with acid, no gloves or anything. Stuff like this makes me shake me head and wonder.

Making the Cart

Presenting Nimol's mom with the Cart. Shredder, and Battery.

Nimol's mom getting 7 snut of bananas from the trees on property to sale at the market. We sale them to her a reduced cost, since we have more then we can eat and she can make money from them.

Driving away with a huge smile on her face!!

This week I will be going to the market where she works, to see how business is going. I also plan to work with Nimol on how to take sales and figure out what the family is making.

Please be in prayer for this family.

2012-01-15T05:19:00.000-08:00

The dining room is starting to make some progress.

Before

Not sure about table layout yet. The green is a little brighter then I wanted, but it looks good.

Before

Coffee and Smoothies will be served at the bar.

View from behind bar.

Looking down the bar.

There is still work to be done. We need to add an awning for outdoor seating. Also some stuff on the walls. If you have any ideas, please share (I'm not the greatest at that stuff). I thought maybe some sepia tone pictures of food or of Cambodian life, a big map where guest can mark where they are from?

I'll post more pictures as things develop.

Culture

2012-01-13T06:17:00.000-08:00

Some day I feel like I am not taking time to experience and learn the culture. Then others I stop and think to myself where am I and what am I doing. On those days I am normally smacked in the face with culture. Tonight was one of those nights. About a week ago I saw people were setting up a stage and looked to be fair type stuff near my house. I asked the girls what was going on, they tell me its going to be a concert. A few of them got excited and asked if I wanted to go, without thinking I say sure. This week has been a busy up-down week, and I totally forgot about the concert. Then today as the girls are leaving they ask me about going. I wanted to say no really bad, but I knew I needed to go and let them see me relaxed.

So we head to the field for the concert, we got there before it started. I seemed relaxing. I walked around, there was 2 fessis wheels (one fast and one slow) all kinds of dart and ball toss games. As I looked at the prizes it starts to hit me, I'm in a different place. The prizes were shoes, rice cookers, cooking oil, note books, bottles of soda, all things you would never see as prizes in the states. The closest thing to fair food was kettle corn, most venders were selling meat on a stick, boiled eggs on stick, crickets, steamed buns, no funnel cakes, corn dogs, lemonade, or turkey legs. Its time for the music to start. The first group was a boy band, I felt like they were a mix between river dancers and disco, quite odd. The next was a girl singing with backup dancers, then a guy who look like and asian Justin Bieber.

The girls told me the concert lasted til 11. I think by the look on my face they knew we were not going to stay that long. As we were leaving I realize the amount of people. It was crazy, I bet there where over 100,000 people. I can say that today I had my fair share of culture!! There is another concert tomorrow night, I will prob pass, but who knows.

WOW! WOW! WOW!

2012-01-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

WOW Im tired.

WOW Im excited.

WOW There is lots of work to be done.

WOW God is working!

This week flew by. Sunday I spent a lot of time costing the menu, since there was no church because of the New Year. A task I started on Thursday thinking it would not take me long, well it did. I didn’t think about having to convert many of the recipes before I could cost them. That afternoon I had been invited to an English church service. It was good to be able to understand and worship. There were only 8 people there because it’s a new service.

Monday we hit the work week hot and heave. Chris was coming to Battambang and bringing 5 people with him. I know that having a group here would be a great experience for the girls. So Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we prep select items for the menu that we would be having while the group was here. In the afternoons we worked service and making smoothies. Katy and Allen got here mid afternoon on Wed. After the girls greeted them, they were more than willing to let the girls practice serving. I always enjoy being able to spend time with Katy and Allen. We went to Café Eden for dinner and were able to sit and talk for awhile that night. Thursday morning they decided to come to the training center for breakfast, so the girls would be able to practice real timing. The group arrived for lunch. The girls were excited but nervous as well, to have to serve the group. The girls did a good job for this being their first time really working with “costumers.”

