Guatemala and Cambodia

Bobby Explains Salt Program

2008-06-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Our team leader Bobby Michaels explains the Salt of the Earth program we're experimenting with this year - hopefully implementing with the fundraiser this fall and the whole mission trip next summer.

You'll also see the House Church rice distribution in progress. This was the smallest of the distributions we did. You'll see the Rice for Cambodia team (many PLR listeners) helping the Cambodian families carrying their bag of rice.

Cow Crossing

2008-06-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

A typical cow crossing on a typical dirt road. We covered hundreds of miles of roads like this - often at 30-40 miles an hour top speed, with frequent cow slow downs. It's a real short video but I just had to include it!

Slideshow of My Final Two Rice Distributions

2008-06-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Just a few shots here of the last two rice distributions I did on the 24th. I've got so much more I'm ready to share with everyone!

You'll see pictures of our gathering of the first distribution which was our smallest but a real powerful one. We met with a local home church for worship before the distribution. They had two electric fans (that looked like they were probably built in the 60's) going for us - aimed at our side of the room. The house had no electricity - they had the fan they're taking extra effort to make sure we're comfortable during the brief worship service. Amazing people!

You'll also see some photos of the 1 kilo bags of salt. It's a new program we're testing this year with the hope of making it a regular part of the fundraising event in the fall and the summer mission trip - Salt of the Earth. This was the first rice distribution that included the salt. Why is it important? They don't get iodine in their diet - the soil is depleted and they don't do seaweed etc. So they get bad goiters and the sadest part of all, a lack of iodine when a child is developing can cause their IQ to be 10-30 percent lower than normal. It was extra special for me to be a part of the first time the salt was given out with the rice and scriptures.

There are also some shots of me (in the blue shirt) handing the rice to people and also giving away toys to children. This was extra special because my girls picked out these toys for the children in Cambodia. I'll upload some video of this toy giveaway at some point as well. It was a special moment.

I'm at SeaTac airport now - continuing my trip home from Cambodia that's taking about 2 days. More photos, videos and thoughts will roll out over the next week.

Kevin

Half Way Home

2008-06-24T23:50:00.001-07:00

Got on a computer for just a few minutes in Seoul. I'm nearing the end of the 11 hour layover and will be on a flight to Seattle in 2 hours. That's 10 hours. Another 5 at SeaTac then Horizon Air for a quick hop home.

It's interesting. I'm in that no-man's land of my body not having a clue what time it is - what meal I should be having or when I should be sleeping. I have a whole new appreciation for people who travel like this all thie time.

I arrived at the domestic side of the Seim Reip, Cambodia airport 2 hours before the flight left. Well, I'll know in the future not to arrive more than an hour early. While the Internation Terminal is big and new, nice and all, the domestic terminal wasn't even open when I arrived! They had us sitting outside in the heat for 45 min or so because they close down the terminal and turn off the AC in between flights - there are so few domestic flights.

Other than getting all sweaty again (after cleaning up at the hotel before leaving after two rice distributions in the morning) it was great to be with the nationals in the domestic airport. (Maybe 4-5 travelers like myself, the rest were Cambodians.) It was a 70 seat or so plane and took only 35 min or so to arrive at Pnohm Penh. Had to wait there about 3 1/2 hours before the Asiana flight to Seoul.

After arriving in Seoul I ended up having to exit through customs etc. - but not for my bags, they were checked all the way through - the Pnohm Penh agents couldn't do the boarding pass for Seoul. Fortunately I ran into our flight attendant team while I was looking around for where to go. They were very helpful - remembered my name and everything as they showed me where to go. Of course, I do kind of stick out around here. I sure appreciated their help.

Gotta run. The next leg is the 10 hour flight. Doing well except for a headache. Many more pictures, videos and thoughts after I get home.

Kevin

On the Way Home

2008-06-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Kevin is on his way home! The mission trip is still going on, so keep praying for the remaining team members. Kevin's total travel time is almost 40 hours. He promises to post some more content once he's seen the kids and rested.

Rice Distribution at Samraong

2008-06-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

This was one of the larger rice distributions I was able to be a part of. It was in a very poor part of the nation. Out of 67,000 hectors of farmland, only 16,000 of it produced any food for the locals. They were in need in a big way. The video gets a little repetitive but I challenge you to watch the whole thing so you can get just a bit of the impact your donations have in Cambodia. Watch the faces.

Driving Down Main Street Arriving in Poipet

2008-06-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

A short video of our driving down a part of main street arriving in Poipet, Cambodia. In the background you'll hear Pastor Lee talking about how he's looking forward to meeting one of his cousins that lives in the area that he hasn't seen in a long time.

At the very end, the guy that walked up to the front window stood there, then lifted up our windshield wipers left them standing up and walked off. He was either a bit off mentally or on drugs at the time. Pretty sad.

Photos from Friday and Saturday

2008-06-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this slide show with photos from the worship service and a small rice distribution. (The photo of me and the local pastor is in front of special rice. It's rice grown on Transform Asia land - the first harvest.) You'll see a picture or two of me handing school uniforms to children as well. There are more pictures from the larger rice distribution on Saturday morning.

Arriving in Odormeanchey

2008-06-21T03:29:00.001-07:00

June 20 (I think that’s the date… I’m all messed up…)

Another good day in Cambodia! After spending a couple hours in the Internet café yesterday madly converting and uploading files for this blog I headed straight over to the evening concert site with the team. As we arrived the South African team immediately began praying over the concert site. They prayed for the people that would be coming and they prayed for the ground to dry quickly. (We had quite a good rain shower that lasted most of the morning during the rice distribution that had left all of Poipet slippery and muddy. Someone said it reminded them of what the Old West towns must have been like after a downpour. I agree. Mud squished up everywhere. It’s really quite something to see people driving through it with their bikes, mopeds and cars – it’s a free for all.)

The concert was wonderful! The bugs were a problem for the musicians but I helped several of them with extra layers of bug spray and they continued on throughout the evening in a fantastic way. I was real proud of them. Singing and playing while they were being dive bombed with every sort of Cambodian flying bug imaginable.

I stayed on stage (at the back corner) for a while to assist with any needs they might have and to help people up and down the 3 step ladder to get on and off it. I left to walk around for a while to get a good idea for how many people had come, to see how the ground was doing and to stretch my muscles a bit. I was really fighting fatigue. I had been out in the heat since we had left the hotel about 7 that morning. (The restaurants we eat at in this part of the country are open air type – we’ve got a roof over our heads but only partial walls.) The rest of the team had several hours in the hotel to cool off while I was sweating it out in the Internet café. Real happy to do it but I found I faded a little early in the evening. So I headed to one of the vans and with the door open put my head back a bit. Coming from the great Pacific Northwest and growing up here I’m used to heat, but not the humidity. It’s drained me more than would have imagined – pretty oppressive at times.

The concert went off beautifully. My favorite moment was when Bobby had a bunch of the Cambodian children come up on the stage and join our 15 year old young team member – Lino – on a song. It’s a song with a lot of corryography which he taught them and then they tried to do it while he did during the song. They had a blast as did all of us watching.

