Christmas In Cambodia

It’s 3:30pm on Christmas Eve here in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I’m in shorts and a t-shirt in an air-conditioned coffee shop called Common Grounds. It’s 90F degrees outside (32C). In my earphones is playing a beautiful instrumental rendition of “White Christmas.” I wish!

Beautiful tropical foliage all year round

This is our 5th Christmas in Cambodia. While it’s wonderful to share this holiday with the young Cambodians God has placed in our lives, there is a BIG part of me that would love to be home for Christmas. I miss the amazing Christmas outreach production at 3 Crosses Church of Castro Valley. I miss the food. I miss family and friends and the festiveness of the season.

Our home in the San Leandro hills in California

But this is where God has us, and therefore this is where I want to be. The nostalgia of Christmases gone by is just that — nostalgia. If I were home, one thing I know, I’d be longing to be here. So, I am resolved to be joyful and thankful for the privilege of celebrating this Christmas right here in the Kingdom of Wonder — Cambodia.

Merry Christmas to All! L to R — Krystal, Ven (Rod), Sarom, Vet (Marty), Srey Wen, Channy, Heang (David), Noel, Tan (Don), Vey (Ricky), Mate, Randy