Thursday afternoon was filled with things do, places to go and people to see. First was for Chris and I to meet with a young lady and her mother about the girl joining the program. I have met her mom a couple weeks ago. She cleans my neighbor’s house and as I locking my door one morning I turn around and she was there. Mind you I live in a pretty quite area, and not many people are around early in the morning. Thank the Lord that Ly Phalla had come with Bouth La to pick me out or I would not have been able to speak with her. Any way she talks me she has a daughter who want to study cooking and could she come learn at the training center. Only being here a month I had no idea how to handle the situation. I explain to her that I am unsure and I will have to talk with my boss. She also asked me if I need help cleaning my house. It is very common to have a house helper here. I tell her sure, show her around my apartment, and hand her a key. I get she number and tell her once I talk with my boss I would call her. On the way to the school I called Threay, to ask how to I handle this. She tells me to see if I can meet the girl, go to her house and try to figure out ‘her story.’ The week before I was able to hear Threay and Katy working on the stories of a few new girl in the Daughters Project, this helped me to know what kind of questions to ask. So I went to her house, met the family, and got some of the info. I wrote it up and sent to Threay. So we meet with the girl and her mom, and decided that she was a good fit for the program. She asked when did she start, Chris tells her tomorrow if she want to. I thought to myself, tomorrow really. She speaks no English, and I knew Friday was going to be busy, why he couldn’t have said Monday. It all worked out, she was able to see how we do things and started to get to know the girls. On Friday we gave her a bike to be able to get to school, we provide all the girls with one. She was so excited, the family does have a bike or moto, and they walk or find rides. It’s wonderful see how God connects people together. I am excited to see her grow and change for a very shy young lady with very little confidence to someone has a skill, whom believes in herself, and understands that she is loved by her heavenly father.

The rest of Thursday afternoon we went to the two orphanages some of our girls live, and to Nimol’s house. This gave the group a change to meet some to the girl’s families, and see where they come from. Nine of us went to dinner at La Vila, the nicest restaurant in Battambang. It was good I was able to meet and get to know them. Nathan and Whitney, they both work for CGI in America. Nathan does all the office, and keeps CGI organized, at the rate its growing is not an easy task. Whitney is over ByTavi. Jamie and Jeremy, a couple from Indy who were checking what CGI is doing in Cambodia, they are a sweet couple. I am sure they will be back, it might just be for a visit or for a longer time, we will see. The rest of the nine where Katy, Allen, Threay, Chris and myself.

Friday morning came early. When I got to the restaurant (20mins earlier then most Fridays) all the girls were there and already cooking breakfast. We cook and served breakfast. Then the girls fix some sweets for the group as they had a 5+ hour ride ahead of them. Chris and I took this time to catch up and make sure we are on the same page. The group went to the mountain. They returned a little after noon, said their goodbyes and headed to Phnom Penh. I sat down as the girls cleaned up the kitchen, I felt like to was nine o’clock at night. I had noticed that many of the girls didn’t have all the recipes written down, I gave them a list of recipes they each needed. I knew that at least one girl had each of the recipes, so they have to work together to get them all. I headed out to run earns and pick tile to the bathroom.

The girls really benefited from Thursday and Friday. I think they finally understand the importance of serving and also working on their English daily. We have month or less til the restaurant opens. I feel really good that we will be ready.

Tomorrow I am headed to Phnom Penh. All the people working with CGI is meeting on Monday and maybe Tuesday. We will be discussing 2012, things we need to improve on, and just get everyone on the same page so we can more effetely do what God has called us to do.

Please be in prayer for this meeting. Be praying for the girls I am working with as we make the final push to open the restaurant that they form a closer bond together, and they are able to learn and understand the things they need to know.

Week of Dec 26th

2011-12-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

When I look back at this week we got a lot accomplished! We have now cooked the entire menu. Yes there are some things we need to work on, but I am sure that we can prefect them in the next 5 weeks. I wanted to see how the girls felt about the menu, so I gave them each a copy and asked them to write down everything they didn't feel confident in making. Each girl only had one or two items on their lists. I think that is pretty good since we have 20+ items on the menu.