There weren’t as many people at this concert. In fact, I’m told it was the least attended evening concert in the history of doing them here. We found out later that the usual promotion hadn’t been done. But we’ve all been impressed that there was at least one, if not several people there (likely one of the children) that experienced a change that will last them the rest of their life and they will become an amazing leader for Christ in the country of Cambodia some day.

A lot happened today that I want to share with you but I’m beat and need to shut the computer down, do a little worship time and turn out the light. (I’m keeping my roommate away I’m afraid.)

Oh, but first, one funny thing from yesterday. Well, funny and really sad at the same time. We’re driving (or I should say sloshing and sliding) down the main mud road in Poipet and gentleman walks right into the middle of traffic and right up to the front of the van while we’re slowly driving. Our driver stops so he doesn’t run into the guy. The guy walks up to the front window, grabs our window washer blades and stands them both up then walks off. Our other van drivers saw what happened and were laughing over their two-way radios. We were thrown off a bit as well.

It was funny because it was so amazingly random and without purpose. It was sad because he obviously either had mental problems or was drugged up. So many people here in need – in many different ways. Being one of the poorer areas in the country, I understand that drugs are a real problem in the Poipet area.

Kevin Krueger

General Manager

Positive Life Radio Network

Listen Live at www.plr.org

Final Word for Today

2008-06-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a great new friend I’ve been able to spend a couple hours at an Internet café this afternoon. Brandon is living in Poipet as a missionary. We ran into him this morning at breakfast. Thank you Brandon!

The pictures and the video tell a lot of the story. I only wish it was more. I took some absolutely amazing video at the rice distribution this morning that I’ve lost. I’m sick to my stomach over losing it. I did manage to retrieve a small amount of the distribution which you’ll see but there was so much more. The video I lost showed the poorest of the poor, crippled being helped, those maimed by land mines being helped and all in the pouring rain. I had video of people handing over their coupons so they could receive the rice and video of several of our team sharing their experiences. It’s the video of our team members sharing (in cases very emotional) how God was working in them this morning. I’m so bummed I don’t have it to share with you.

My hope is that I’ll have another chance to get some amazing video and the chance to upload it for you so I can share what God is doing through you – your gifts of support to help these dear new friends in Cambodia.

God bless. And thank you for your continued prayers.

Kevin

P.S. Everything you’ll see below- all the posts – may seem a bit random, sorry about that. I’m doing as much as I can as fast as I can. While I’ve been here I’ve lost Net connection many times (temporarily) and the power has gone off and on a couple times. Please page down and search a bit. A lot has been posted today.

Photos from this mornings rice distribution in Poipet

2008-06-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Traveling to Poipet, Cambodia

2008-06-19T01:54:00.001-07:00

June 18, 2008 – 6 p.m.

Just arrived at our hotel in Poipet. Quite an interesting trip today. Everything from new road to the worst we’ve seen so far. We’re in an extremely poor part of the country – right on the Thailand boarder. As we drove into Poipet the van got pretty quiet. It’s hard to describe but between what we’ve been told about the city we understand that it’s not a safe place – one of the worst in Cambodia for sex trade and one of the poorest areas in the nation. What a place for God to do some great work through the rice distribution and big outdoor concert. It’s ironic that there’s a casino not far from here. It was built by people from Thailand and frequented by them as well.

Try Googling Poipet, Cambodia and you’ll see how close we are to the boarder. I’m in a spot again with no Internet but will write my notes for the blog as we go along then I’ll upload it all at once. Oh – by the way – no window in our hotel room. Not so good for the claustrophobic part of me. I’ll be spending time in the lobby, such as it is. The building itself is new, but there are some interesting things like the tub has a tube draining it out onto the floor and then over in the corner there’s a drain in the floor. We won’t be in the room much so it’s not really a big deal – it’s actually fun to have a few things that are off the wall and very different. It is a mission trip, after all!

On the drive here from Battambang I was blessed to hear Pastor Setan Lee talk about his story of escaping the country during the time of the Killing Fields. As we drove by, he showed us the field where the first 20,000 people were killed. Over 200,000 were killed and buried in shallow mass graves in total. Just recently has the land become useable again. He also showed us the irrigation system that saved his life. He was literally standing on the edge of the pit the bodies would fall into when killed with the man behind him ready to club him over the head when someone stopped the man. They found out that Lee was educated and they asked him to design a irrigation/canal system. It was ironic because the reason he was targeted for death was because he was educated. He had no engineering experience but he credits God with giving him the idea for the plan that is still in use today. He was also in charge of building it. He showed us the fields he crossed – at night only, hiding in the water and in the brush in the daytime. He said soldiers came within 1 meter of him several times. He didn’t know Christ at this time but says he can clearly see that God was protecting him. He pointed out the mountains he crossed and on the other side, jungle. The trip took him a couple of months – eating leaves and bugs, whatever he could find along the way. At one point he worked to escape with other people but they all died along the way.

This man is incredible – a story that continues to astound me. I’ll share more as I can but that’ll do it for now. In fact, we started recording at one point as he was talking today. Maybe I’ll be able to get some of it online at some point so you can hear it in his own words. Got to go for now. We’re eating all together tonight for safety.

Kevin Krueger

Preparing for Rice Distribution

2008-06-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

A quick look at preparing for the rice distribution in Poipet. You'll see the Musianaries team members, local government officials and of course people in need. The children in the school uniforms were there to sing the Cambodian national anthem for the special event.

Distributing Rice in Poipet

2008-06-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

It was raining but the team was blessed in an amazing way at this morning's rice distribution. Over 400 families received rice. Some of the poorest in the country live in this area.

Update from Poipet

2008-06-19T00:57:00.001-07:00

June 18, 2008 – 12 noon.

No Internet right now but wanted to write and share about our rice distribution event this morning in one of the poorest areas of the country. I asked my roommate Steve Grinald to share his experience this morning.

Our time in Poipet has been one of being Jesus to the people they are receiving hope as well as rice and gospel tract with every bag of rice. To see their faces speaks a thousand words. My hearts prayer is for God to speak to hearts all over this world and come have your life changed. This my second time in Cambodia and I am more impacted than ever. I can feel God’s pleasure in what we have done here.

I have experienced God in my heart greatly over this season in Cambodia and He is changing my life. To see people live in these impoverished and filthy living conditions is amazing to me. I realize as an American I have life so good and even though I don’t have much by our standards I am rich by theirs. But they get up every day and go about their lives as best they can. Children here are like children back home they like play and they love to go to school. The children take pride in their school uniforms which they must have to attend school. I think the uniforms give a sense of unity and comradery to the children. Imagine if that was restored to our children how would they be impacted.

This morning we distributed 20 tons of rice to over 400 of the neediest families in the area. Many were elderly and many were landmine victims that had to be helped through the line because they couldn’t walk on their own. It rained the whole time but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Musicnaries team or the locals receiving the help one little bit. As I watched our team members sloshing through the mud in their bare feet carrying bags for those who couldn’t carry the bags themselves it was simply overwhelming. I took at least 100 pictures this morning and several videos – I hope to share it all via the blog as soon as I can get Internet access. You’ll be moved – and blessed beyond belief.

To all the Positive Life Radio family – thank you for your continued prayer cover for this mission trip and for the people receiving the rice and also those that are receiving Christ in their hearts through these rice distributions and concerts.

