The Mission

Teachers Christian Fellowship (TCF) Malaysia has an annual mission to Cambodia to reaffirm the local teachers in their teaching commitment.
This year was no different ; the planning and mission to accomplish brewed.

2016 had the smallest number of educators sent out to do the TCF work in the Khmer land. There were 15 veterans and 2 newly trained teachers from Sabah and Sarawak but all with one mission at heart; to do our little part for the Cambodian teachers.

Although way past the age, it was my maiden trip and I was glad that it enlarged my understanding of extending that extra help.

These 2 beautiful girls; in looks and at heart were a blessing to have around. They were all too ready to carry the large boxes of drinks and luggage. They were pleasant, teachable and creative. Their ages when added up however could not be any older than any of the veterans who went. Oh dear, I hate to admit it but we are getting older by the year; but the heart isn't though. 

81 conferees gathered for the conference ; young and old.

Not all were able to understand English but all had the desire to serve; I believe.

They were here for encouragement, new learning experiences and meeting new counterparts. Quite a number were repeat conferees from the past and it was surely an enriching experience for many.

See what I mean ? Some are very young and brought a child along but another could be as veteran as the man on the right. Young or old, they were eager for the learning experience. So, it was good to watch and know God at work .

Taylor's University College at the courtesy of the ex President of Academics , Mr. Lim Tou Boon had also extended that extra service by donating T shirts and conference bags for the conferees. So, indirectly the college was doing a community service globally. Strange how an impact of this nature could be made in a collaborative work. It's a winning contribution all the way.

This is the camp speaker with his Cambodian protegee who was the translator. Cheli the speaker, is super proud of Chetra. He saw how the young man grew in the faith as the years go by and today is working as a Bible translator in a local enterprise. This is a mark of discipleship which every mentor would like to see in a mentee.

 In short, this is also a success story ; a result of obedience on both sides.

What did Cheli say?

Transforming a nation through education.

He based his text on Matthew 9 whereby the conferees were reminded that it was Jesus who chose them to be teachers and that every teacher has the power to influence their students in many aspects. The teachers are the keys to elevate the locals out of poverty and enlarging their knowledge.

Cheli next reiterated that our God is a God of miracles and told the teachers not to be afraid of challenges for we have a God who can perform miracles to grant solutions as recorded in the Bible.

Surely the harvest is plentiful and the challenge is to stand up for Jesus in the work place and be a living testimony to both students and teachers. Even in a hostile environment, the integrity, honesty and virtues displayed by the Christian teacher are enough to win souls.

So the challenge was thrown to the conferees.

 After the first session, we lunched together with some local teachers and Makara on my left is being trained at the moment for Wisdom Nest School, an International School which will open its doors to underprivileged children in Baray; a town between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in January.The story of many Malaysians contributing to this blessed town were touching and Baray has improved partly because of Malaysian full time workers serving there.

 I met Pastor Kim, a Singaporean serving here for the last 3 years and her commitment is for another couple of years. She is also here to help the locals in their faith and to churn leaders out of the local folks. She told me that her father has visited her here. She has stood up for Jesus.
Apparently her mother also know Grace's ( my first daughter) mother in law in Tiong Baru. 

God's work surely knows no boundaries.

Pastor Lily on the right is instrumental in helping to contact the locals and finding a conference site. A Malaysian too, she has been serving here for more than 5 years and her love for the faith is fixed. She speaks Khmer and is close to the people. Her mission here is for the extension of the faith through her tireless service for the benefit of the locals.

Their dedication is real.

At the end of the first first day talks, the local pastor sang and the conferees broke into a dance which portrayed graceful movements and steps. The Cambodians are endemic dancers and everyone seems to be able to do it.

No trace of 2 left feet.

The Markets

On a trip to Phnom Penh in 2010, I only knew about the Russian market; a name given to the place because we were told that the Russians congregated there for trade in the past.

But this time I was exposed to another favourite place called the Central Market.

A day before we left we were yet told of a market which the locals frequented; this time the Orussey market where wholesalers sell and buy.

So many markets with large throngs of people.

This is the dome like roof covering the Central Market and we have been informed that it has just been renovated.

Fresh and dried sea creatures of all edible kinds are found here and prepared according to local tastes and ways. I wonder how strong a stomach one must have to consume them. I cringe at the thought of food poisoning.