Each week I have introduced something totally new, that we really focus on, like costing menu items, or staying busy. This week was table service. Monday and Tuesday I would write it then show them, then have them practice. On Wednesday I asked them to show me what they knew without using their notes. To say the least they had retained very little. I want to fuss but I knew it would do no good in this situation. I gave them something to do while, as I tried of a different way to teach them. Then it hit me it’s not like in America where we go to restaurants all the time and people serving. Yes the girls have been to a couple of restaurants here, but I don’t think they ever paid attention to the server and what all they did. I went to the girls and said get in the Tuk Tuk, we are going to Café Eden. Café Eden is one of the best places to eat in Battambang, it is set up like a American Café. Anna, the owner of Café Eden, had lived in Cambodia a couple year, then wanted to do more to help the street kids. She opened Café Eden to give them a place to work, improve their English and teach simple life skills. She has doing a wonderful work. This coming week they are celebrating being open one year. Anna has been lots of help to me and CGI. Anytime I have a question, or had a rough teaching day Anna is there to answer and encourage. Anyway, on the way to the café I tell the girls we will be ordering a coffee drink or smoothie, but the main reason I want them to watch and see how the server interacts with the tables. When we got there, one of the best servers (who knows me now) greeted us. I explained to us why we where there. She did a wonderful job, after she took the drink order; she came and talked to the girls about what is important. She also told them all about what she has learned in the past year. This was great for the girls to see someone who was in their shoes a year ago and how she has succeeded. As we were about to leave Anna came in and took the time to talk to the girls. She explained to them the differences in Cambodian culture and what foreigners expect. Since I have only been here a month I didn’t know all about the culture to explain this to them. I am so blessed to have a colleague like Anna.

I think just really helped. The next day as we had alittle down time as stuff baked, they asked me if they could practice, of course I say yes. They are doing much better. Chris and 5 other people are coming this week, I hope to set up like the restaurant will be and let some serve and others cook. This will give me a better idea of where they are and what we need to work on.

Friday the girls had off, since I had to go to Thailand. It was an experience, but I got everything worked out. I now have a 3 month visa, which we will be able to change to a NGO visa. This will extend it for a year, and I am able to come and go from the country as I need to. While in Thailand I saw able to see snow. Well at least the closest thing to snow I will see this year.

For New Year’s Eve I have spent the day making drinks and lots of them!! Yes you read correctly. I have spent the day in the kitchen working on the drink menu. We will be having a coffee and fresh fruit smoothie bar (no alcohol) at the restaurant. I needed to write down recipes so I will be able to teach the girls. My favorites would be Mango, Banana Coconut, and Blended Carmel Coffee. Others that will be on the menu are Gingered Apple, Passion fruit, and Watermelon Basil Freeze.

Blended Carmel Coffee

Banana Coconut

Please be in prayer for:

Chris and the group coming with him, that they will have a productive trip.

Me, to be able to see what we need to work on and the knowledge to teach those things and t build the relationships need to follow God’s plan.

For the girls, as things are changing they are able to learn and improve, that they will understand that sometimes love comes the discipline.

I wish everyone a Blessed New Year, which we all are able to come closer to God and truly live out the great commandment. Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[c] ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

I am living the Dream

2011-12-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

16/12/11

It hit me today I'm living the dream.

I have a driver to take me anywhere I need to go. It might not be in a Cadi, but its in the nicest tuk tuk on the streets.

I have a big ex chair. It might not be a lazyboy, but it has arm rest big enough for my liter water bottle, an the perfect angle to use my remote.

Thats the remote to my air condition this is rarely on.

I drop my laundry off at the end of the day it's folded/ironed. Not washed by the newest front loading Washer and Dryer, but hand washed by a hard working women.

I don't have to wake up to the awful noise of an alarm clock. I'm awakened daily by wedding music at 5am. Or I get to snooze, for the roster get me up no later then 6:12.

I go to the open air market daily. There are chefs who would pay big money to be able serve meals that was as fresh as the day is old.

I get to use my talents daily, as I teach cooking. All the students are eager to learn, which most teachers would love to have.

I'm living in a place that people care about other, they will sit and talk to you for hours, even if they get behind for the day or it makes them late for an appointment. Its so stress free, (once I let go of the American way).

I have a support system who will be there no matter the time I call, day or night (since there is a major time difference).

I know that this is what Has been planned for me, and knowing that its so freeing!

The only downfall is some of the people closest to my heart are not here with me!!

Dec 14 and 15

2011-12-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dec 14
I meet with a guy about Internet for the house, he also sales pos systems, we will need one of these when the restaurant opens. He took me to a restaurant to see how theirs works.

I went to one of the orphanages where some of the girls stay, meet with the director about them growing us vegetables.