Until next time…

Kevin

Thank you from Bobby & Lee Michaels

2008-06-17T23:25:00.002-07:00

Thank you from Pastor Setan Lee

2008-06-17T23:25:00.001-07:00

More photos of the rice distribution

2008-06-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

More Photos

2008-06-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

Photos from the rice distribution on Tuesday. The rickety bridge - before the rain storm when it got impossibly muddy. Imagine taking 6 big vans loaded with people over this bridge! Trying to select a few good photos out of hundreds I've taken so far. More as I can!

Kevin

Photos

2008-06-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

Photos from the first rice distribution at the Women's Center.

My Oh My...

2008-06-17T22:14:00.003-07:00

Tuesday, May 18^,12:18 a.m.. Battambang, Cambodia.

The old Simon & Simon Garfunkel tune, Slip Slidin’ Away came to mind today as we had to take a detour again to bypass a bridge that had broken down in a high river situation. Earlier I mentioned how it was treacherous in a number of places. Well, try crossing it after a monsoon rain shower! The sticky red clay is amazingly slippery. With deep ruts we had to take 4 runs at this tiny little bridge build with some logs and a few planks. Each time the wheels would start spinning – just like driving on snow and ice, with heavy foliage on both sides brushing up against the sides of the van and swamp on either side of us we finally made it over. If I remember right, I took some video footage of it I hope to upload and share with you. It was quite something. Our team leader, Bobby Michaels, started praying for our van and the others as we were making this detour – slippin’ and slidin’ the whole way. God’s angels certainly guided the wheels and kept us safe.

We were on our way back to the town where we had done the rice distribution earlier in the day for the big evening concert. In spite of an electrical set up (involving two generators) that would make any American electrical inspector lose their mind it came off beautifully. I took pictures – our station engineer won’t believe it when I show him. But thanks to some amazing work by our sound people and the wonderful local Cambodians who had started working on the stage and sound set-up the day before the concert was a great success for God. I don’t have a count but those that were out walking around in the crowd said there were a lot of people! (I prayed for and assisted the musicians on the stage and helped people up and down the 3 step metal stage ladder for the evening.)

Absolutely loved the program. The teams from around the world were blessed with God’s spirit as they shared Christ through music. It was an evening of praise, energy and friendship. And there was no question – Christ was shared. And when it came time there were quite a number that joined our Bible workers for prayer after the concert. Thank you for praying for the concerts during the Rice for Cambodia mission trip. It’s a vital part of the process in bringing people to Christ.

Now… For the ride home…. It was 11 p.m. and we had to make the same detour through the very narrow path with the swamp on both sides and the rickety “bridges” (the word bridge is used loosely here). As I watched the van in front of us fish tale while not even trying to cross a bridge or go around a corner I knew we were in for an adventure. The adventure didn’t come on either of the small bridges (although those were quite something). It came when the van in front of us started spinning its wheels on a corner. And the more the wheels spun, the more it slid towards the swamp. After a number of tries and some back and forth and a lot of pushing by our team and some local Cambodians who were very helpful the van made it around the corner. All the others made the corner successfully – with everyone holding their breath. This is adventurous mission work! Very nice!

God answered pray so many times today (between the rice distribution, the coming and going on these “bridges”, the slippery clay mud roads, the holding back of the rain during the concert, the lives brought to him – absolutely awesome!

Thank you for your support of the Rice for Cambodia mission trip. The rice you purchased is feeding thousands and the ministry opportunities that have happened (in just the early phase of the trip)have been tremendous. You’ve done a good thing!

P.S. Pictures and video on all this will appear as soon as I can get some fast Internet and a little time to do the video production. Thanks for your patience.

Rice Distribution #3

2008-06-17T22:14:00.001-07:00

This morning’s distribution was much larger – 10 tons of rice was distributed. We were blessed in that this was the first time the Rice for Cambodia mission trip has come to this particular part of the country. Our host told us it’s the most populated part of the region. It’s different, however, in that it’s a whole bunch of smaller villages very close together – rather than a large city – so it doesn’t get the attention it needs in terms of feeding the hungry.

I was struck by the fact that the 400 families represented all wore their best. They loved the music, received the scriptures and rice we handed them with huge smiles of gratefulness.

No Internet where I am now but wanted to write a bit before I go much further. I need to run to the van right now – we’ve got a major concert tonight. I’m heading over to the stage with the musicians to help plan the program for tonight.

Thank you for your continued prayers for safety for the team and for God’s blessing on Cambodia.

Kevin

The First Two Rice Distributions

2008-06-17T22:13:00.002-07:00

As I write we’re flying through a small village in our van headed toward Bottambang. I’m seeing rice paddies, cows everywhere, people on bikes and mopeds that we’re dodging left and right. Our drivers horn is almost constantly sounding the warning to move out of the way. It’s a two way road but most of the time it easily becomes three lanes as we drive down the middle line while we pass – oncoming traffic just moves over a bit. Reminds me of driving in Europe.

The first rice distribution took place about 9 this morning. It was an honor to help make the presentation and hand off the first few bags of rice. It was a small distribution but a good practice run for us. W3 also did a medical clinic – distributing vitamins, de-worming medicine and more. I took so many great photos. I wish I could share them all with you. The music team from Indonesia did a wonderful at getting the people worshiping with us – lots of smiles and lots of fun. And talk about need – these people were so grateful for the 50 pound bags of rice. Watch for photos and video from this first distribution.

The second distribution took place at the Women’s Center a couple hours later. The Women’s Center is a very special place. All too often families sell their daughters into prostitution so they can buy food to eat. These girls obviously then lead an unbelievable life – many times becoming drug addicts as they find a way to cope with what they’re going through. Well, the people that buy them will also sell them. The Women’s Center is about buying these girls out of a life of prostitution (for $100 I might add) then they bring them to the center where they are rehabilitated, fed, taught about Christ, and taught a vocation. They focus on cosmetology and sewing. We saw the training taking place. It was quite something to think of the future that these girls now have that wouldn’t be possible without the Women’s Center.

You might remember that during the Awesome God Tour there were purses for sale to benefit the Women’s Center – purses that the girls had handmade. It’s a wonderful part of the Transform Asia ministry.

The rice distribution here brought in poor people from around the Women’s Center – again, amazingly grateful. As I again made a presentation it was an honor to represent the Positive Life Radio family who has given so generously so that this feeding of hungry people is possible – absolutely amazing.

(Ok, I’ve got to toss in here again – as we make our way through another village – little kids playing beside the main highway not 10 feed from cars and trucks driving 50-60 miles an hour. It’s shocking – but it seems to work for them – but wow!)

Back to the Women’s Center. What a privilege to see a place where so many lives are being changed – one at a time. You can contact me at Positive Life Radio if you would like more information on how you can specifically help the Women’s Center.

Our first two rice distributions have both been wonderful experiences. I’ll do my best to share in words, pictures and video how much this means to the people of Cambodia – I’m afraid I can’t do it justice, but I’ll try.

One piece of video I hope to be able to share with you sooner than later is of two little girls singing and doing the actions to a couple familiar children’s worship songs. Two talented little girls! As I started recording them more and more people came over to watch and sing along with them. It reminded me again of how when we are a part of Christ’s family – it’s a big family – worldwide! As I told them how there were 100,000 Positive Life Radio listeners praying for them and thinking of them I thought about how they’re praying for you as well – they are. They’re poverty hasn’t diminished their capacity to think of others – they appreciate each PLR listener and send their love and thankfulness.