 At the Central Market the wide display of costume jewelry is a sight to behold; the choice is varied and the designs are up to date.

But I had enough of that; no more. 

 We were attracted to a stall selling popular croc shoes and Tom's.

The local pretty trader told us they were genuine but the price is only a fraction of what you get in shops. To make her happy we chose to believe and bought.

Well, it's forgiving to once in a while wear such brands and believe me they felt genuine in my feet !

The floral display were so localised but different for a change.

Somewhere we spotted the moon cakes; it reminded us of home.

Where is home you sometimes wonder now.

Yes, the Russian market . The seasoned trader held her goods right above her head without a challenge. Cheese...it's a breeze she seemed to tell. That's Dr. Tan Juat Ngoh who had just recently retired leading us all the way as she has been to this market every year for the past 6 years. She said "Follow me".

This seasoned traveller has the best information at hand.

 Everything in volumes and the choice is endless.

I wondered at the supply; how long to sell them? It's as if the traders are never ever going to leave this premise.

 Then it's the Orussey market. We were told by the locals that only they will come here to buy and sell and the price is competitive. A look round the place confirmed that they were good meant for practical consumption and not for tourists. But it is an opportunity to observe local trading.

 I was taken by this sweetened milk.

It reminded me of the milkmaid condensed milk back home.

We were told a story that some very young babies were given this milk and not formula milk because of poverty. The sweetened drink will be enough to pacify the child. Such story breaks the heart.

 The best rice in town is found here but it was too bulky for us.

Orussey market is not our cup of tea; nothing to buy.

Some of us who have never been to the genocide museum took a trip there.

These are tombs of victims during the pol pot regime and the sufferings and massacre of innocent ones are described here.

Behind the blocks of classrooms are marks of cruelty; injustice and pains.

It was painful seeing the photographs of men and women, mothers and babies and grandparents who died. It was nightmarish. A school was used as a detention and torture center and individual units of jail were put up for interrogation and physical torture. The prisoners were later transported to another massacre centre ; I don't and do not want to remember the name of the place.

Good for history but not good for the memory.

Tonle Bassack is where you should go if you want to chance on local cuisines. It's worth a trip there but when you take lunch there you are sure to forego dinner. The stomach cannot take the load when the roving eyes pin on food which make you salivate. Non stop eating.

The tuk tuk is the life boat of the city. Everyone travels on it. Fast and cheap, the tuk tuk adds colour to the city. We arrived at various destinations using it and the haggling part is the best. Cheap. cheap, cheap. That's again another of my family friend of 40 years; Chin Loy. It was a maiden effort to travel together. We hope for more of it in the days to come.

Another tale on another day.

Food

 I am back

I traveled with many veterans to the Khmer land to rediscover a little from my previous trips. This time I go with a mission !

Choum ree-up soo ur...is hello.

The airport greeted us with a smile ; many of the local girls are so pretty. We have been told that many are of mixed heritage from the French to the Chinese, Indians and Thais. So some are really good looking gals.

Except for the pretty girls to the left Jessica and Donna third from left, all of us are way past that age. But you will be surprised how much energy and vitality we have; so says "Don't judge a book by its cover". Old but gold indeed. With the rich and myriad experiences we have gone through we too truly are a blessing to the 2 young lasses whose ages when added together cannot even hit any of the veteran's years ! Oh dear we really do not want to be reminded of our age.

Be happy and eat heartily.

The moment we left the airport and dropped out luggage at the hotel; the first desire was to find food...

The friends I come with have colossal stomachs; they only want to eat and eat and the best part is they know what to eat here in Phnom Penh.

It's beef stew and rice...

 It's beef stew and baguette... french bread.
Baguette; an influence from the French who occupied this land long enough for the locals to pick up French and consume and display French cuisines.
In most instances, the second language in schools is French.

 It's beef stew and noodles...

So if you are not a red meat consumer you may suffer.

My not so strong stomach can only allow me to eat well-cooked food so it's Chinese noodles only.

Then it's the well-loved ice cream in coconut...

The locals have  a way with coconuts indeed.

This is a western dish ; hash brown and beef in blue cheese. 

That was great !

Looks simple but the taste is unforgettable.