The builder came and dropped off stuff and will start tomorrow. I had let his wife try some stuff when I meet with them the last time, she placed an order for a party she is having next week.

We worked on French fries, chips, and mac n cheese. I also taught math and how to price a recipe.

Chips- Need different seasoning, But were great!

Mac N Cheese

Fries

15/12/11

Until I got home and sat in my chair did I realize how draining today was. I'm not really sure why today. It's not like today was a bad day, actually it was prob one of the best so far. We made meatloaf and mashed potatoes. It wasnt Carolyn Carries but it was pretty good. We found the perfected ripeness of the bananas for banana bread. Once the girls learn how to do something, they ask to make it all the time. The talk with one of the girls that I was dreading went much better than expected. Went to cafe Gecko for dinner and down time. Which was wonderful!! I had the red chicken burrito and a lime mint freeze. It was a nice night not too hot with a slight breeze. Since I was really enjoying sitting there read a book, I ordered a Oreo blizzard (more like a milkshake but really good). After getting quite a bit of reading done, I finished the day by picking up my wonderfully washed, dried, and folded laundry!! Most of you know my love for laundry ;) haha. This alone would make a bad day become good. So all that combined it was a really good day. Now you understand why I'm confused about why I feel the day completely draining.

Meatloaf

Lime Mint Freeze- One of the best things I have had here.

New Toy

2011-12-13T21:23:00.001-08:00

So I know I need to find better use of my time when I found myself disappointed, after walking around the house and can't find any mosquitos. Last week when I was at Holly's place for dinner, she had this thing that looked like a tennis racket that killed mosquitoes. I have been looking for one the past week. Well today I found it :) Three dollar bought me relief for bug and seemingly countless hours of fun! How the racket work is you turn it on and swing it, when you get one, it zaps it! Lots of fun. I carried it all around the house. When I went to the bathroom and didn't get any bugs I was upset:) Instead of normally I would have been excited. It's the little things that make the day!!
Today was pretty good. I got to teach pricing a recipe, how to set menu prices and finding food cost. It was challenging at first, because the girls do not have good basic math skills. After a hour of blank stairs, I let them use a calculator. We made great progress after that. I told them they could use the calculators, but every morning before cooking we will have 10 basic math questions todo. Yup, math is important in cooking and in succeeding in life. This is why I will be putting this into practice. We will start with multination tables, and add/subtraction big numbers tomorrow, then work on division, then decimals. It might not be good for them that I really enjoy math and numbers. But they were very eager to learn once I showed them profit one he menu item. I have found they are very stimulated by money, like many Americans.
Tonight I had Holly over for dinner. It's nice being able to connect with other Americans through out the week. Holly has been working with a NGO here for the past four years. She's able to share advice, while laughing at those "I've been there moments."
Well I better head to bed I have an early math lesson in the morning, plus it will give plenty of time for the mosquitoes to replenish ;)

Cold Season

2011-12-12T02:01:00.001-08:00

Today when we went to the market the girls were freezing. We when through and got all the meats and veggies we need for the week. The girls told me we needed more rice. We decided to save money and buy a 50K bag. Normally the girls carry the bags and won't let me, but this time they were more then willing to let me carry. Since it's heavier then some of them. When I got to the tuk tuk the girls were not behind me. As I waited on them I bought my first street food. It was mashed banana that is deep fried. It was tasty, but didn't agree with my stomach :/
When the girls returned this is what I saw. They had gone to buy hats and scarfs, since they were so cold. I asked how much they cost, 1,000R (or $0.25). If anyone would like one, I can send it to you. Once we got back to the school, I looked up the temp. Any guesses on how cold it is. The low for the day is 21C and high is 26C (70-80F). Yup and they are dressed as if we're going to snow. I have to say I was a little cold this morning.
After the market, we went to see the bread man. I needed to taste and see if he can make some of the breads we need. I think we will buy some of the bread and make some, then after we get the hang of things make it all. We also stopped by the place to get Internet for me. By the time we got back to school it was almost time for lunch. So I decided to let them just cook What they wanted for lunch and move all the plans back a day. While a few girls worked on lunch, Nimol and I worked on bread. She loves making bread and is good at it. I'm thinking about having her be my bread maker once the restaurant opens.
Last week we did a lot of cleaning. I told them they if they work hard and keep the place clean, I would take them to get ice cream today. Which they did. So at lunch I explained what the rest of the day would look like. Clean up lunch, study English while meet with the builder, then go get ice cream. The builders got here about 20mins after lunch, I went to talk with them. When I finished, I went over to the area where they study english, but no one was there. I start looking around and find them in the room asleep. This was very disappointing. So being typical me, I then knock on the metal door. They wake up quickly. All I say is I thought we were studying English, this doesn't look like that. I go and sit in the area we study. About 20mims into Buth la teaching they ask isn't it time to get ice cream. I ha to reply to have to finish the english lesson first. They were silent.
Just a note, before I come they always took nap after lunch for a hour or so. Last week I let them do this, cause I normally had meetings and thought it was a Cambodian thing. When I asked Threay if this was tradition, she was like no, they are just lazy. So I had told them no naps from now on, and they understood why. Hence my disappointment.
After the English class finished, I took then to get ice cream. I had planned on taking them to a place where we could sit and eat, but since we didn't have much time we went to the market to get it. We got 9 cones for $3.75.