Please forgive any odd sentences or misspelled words. My laptop keyboard is small and this road is bumpy as all get out!

Kevin Krueger

Praying During the Concert

2008-06-17T22:13:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 a.m.

Last night’s big concert was amazing. One of the fantastic elements of it is how we have people (Cambodians that are a part of Transform Asia as well as our team) walking around the people – praying for them and talking with them. My roommate from Lewiston, ID, Steve Grinolds. I’ve asked him to share a few notes on his experience doing this part of the ministry last night.

Our Cambodian team brought tracts in their language. I prayed as they ministered and I also handed out a countless number of tracts. The little children are so cute and responsive to our efforts.

This country is very poor but by helping the way all of us are God is bringing hope to the people of Cambodia. Thank you all for supporting this outreach. Steve.

Audio Reports

2008-06-17T10:10:00.001-07:00

Often when Kevin is traveling he won't have internet for a couple of days and isn't able to update content for the blog. In the mean time we'll update the archive of his call in reports that he thankfully has still able to do from his cell phone.
Update: Kevin just let me know the price of rice they were able to negotiate was lower than they were fearing it might be. Just a few months ago the prices was a little over $1000, but they were able to purchase for $550 per ton!

Meeting with Government Official

2008-06-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Church at Transform Asia was the highlight of the day, but a very close second was meeting with a high level (3rd highest person in the country) Cambodian government official today. (I'll have to figure out her name - jet lag has stolen my memory!) We were granted the opportunity formally offer our gift of rice. You'll hear Bobby Michaels introduce Positive Life Radio and myself. Then I offer the gift on behalf of the over 1,600 people in America. You'll hear that I share with her that even school children in America have helped. What you don't see on the video is her response. She told us how she was genuinely moved and touched to hear about the people who gave the donations - especially the children. It was a special moment. I pray that I represented you (the Positive Life Radio contributing family) with honor. It was an incredible opportunity to be welcomed by the Cambodian government in this special way.

The audio on the video is a bit low so it'll have to be cranked up on your player to understand it. (Don't forget to turn your system down again after viewing.)

Church at Transform Asia

2008-06-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

As I expected, it was an amazing experience to worship with the Transform Asia church combined with the Rice for Cambodia mission team with representatives from 5 countries around the world. One of the highlights was singing Shout to the Lord together. As I listened I heard at least 4 different languages being sung - everyone in the room was one during that time. There were no cultural, ethnic, or language barriers. Christ brought us together. It sounds cliche' but it was like a little piece of heaven.

I was blessed to sit right next to a mom and her little girl, close in age to my own 3 year old. It made me homesick but it also warmed my heart. All of the little exchanges we had were wonderful. She was getting a little antsy at one point so I pulled out a picture book of my family that I take with me on all my trips. We looked through each picture together. Her mother seemed to appreciate it and told the little girl that these were my little girls - at least I think that's what she was saying as she pointed to the pictures. We had no common language between us I'm afraid.

When we got done looking at the pictures she was trying to ask me something - I wasn't getting it. Another gentleman nearby told me what she was trying to ask. He didn't know English too well either but I understood. The little girl wanted to keep one of the pictures. As you see in the picture here - I gave her one. My daughter, Larissa, doesn't know it yet, but she's now got a little friend in Cambodia.

I'm also sharing a couple other images here... 1. The sign above the door of Cambodia for Christ (now called Transform Asia), on of the offering box to support a local program they on the a major radio station - FM 99.1 and the other of some of the children as they were practicing a song to sing for church. By the way - I'll be talking about that radio program more down the road on the air at Positive Life Radio. I think you'll like what I have to share. There's another pic here of a beautiful little girl as she watched the older kids practicing for their church special music.

Transform Asia Visit

2008-06-15T03:27:00.001-07:00

1030 Sunday morning.

As I get my laptop going I’m observing the final preparation for church at the Transform Asia headquarters. Of course the whole Rice for Cambodia team is here but there are many who regularly attend. The room is about 20 feet wide, maybe 70 feet long. A rose colored tile covers the floor, everyone is sitting in blue plastic chairs, like what you might have on your back yard patio. I’ve been warmly welcomed a number of times – what a blessing it is to be with believers in Cambodia. Sitting just across from me are two young Americans that are in Cambodia to help with the Women’s Center (which I’ll talk about more in future posts) for the summer. They are both American born but one has parents from China, the other from Korea. They came into Phnom Penh to renew their visas. They’re enjoying visiting with other Americans and worshiping with us.

It was fun to watch the children practicing their worship songs a few minutes ago in a side room. There are several children here the ages of mine – 3 and 6. I just want to scoop them up and give them a big hug – I miss my girls so much. I’ll post a few pictures of the children practicing and of the other children later when I have Net access again. (Writing this via a quick email that will be posted when on-line again.)

The music team is about ready to begin worship so I’ll turn off the laptop. Thank you for praying for the Rice for Cambodia team. Around the world – worshipping with believers – it’s always a moving experiences.

Kevin Krueger

Sunday - Father's Day

2008-06-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

It will be a blessing and an honor this morning to worship with the Transform Asia team in a church service put together for the Rice for Cambodia team. Later this afternoon we have an official state visit with the prime minister’s wife.

It was a treat to receive a nice little card and bookmark from Bobby and Lee at breakfast this morning wishing all the dads well on Father’s Day. I had forgotten about it totally. What a nice gesture. Made me homesick for my wife and two precious little girls.

I’ve got many pictures and a lot of video from last night’s TV show – Boom Boom – to share with everyone. I’m hoping to get back on a computer this afternoon to upload some more. I’m late so better run…

Kevin

Interview - Steve, Scott and Jill on the Killing Fields

2008-06-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

A quick interview with Steve, Scott and Jill all from the Inland Northwest after we visited the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. You'll see Phnom Penh going by in the background.

Rehearsal for Boom-Boom TV Program

2008-06-14T17:21:00.001-07:00

As I write this it’s 3:30 Saturday afternoon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I’m at the facility for the Musicianaries performance that will be broadcast to 4.5 million viewers tonight. It’s a new experience in concert and TV facilities. An all cement structure – setup amphitheater style – with trash everywhere wiring that would make a building inspector run the other direction and one toilet in the green room area that probably hasn’t been cleaned in 15 years. The cement stairs are crooked and appear to be an afterthought.

But you know what, the mood is upbeat, we’re excited to be here, the TV production people have been marvelous to work with and it’s going to be an amazing evening. Several teams will be performing. Lino – the youngest guy on the trip will do a couple numbers – one that’s a more up-beat almost hip-hop style song. A worship team from Indonesia is here with some great music – they’re whole church band is here – sounded great in the rehearsal. And of course the Musicianaries team made up of people from around the states and Indonesia will do several numbers. And of course Bobby Michaels will do a couple of his classic solo songs that are always so moving. It’s going to be quite an evening. One that I believe will changes thousands of hearts for Jesus.