In a later instant, we had the privilege of mixing with the locals and ate what they love. Well fried fish, local vegetables in vinegar and a soup of meat, soya paste, noodles and vegetables all of which we love too !

It was a simple lunch on that day but good.

As always shown and known, these insects are a rich source of proteins during war times but today has become a part of life among the locals. It still takes a lot of courage for one to want to eat them. You want ?

Along the dusty and dry roads of the capital city, the bike is the best mode of transport. The bike is versatile; it carries commuters, tourists, food, animals and everything down the road. I was amazed at the ease at which the chickens were brought from the farm to the market for slaughter...so primitive and different.

This is a typical stopover for motor bikers to get their supply of gas. Primitive, easy and practical. Notice the mechanic repairing the bike and replacing the tire. All done along the side road and that's it !

All point to an emerging economy and there is still much to be done to the roads, wiring system and vehicles and yet...

almost everyone is connected through the technological brain child discovery; the hand phone which is fast becoming a need and not a luxury.

Till the next tale.

Day Out

Quaint Melaka

The Trio.

That's Sandra on the left and my sister on the right.

Sandra is family friend ever since whatever memory can stretch. We used to be school mates, fun mates, shopping mates, eating mates and name them. Even though she has been residing in the UK for the past 40 years, Sandra makes it a point to come back to Malaysia annually meeting up with friends and family members. The British dame kept ranting that Malaysia is beautiful in so, so many ways but not so beautiful anymore with the people. What a sad tale.

Can you guess which one is Sandra?

But...

We still can enjoy the many facets of life here. 

So we took a trip to the nearest quaint town; Melaka.

My sister who is also away for a good part of her life in the Far East says if she resides and retires in Malaysia; it may just be in Melaka.

Why?

It is a sure hit for friends and family.

Dutch influence is aplenty here ad my bro in law is at home here ! Everywhere there is a tinge of home for him ! The many red buildings and fort are a sight and wonder going back to the 17th century.

There are indeed many worth mentioning must see sites but our time frame did not permit us.

There is the Melaka river cruise to contend with too.

The locals very cleverly add a touch with the well-decorated 3 wheel vehicle for fun and good feelings. So you are cordially ushered in and they will bring round town in a whiz. 

The merriment is real.

But the best part was the haze left the skies too.

 Where are the chicken rice balls ?

 Mini sized ones.

We were told that it was the original of the original...there are now so many versions and we wanted only the authentic taste. So, what do you think?

It was okay, okay.

Scouring through the coveted Jonker Street we were exposed to local products, clothes, baba-nyonya attire and everything what the tourists crave for. If only we had temperate moments here; that will be the ultimate.

We stood in front of this place and a Caucasian walked past and said : Go in.

Ahaa...imagine us Malaysians were told to savour in the good food by a Caucasian. It only speaks volumes that the foreigner knew more than us or maybe he is here on the Malaysis second home invitation? Possible. To many, Malaysia is an affordable land ; rich in food and comfortable in shelter.

Cendol with durian flavour.

After this you may not want to eat cendol elsewhere anymore.

 Pie tee; nothing too much out of the world.

Nevertheless good.

 Meat rolls.

Clean and home-cooked feeling.

This is the Melaka otak-otak ; a concoction of fish paste, flour and spices of course.

However, if your really want to taste otak-otak, come to Muar.

The versions are countless now; competition  is keen and every vendor tries to put in the best effort for gains. When you are used to a particular outlet and its preparation, you will go back to it again and again.

Now there is fish, squid, prawns and in many forms.

The original packaging is wrapped in banana leaves but now for trading purposes they are packed in plastics.

When I eat otak otak I only eat them wrapped in banana leaves and I only want to eat them from the first outlet of Muar...I must not sound too biased.

You need to do your homework.

This first outlet was introduced by my mother in law.

This is the best depiction of ladies in the olden days ; foot binding and lotus feet.

Apparently this practice was mandatory among the elite; the smaller the feet, the more dainty and the more in demand. 

My grandmother told us horror stories and this practice was probably brought in together with the Chinese historically. Culture is to be thought over; good ones to be carried on and the bad ones to be discarded. This indeed is not so good; right?

Well Melaka was nice, but nicer still was the day out talking and chatting with Sandra and my sister. It was a short trip to fill our stomachs, eyes and ears.

Short and meaningful.

More next time.