Funny story of the day. After We get back from ice cream it's time for the girls to go. I brought on computer today since the Internet isn't working at the house. I'm sitting in the dinning room working as one Solykasi came in and asked me if she could have me empty water bottle. Last week I took my nalgene of water every day, but since that was normally gone by 10:30, today a took 2 litters. I tell her yea she could have it. Then she starts to explain to me why she wanted the bottle. It went kinda like this. "I want to be fat, if I drink 2 litter of water every night like you I will be fat." With a straight face I say "So drinking water will make you fat?" She smiles and says "Yes I want to be like you."
Hahah I have to love the cultural differences.

I am debating if I want to cook dinner tonight or if I want to go eat. I need to cool for erica and holly, since they both have cooked for me. Its only fair.

A Lot to Learn

2011-12-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

I have learned a ton in just a week. First off I think I worried a little much about Chris and the video guy. It was alright. The girls didn’t talk much, so then they wanted me to. Which is alright but I have never liked being in front of a camera. I think he was able to get some good shots of the girls cooking.

This week I spent most of my afternoons and mornings before class meeting and talking with builders. We have alittle bit of work that needs to be done on the site before the restaurant can open. Some of those things are an inside bar area, this will be in the dining room. Smoothies and coffee drinks will be made at the bar; there will also be stools around the outside, like a soda fountain shop. We also have to create outdoor seating. Then in the back of the lot there are some restrooms that need some work. I was able to choose a builder who I feel is right for us. We wrote up a contract Friday, will pay deposit on Monday and building should start Tuesday or Wed. I will post pictures of the progress!!

As far as cooking and teaching the girls, it’s going great. Last week we made Chorizo, Crepes, banana bread, Slice Bread, Biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancake, tortillas, chips and salsa. Most of these things were review from other chefs, who has came in to teach. I wanted to see how much they retained. I was very surprised they remembered most of it. I mentioned in my last update that there was some trouble with the first time we made biscuits. That story is we were making several breads that day, once the dough for each of the breads was made, I asked the girls if they knew how to bake each of the breads. They ensured me that they did, so I needed a few things from the market. I left them to continue. When I returned about 15-20 minutes later, I found perfectly bakes white bread and banana bread. I started looking for the biscuits, and I find them over bake almost rock like. When I asked them what happened they just looked at me, so I asked again. I was told they forgot them. They had been outside messing around instead of being in the kitchen keeping track of what was in the oven. This was the first time I had to fuss at them. I explained that we had to focus and we would be doing them over the next day, but we were still going to eat the overcooked ones J Friday the biscuits turned out great and were a lot more enjoyable at lunch.

I think me fussing at them was a great point of building relationships with them. Ever since they have much more open, smiling, and wanting to know more about me. It’s a slow process, but a vital part!!

The cooking plan for next week is.

Mon: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Tues: Mac N Cheese and Vinaigrettes

Wed: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Thurs: Fries and Chips

At night I have been able to meet with some local restaurant/café owners. They have been very helpful in learning where to find products or equipment. Also sharing how to deal and relate to the girls. Most of these cafes are doing the sometime we are doing, taking the under privileged and give a hand up. I have a few more places I need to hit up this week.