I’m told the floor in front of the stage is crowded, standing room only and that the cement amphitheater style seating will be very crowded. No stage diving is planned, however. J

What is my role tonight? I’m on standby to act as stage manager – getting people on and off the stage at the right times – and quickly, during commercial breaks. We’ll see if they put a mike in my hands at some point. That’s happened unexpectedly a couple of times already. Or, another option is that they’ll have me sitting off to the side of the stage with Pastor Setan Lee as a special and honored guest for the program. Let me say again, it’s an honor to represent the Positive Life Radio family in this way. We’ve not even started the rice distribution portion of the trip yet and I’ve already been overwhelmed with appreciation for what Positive Life Radio is doing for the people of Cambodia

Driving through Phnom Penh

2008-06-13T23:59:00.002-07:00

Driving through some of the nicer streets in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. You'll hear some of the Rice for Cambodia team members reflecting on their visit to the Killing Fields in the background.

Genocide Museum and Killing Fields

2008-06-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Friday was another amazing day in Cambodia. It started early with a quick breakfast then right off to TV3 - a primary television station for Phnom Penh and the entire country. Bobby Michaels and other team leaders met with the producers of the Saturday night TV show called, Boom-Boom to discuss the evenings program and they invited me to tag along.

Boom-Boom is a weekly 2-hour show that's really a variety show - something 4.5 million Cambodians tune-in to watch each week. They've asked Bobby and Musicianaries to provide the content for the entire show (about 90 minutes after the time for commercials is allowed for.) It's a major honor to receive this request and an amazing opportunity to share Christian music with that many people at once in this country. Pray for God's blessing on the evening. The program begins approx. 10 hours from the time of this post.

The rest of the day was spent visiting the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. I won't try to explain it all but I'll provide a link here to the story and also will upload some video of our team talking about their experience in visiting these two places. Here's more information and background.

Bobby Interviews Jill and Scott from Zillah, Washington

2008-06-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

People from around the world come to Cambodia to help distribute the rice that is purchased through the generosity of the Positive Life Radio family of listeners. There are people coming in from South Africa, Indonesia, Ireland; from Florida, Hawaii and a number as well from the Inland Northwest. Just before a rehearsal this afternoon I asked Bobby Michaels (team leader of the mission trip) to introduce Jill and Scott to our listening family.

Bobby, Jill, Scott, Kevin

Musicians Practice Session Thursday Morning

2008-06-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

Setan Lee and Kevin Krueger going into the musicians rehearsal and two photos of the Mekong river out our hotel window in Phnom Penh

2008-06-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Cambodia

2008-06-11T20:52:00.001-07:00

I’ve always had a great deal of respect for those that regularly travel long distances working for Christ. But now I have a whole new level of appreciation. Prayers were answered in that I made all my flights and my bags arrived in Phnom Penh as planned. Thank you to everyone that offered up a prayer for all traveling for the Rice for Cambodia mission trip. It was an hour long hop to Seattle. A two hour hop to San Francisco. A 12 hour flight (about 12:45 by the time we landed) to Seoul, then 5 ½ hour flight to Phnom Penh.

On the flight from Seattle to San Francisco I sat next to a woman from Philadelphia who felt like talking. She started off talking about how long the flight was from Seattle to San Francisco – 2 hours! She had done some overseas traveling, however, and was excited when I told her I was headed to Cambodia and why – the connection with Positive Life Radio and the rice distribution. She had all kinds of advice for me which was great – provided some good conversation.

The connection in San Francisco was fine. Even had enough time to grab a salad before getting on a completely packed – not one empty seat – Boeing 777-200. I flew on Asiana airlines based in Seoul. Wonderful South Korean hospitality abounded on the flight. And we got food! Even in coach we had real utensils which was a surprise. One side note… I flashed back to when I was 19 or 20 when I noticed that a young guy about that age sat in the window seat on the row I was in did get up once! I was on the aisle and got up several times as did the woman next to me. But that young guy didn’t budge! And he was drinking just as much water, orange juice and coke as everyone else! With the time before and after the flight he must have sat in that seat for 13 ½ hours without getting up. Oh to be young again.

I arrived in Phnom Penh about 11:15 p.m. local time, 30 hours after kissing the kids and my wife good-bye early Tuesday morning. Our team leader, Bobby Micheals, met me with a traditional Cambodian floral garland. It was so good to see a familiar face! He had our team coordinator and the local person in charge of transportation for the trip with him. After several days prior to leaving with no more than 4-5 hours of sleep and then the long trip (unfortunately I don’t sleep well on planes) I was pretty exhausted.

On the drive to the hotel I noticed a number of things…

- It was midnight at this point (after getting my bags, going through customs etc.) so I wasn’t expecting to see so many people out and about. The roads weren’t busy but there were still people just kind of hanging around. One guy looked like he was probably selling things at an outdoor market and decided just to sleep there until it opened up the next morning. He was sitting in a chair, slumped over his table with trinkets laying around on it.

- Like Guatemala, stop signs and red lights are merely suggestions here. Our driver slowed down when going through an intersection at one point. We had the green but the oncoming vehicle just kept going right on through the red. I’ve driven in this kind of driving environment in the past but am glad we have people to take care of that part of things for us here.

- Another thing that strikes me is this unusual combination of old and decaying trashy look and new and modern. In developing countries like Cambodia (or Guatemala where I was last month) it all seems to co-exist in an odd sort of surreal conglomeration.

- What I am most aware of is the kindness of everyone I’ve met in Cambodia. It’s going to be a good trip.

Today is a final preparation day. The musicians are in a small room in the hotel practicing as I write this (Thursday morning about 10:30), our team coordinator is working with the producers of the country wide TV show Bobby Michaels and the rest of the team will be on Saturday night. Our head nurse is off with a couple others to get the medicine. When they return it will be time to begin counting out the pills and putting them into little packets – about 7,000 of them will be distributed over the next few days.

I’ll be headed to the music rehearsal soon to see if I can help and as soon as the nurses get back with the pills I’ll be counting them out.

Prayer items…

Pray for the price of rice. We’re just about ready to purchase the rice off of the big rice barges (then it will be packaged into the 50 pound bags). Last night Bobby told me that rice had come down to about 550 per metric ton. We’re rejoicing because just a couple months ago it was at $1,000 per metric ton. But at the same time, 6 months ago it was at $330 per ton – when we did the annual fundraising event on Positive Life Radio in November. The cheaper the rice is, the more people we’ll be able to feed.

Pray for the remaining team members that are traveling right now. Quite a few people are still in the air – arriving later today.

Pray for the people of Cambodia – that God would soften their hearts so as we distribute the rice and share the Gospel they would understand that it is a gift of love from Jesus and that a desire to know him would grow in their hearts.

Kevin Krueger

General Manager

Positive Life Radio Network

Listen Live at www.plr.org

Leaving... On a Prop Plane

2008-06-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm on my way out the door of the house on the great adventure to Cambodia with Musicianairies and the Rice for Cambodia mission trip.

First stop Seattle. Second stop San Fransisco. Third stop Seoul, Korea. Fourth stop Pnohm Penh, Cambodia.

Thank you for your prayers for the mission team. They're traveling from around the world and gathering in Cambodia all this week.

Take care,

Kevin

Planning for a Mission Trip

2008-06-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

I asked Rachel at Musicianaries to send me a quick note outlining where things are at for the trip now that it’s just a couple of days away. I also asked that she provide a bit of an overview of what it takes to put a major mission trip like this together. I’m happy to share her message with you. - - Kevin

A few weeks ago I wired money over for rice, school uniforms/school supplies, literature/scripture, medicine, and the Women’s Center. I’m not sure yet how much KFCI was able to negotiate the rice for but we should know soon. While KFCI finds good rice at a good price, they will start to have the rice bags prepared and printed. We asked that they print “This rice is a gift from the Lord Jesus Christ and these donors” and then list Musicianaries Int’l Inc, Positive Life Radio and Kampuchea for Christ Int’l. Once the bags are printed, they will be filled with rice!

Also, the school uniforms should be in the process of being made by the Women’s Trade School in Battambang as well as school supplies being purchased for the children. The head nurse on our leadership team, Regina Clark, from California has been in contact with a Doctor in Cambodia ordering all of the medicine that we will need for the medical clinics.

These past few months have been fun yet crazy trying to finish the logistics of the trip! For the first part of the trip (June 13^th – June 23^rd) we will have a total of 37 people. We have 19 people from the States, 5 people from South Africa & 13 people from Indonesia. For the second part of the trip (June 23^rd – July 3^rd) we will have a total of 25 people: 22 people from the States & 3 people from South Africa. For the concerts during the first part of the trip we will have a Worship Team from Indonesia, a solo artist from Indonesia, a Hula Dancer from Hawaii, musicians from all over the States along with a puppet ministry out of California. Unfortunately we won’t be doing any major concerts on the second half of the trip as the Indonesians, Hula Dancer and puppet ministry can only be with us for the first half. There will definitely be opportunities though on the second half for the remaining musicians to perform but it just won’t be at the large, evening concerts. There will also be a group of 10 Cambodian children from KFCI’s orphanage traveling with our teams the entire trip! I know that will be a lot of fun for everyone

It’s amazing to realize all of the planning that has to go into these trips. On my end for the past 3 months here is what I’ve been working on in the office:

getting the entire team (in the U.S., South Africa & Indonesia) all of the information they need regarding the trip
figuring out how many vehicles we will need
figuring out how many hotel rooms we will need (as we will be in a new city almost every day)
who is rooming with each other
getting everyone’s flights in order so that the transition of picking everyone up will run smoothly
receiving the rice donations
transferring money over to Cambodia so KFCI can begin purchasing rice, school supplies, etc.
ordering from the bank the money needed for our team (housing, transport, food, museums, etc.) and figuring out what denominations we need for each budget
helping my parents prepare for a 7 week trip to Asia

I’m sure there are many more things that I’ve forgotten but that is at least an overview of what I’ve been doing here at Musicianaries for the past few months… It’s been a little more challenging these last 2 years too as I’ve not been able to go on these trips (as we are waiting on the Gov’t for my husband to get his green card). I try to do as much as I can in preparation and then hand over everything to our leadership team. Our leadership team is amazing but we are spread out from Florida, to California to Hawaii so that always adds more fun and challenges too!

We are TRULY excited about this year’s trip and look forward to see the Lord move! Thanks again for your donations and making this trip a reality each year! It really is the highlight of our year here at Musicianaries! A lot of work is involved but it is definitely worth it! We also look forward to reporting back to you about the lives that where changed for eternity! May the Lord receive ALL of the glory and honor!

Blessings to each of you,

Rachel Estehuyse

Visa update

2008-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

A quick short and happy post. The visa for Cambodia has arrived! Now it's time to pack.

Final Preparation for Cambodia Mission Trip

2008-06-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just a few days now until I head to Cambodia. I'll be leaving early, early in the morning June 10 and arriving around 11 p.m. June 11 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I'm sure it'll go fine, but I'm anxious about the long trip and the many flight segments - too many places for something to go wrong!

But that all aside, wow, what an opportunity! I'm so grateful to Musicianaries for inviting me along on the trip. It's going to be amazing and life-changing.

Thank you for praying for:

The price of rice. It's high. We're praying it will come down.
The people of Cambodia. Pray that God would open their hearts to his message as we share it.
Safe travels. Volunteers from around the world come to Cambodia for this annual mission trip.
My Cambodia visa - which hasn't arrived yet.

My goal of this blog is to allow you to experience the Rice for Cambodia mission trip with me. So many Positive Life Radio listeners have given so generously to the project that it seems only right that I do my best to let you see inside the workings of the trip.

I'll be sharing pictures and video whenever I can find an Internet connection fast enough to do the uploading. Otherwise, I'll update the text of the blog and have our team at Positive Life Radio add the audio reports we call in from Cambodia to it.

Thank you again for praying for the trip. God bless.

Guatemala Pictures

2008-05-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

More Photos

2008-05-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Now that I have faster Internet at Sea-Tac airport I'll share a few more photos.

Day 4 - Thursday

2008-05-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - The Visit to Headquarters

The bus drive from the hotel to the Compassion headquarters for Guatemala was so short I didn't even get settled in! It was the shortest drive of the trip - couldn't have been more than 10 minutes.

After we greeted and passed the security guard our guides for the week (two wonderful Guatemalans both named Claudia) we were taken to a conference type room for a short presentation on Compassion in Guatemala.

Part of the reason for the trip was so that we could see first hand how Compassion works - from the projects with the children to the main office. They were very open with us and I'm impressed with the many layers of accountability the organization has. I'm confident in assuring you that your monthly gift truly does reach those it is intended for.

Compassion began working in Guatemala in 1976 after the big earthquake that took the lives of over 20,000 people. At that time the help offered was immediate relief work. In 1980 Compassion officially opened an office in Guatemala. The Compassion program in this country has grown steadily since.

There are 134 projects in the country right now with 13 more being put together now. In all, over 31,000 children are being helped - over 27,000 of them have personal sponsors. Just imagine, as those children receive the education, nutrition, life skills they need and as they learn about Jesus it is literally changing a country. I continue to be awed by what God is doing here.

Accountability... the local Compassion projects are audited at least every 24 months, more often if the risk is higher - up to several times a year. (This is a real audit - of course Compassion headquarters keeps the local projects accountable through regular staff visits and detailed monthly financial and program reports.) I won't go into the detail but let me just say that the level of accountability is high. Compassion understands well that as donors, we expect our donations to get where they are intended.

Letters... Each month, over 4,000 letters are written by Guatemalan children to their sponsors in the U.S. and around the world. Each month, around 1,000 letters are received from sponsors to their sponsored child. Each week, a team of 16 translators translates the letters. I found it interesting that each letter has a sticker with a bar code on it while it's being processed. Just like FedEx tracks packages so not one is lost, Compassion tracks the letters so not one is lost.

The communication between sponsors and their sponsored children is a key element of the Compassion model. It's something they take very seriously. And with good reason. When we visited the hut home of a Compassion child on the second day he was proud to show us a picture of his sponsor, holding one of his beautiful drawings that he had sent her.

Each Compassion child writes a letter to their sponsor every 4 months. I'm sorry to have to report that the sponsors don't do nearly as good a job at communicating with their children. The staff at Compassion encouraged us to write our sponsored children and to let our listening family at Positive Life Radio know how important this is to the children. (As soon as I get home our family will be writing another letter to our child. I'm looking forward to it.)