So yesterday I was informed today that all the girls I'm working with come from a Buddhist families. I was unsure if any of them were Christian or not. Tradition and following the ways of the family is very important to Cambodian people, which makes the transformation to Christianity is even more difficult. A positive to this is unlike in America when someone 'becomes a Christian' then do well for awhile then fall away, here once the decision is made they become a follower for life.

I knew that I have my work cut out for me in the cooking/restaurant side of this, but now my eyes have been opened to the spiritual side of things!! Please be in prayer that I will not pass up any opportunity and that I will be a constant reflection or Jesus' love. Also that I do not let myself get in the way and I'll fully rely on the Holy Spirit to work!!

Slice Bread and Banana Bread

Fire where we roasted Hotdogs

Nimol learding how to sharpen a knife

Sapona Birthday Cake

Sapona with her Birthday gift.

A Home Home

2011-12-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

After arriving in Cambodia I sent the first day in Phnom Penh. I met Katy and Allen; they are also working with CGI in country. They are very nice and its wonderful having them as connections here. The next morning Chris and I have a wonderful breakfast at the Imperial Hotel then headed out to Battambang. After five hour bumpy ride (the road is quite washed out because of recent flooding) we arrive to beautiful smiling faces. Once we greet everyone we got straight to work taking thru the layout of the dining room and smoothie/coffee bar. Then we get in ‘my’ Tuk Tuk to see my apartment/home.

The Tuk Tuk is super nice, this will be the way I get around town. The door on the left will be my room, the one on the right is currently a second apartment that we will use for guest. We are hoping the owner will let us open the two units up and make a larger space. This would give me more room, have separate bedroom and living room, and will still have room for guest to stay.

After looking around, we make a list of everything I need and set out to find them. First buy, a fridge.

As I begin to adjust to Cambodia culture, I quickly figure out that we would not be able to shop for everything in one day. For those of you who feel people in the south move at a slower pace then you need to visit here. No one gets in a hurry and time is somewhat irrelevant. We took the fridge back to the apartment I meet my new neighbors, Erica and Holly. So I could start to get to know them we invited them to dinner at Café Eden (you will hear lots about this place). Chris and I decided to order what Erica order. It was a bowl of rice with carrots, bamboo shots, homemade pickles, beef, and a few other things topped with a fried egg. After adding the chili jam that accompanied, it was quite tasty. We all sat and talked for awhile, then walked back to the hotel for a early night.

Today we planned to get up and so to church at the Rapha House, but as Chris realized how much he and I needed to cover before him leaving for Phnom Penh at 1, we figured it would be best to not go. This means I will get to go next week and meet everyone there!! Chris and I went back to Café Eden for coffee, breakfast and lots of talk and planning. This was a very productive time. After lots of discussion and a few changes in circumstances we decided to change plan of what/when I will be doing the task I set out to do. We will be taken the girls who have been in the program since February and opening the restaurant with them as employees. The target date for grand opening is Feb 1 2012, if not before. Then fine tune the restaurant until July. In July we will have 12 new girls enrolled and teach them the full culinary training. So my tasks from now til Feb is to get the restaurant site ready for business, while getting the girls ready to cook and serve the menu.

Once we got all this figured out, we set out for some more shopping. We were very successful, finding couch, chairs, table, clothes closet, bath shelf, trash can, water, and a few snacks. Then back to the apartment, to make a house a home.

Delivery

There are a few pictures of my place as I get it setup.

Sitting area I might move it around but this is what it looks like now.

Closet

Kitchen, I need a hot plate, dishes and a few things like that. I will be doing most of my cooking at the restaurant, so a lot isn’t needed.

Bathroom. Yes you see the toilet (left), shower (center), and sink(left). They are about multi tasking here J

The outside

Well I better wrap things up. I’m going to eat dinner at Holly’s then need to plan for the week.

Thanks for all the love, prayer and support!!

Love Ya, Ry

Things to be in prayer for:

My health, I expect to get sick soon, just that I get over it quickly.

The Girls, as thing are about to change quickly, also that relationships will start to form quickly.

Buth La and Ly Pula (house parents) for us to come together, in work and commutation.

For me to be able to manage and understand time here.