They gave us a tour of the offices - very humble digs (as a friend of mine would phrase it) nothing fancy here. But very professional with all the necessary equipment in place to conduct business. About 40 people work at the main office for Guatemala in Guatemala City.

Side note here... One of the staff that works in communications was with us for the first 3 days. Sam took a lot of pictures! And he writes stories on what's happening as well. I got to know Sam quite well - we enjoyed talking together. When we got to his office cubicle he showed me on his computer screen how he had pulled up Positive Life Radio and was listening. Way to go Sam!

Part 2 - Some free time in Antigua

We drove straight to Antigua from the Compassion country headquarters. It was a beautiful drive. We enjoyed a marvelous traditional Guatemalan restaurant and then headed to the Antiqua market for some shopping! This was our first chance to hunt down some gifts for the family - what a blast.

I'll admit that my haggling skills need a lot of refinement. But I was told by our hosts that I got good prices so I felt pretty good. But then when we gathered together and my friend Jarrod showed me his treasures I saw that I had plenty of room for improvement. He got a seller to come down from around $15 to $1.20 for a hand-painted bamboo rain stick. It was great! If I would have had time, I would have gotten one as well, it was beautiful and even at $15 it was a steal so to speak.

I picked up gifts for the family and even for the Positive Life Radio staff including some Guatemalan coffee for the coffee lovers on our team. I think we could have spent an entire day at the market just looking at the beautiful hand-crafted items much less having fun haggling over price with them. (Note that the haggling is fun for both them and us - they love it.)

We headed back to Guatemala City for a final dinner together and some time to debrief on all we had seen and experienced. Several staff from the Compassion office joined us.

It was another amazing and wonderful day in a country I've grown to appreciate much more than I would have anticipated.

Final Day - Traveling Home

2008-05-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

When I got to the hotel lobby this morning I discovered I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep much last night. For various reasons, many of our team got at best, 3-4 hours sleep. Some weren't feeling well, others were nervous about missing their 4 a.m. alarm and others were just plain excited to head back home.

After some chatting and snacking we headed out to the bus - said goodbye to our wonderful Compassion hosts - Claudia and Claudia - and left for the airport at 5:30.

In the night a thunderstorm rolled through - I enjoyed the sound of the rain and the distant thunder. But it made for one muggy morning. We had been blessed with very moderate temperatures and humidity the whole trip. And we discovered just how blessed we had been as we headed to the airport and the AC on the bus couldn't keep up. The AC at the airport couldn't keep up either - we were sweating just standing in place! And it was 6 o'clock in the morning! It's the first time in a while I've appreciate the cold, dry air on an airplane.

It was about a 3 hour flight from Guatemala City to Dallas/Fort Worth and what a great feeling when the wheels set down on our home-country soil. I had to really rush through customs, getting my bag - re-checking it and going through security screening again. I grabbed some water and a burrito and when I got to my gate they were boarding the plane. Not much room for error!

I landed in Seattle after a 4 hour flight and am writing now as I wait for my flight home.

It was great to eat lettuce again! Because of the high-probability that we'd get sick, they told us not to eat anything fresh that wasn't peeled. That meant no fresh salads. By last night I was really craving a good home-made salad.

I'm eager to discover how this trip changes my thinking over the coming weeks and months. Experiences like this tend to stick with me and become a part of who I am on a deep level. I'm looking forward to sharing more stories and experiences on the air with the Positive Life Radio family.

Thank you for your prayers for safety and good health while on this trip.

Next... Cambodia! I leave June 10th.

Day 3 - Back to Guatemala City

2008-05-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

The day began by getting ready to hop back on the 21 seat plane to fly back to Guatemala City. It was a good trip. It's amazing to see the land from the air - the hills, mountains, crops, communities, and forests. It's such a diverse country. And I don't know how many times I've heard people in our group express their amazement at the huge volcanic mountain we've been able to see from virtually everywhere we've gone in Guatemala.

Once back in Guatemala City we headed to a Compassion project within the city itself. What an afternoon!

As we arrived they were serving the children lunch. They invited us right in to help serve so we carried trays to the classrooms where the eager children ate it right up! It was fun to help out in a practical way like this. It was a reminder of how the children in the project get great nourishment. I thought of the many children in Guatemala who are not getting the good food they need to help them grow and develop properly.

As we finished serving their lunch, several of our team started a pick-up game of soccer with some of the older kids. What fun! They all played hard and had a good time with the international communication tool of sports.

As they were playing, a number of younger children were brought out to meet us. They lined up on the steps. I didn't realize it right away but soon found out that these 25 children didn't have sponsors. I took so many pictures... I'll share a couple here but hope to get more on-line as soon as I can. It was a tearful moment for many of us as we talked with the young children (through interpreters or through trial and error Spanish) and thought of how their lives would, or I should say will, be different when they are sponsored.

One little boy in particular caught our eye - Antonio - or Tonio for short. He couldn't have been more than 3. (About the same age as my youngest child.) It was his first day at the Compassion project and he was very, very sad. He was crying - with no end in sight. Several of the team held him, rocked him, talked with him and joked with him but for at least an hour or so he was just so sad.

Our team stuck with it - just letting the little guy know he wasn't alone - that he was loved. After an hour or maybe more, the tears stopped. He wasn't happy - still sad, but he stopped crying.

The team kept engaging him, now with things like blowing bubbles and stickers. And slowly, ever so slowly, he came around - and he smiled. Then he laughed. Then he played.

It hit me as a great illustration of what happens with the children who are sponsored and go through the Compassion program.

When they first arrive - life is very hard for them. They're not sure how to cope.

As they participate in the education, as they learn about Jesus, as they are well-nourished - they gain hope, they begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.

After they've been in the program for a while - they have hope and they begin to dream. Where before there was no dream - it was all about where their next meal would come from, now they can dream, dream about being a doctor, a teacher, a pastor, a policeman. And once the dream starts, there's no telling how far they'll go. The cycle of poverty is broken. Their life and in many cases their families lives are changed - permanently - for generations.

Day 2

2008-05-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

A celebration of Christian believers. I've been wondering all day how to write this next segment. I've had over a day to think about it but it's still hard to put in words. What an amazing welcome we received at the Belen Student Center at Canton Juchanep, 87 km south of Huehuetenango in Guatemala.

We drove up, up and up. Way up into the beautiful mountains of Guatemala. Pine trees were abundant, the air was clear.

As we pulled to a stop outside the church/school our welcoming committee lit off a 2 foot long string of fire crackers! What a welcome! But that was just the beginning. As we walked in the marimba music was playing, the children lined the walkway the floor was covered with long, fresh pine needles to cushion our walk (and add a great scent!). And in place at the end of the child lined walkway we were taken by the hand by one of the children, greeted and led to our seats. They blessed us with a nice traditional dance number, introduced us to the projects staff and shared a few stats with us on the success of the program.

And that was only the beginning of a wonderful day. They served us a beautiful lunch (one that is traditionally served at wedding celebrations) and kept us fed with snacks of fruit and homemade bread all day long. I could write a small book describing all we experienced. We played with the kids, they taught us a traditional dance, and we took a wonderful tour of their classrooms.

In addition to the usual classroom education they showed us their music class (they practice and play for worship at church), sewing class (they were sowing polo shirts at the time), typing class, baking class (this one looked fun!) computer class and a special ed class.

Many of the boys and girls in the baking class are looking forward to one day opening their own bakery business. Which is possible because of micro-loans which are available to some. This, of course, breaks the cycle of poverty for this family which is simply amazing.

I mentioned the special ed class. It's taught by a psychology student from the university as an unpaid 6-month internship. This is a good example of how the $32 a month that sponsors pay buys so much - many people donate their time and talent in helping these beautiful children.

Note: The rest of this blog post was written yesterday (Tuesday) but posted today because we're now back in Guatemala City and have Internet access.

Leadership Development Program presentation.

Four amazing young people that were specifically selected for Compassion’s leadership development program – studying to be a doctor, psychologist, human resource specialist, lawyer. To hear their stories about how they got into the LDP program was fantastic. The way they are leading in their churches and communities (even before they graduation from college) is amazing. Their trust in God was evident. This special training will not only change their lives, but also their families. It’s a key component in breaking the cycle of poverty. Many times in the evening they shared with us how their dreams are coming true, thanks to their sponsors and Compassion. It was a privilege to pray for them after the presentation was concluded. Dreams coming true…

As I’ve observed the children in the Compassion projects the last two days and as I heard from and talked with the older students in the leadership development program I’m convinced that most of us as sponsors understand to only a small degree how much this changes their lives. And I don’t think we fully comprehend how that one changed life causes ripples of change in their families and their communities and their country.

We visited the home (built over 100 years ago with adobe and stones) of a young man today who is close to finishing the Compassion program. He’s 17. His mother shared with us how much it means to her that he was able to be in the Compassion program. Her husband had died just a few years ago from sirosis of the liver. Alcohol is a problem with many men in Guatemala. But before he died, he passed along his love of art to his son who has taken drawing up whole heartedly. He’s a very talented young man. In fact, he made a drawing for each of us. Beautiful! His father and his sponsorship in Compassion gave him the confidence and knowledge to proceed with his art ability. When asked if he’s sold any of his art he said yes. He also said that his friends sometimes come to him with a request. They ask him to draw something that will express their feelings for girls they want to impress. He laughed as he shared this. We laughed too.

Bethania Student Center in Pasac L, Cantal

2008-05-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Note: This blog post was written Monday evening. It was posted today because I didn't have Internet access until now.

Unprepared. I’ve heard the stories many times of what it’s like to visit the children at a Compassion project. I’ve seen the pictures, even video, but I was unprepared. And actually, I don’t believe a person can be prepared. It knocked the wind out of me. As we drove up in the small rental bus many of the children were outside getting ready for us. The teacher was putting the final touches on a welcome sign above the school doorway and there was a lot of excitement in the air.

Then I looked into the faces of the children and it hit me. I was holding back the tears. I’m glad no one tried to talk with me much for the first hour or so we were there – I couldn’t have done it. I was choked up the whole time. Knowing what these children have been through and what they’re going through and still they laugh, play, and make faces for the camera.

The children with their teachers provided a wonderful program that included a lot of singing, poems, Bible verses, presentation of gifts to us, and so much more it’s hard to describe. It was very special for all of us visitors. But they wanted to make it clear, they were overwhelmingly grateful for our visit – and for our sponsorship. They told us how they pray for us daily – did you get that – they pray for us.

After the program several of us went with 8 year old Ilvia on what they call a home visit. She took us about half a mile to a home that had been wonderfully straightened and cleaned up for us, but to be blunt, many of us in America wouldn’t keep our farm animals in this place. It was a home, only because a family lived there and a family is what makes a home, not because the structure qualified for the title.

It was up on the side of a hill. The floor was dirt, the walls were some kind of adobe with stone. It looked like it may have been built a hundred years ago. There were three very small rooms (each maybe 8X10 feet). Two small beds in one, a small kitchen in one, and the third was filled almost entirely with a weaving loom. As we walked in you could hear the clunk of the loom. Turns out, 14 year old Elvin, the oldest in the family that’s still home, works at the loom weaving cloth 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. He sells the cloth to someone else who sells it at the market. He goes to school on Saturdays and Sundays he studies. He’s the primary income earner of the family.

There is no father – he passed away some time ago. There are 6 children in the family, 5 still at home. The mother, Victoriana, broke into tears as we walked up to where they live. She was crying tears of joy and thankfulness for our visit. While none of us in the small group were personally sponsoring her children, we represented the children’s sponsors. She hugged each of us and welcomed us in.

We talked with her (through an interpreter) for quite a while. It was an amazing experience. One I’m finding hard to relate here with a computer keyboard. She told us how she felt so alone (since her husband died) and how she has a lot of pain at times when it’s cold and damp with her bones. She broke into tears again as she was telling us this and as she wondered out loud, “God do you care, why is my family in this situation, are you punishing me?” As she talked, several of us began to tear up again – hearing the pain of a mother in this situation is a heart wrenching experience.

I was honored when the Compassion director with us asked if I would pray for the family. We all put our arms around each other and in a spirit of Christian love prayed together. It was an exceptional experience – an amazing experience – a once in a lifetime experience to be able to pray for them as the tears flowed from Victoriana’s eyes and heart.

We took a bunch of pictures together said good-byes and left to return to the school.

Back at the school I took some great video of the children singing songs to Jesus in their classrooms. What a great way to brighten things up! I hope to get the video footage on Positive Life Radio’s website. I’ll keep you posted.

So at the end of the day, I’m physically very tired and emotionally exhausted. It’s going to take some time for my mind and heart to process all I’ve seen.

Traveling to Quetzaltenango

2008-05-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

After breakfast we got ready to leave Guatemala City for Quetzaltenango and then our first visit to a Compassion project village. We found out we had a 25 pound limit for our bags so quickly scaled back what we would take. The representative for K-Dove from Visalia, CA. had a big bag so I put a few things in his – we left that bag in Guatemala City and he put some things in my smaller bag for the two day trip – we’re good!

The flight was a great experience. It was a chartered small plane – seating 21 seats or so. As we took off we got a good view of Guatemala City – over 3 million people live there. And right to our left was an amazing conical volcano. We all took a bunch of pictures out the windows and in the plane as well. As we traveled over the countryside I was struck by how different everything looked. The structures – houses, apartments, business buildings – all looked like they were half built. Perhaps build many years ago then partly added on to. Many were in severe disrepair and crumbling.

The small bus ride from the airstrip in Quetzaltenango was spectacular. It was truly what you might expect – like out of the movies – for Central America. Hundreds of small shops in buildings that looked a couple of hundred years old. People everywhere – they live outside here. And the older women were almost always in a traditional blouse and skirt, very colorful. They often carried bags or baskets on their heads. Many of the women, young and old, had braided their hair into one long braid down the back.

And interesting side note… I saw two radio station vehicles – like station vans – with big speaker horns on the top and the radio frequency on the side. Unfortunately I was too slow with the camera as the sped by.

It’s obviously a poor country, the people don’t seem to have a lot when you look at the surface. But as I’ve talked with our hosts and interacted with locals at the hotels and restaurants it’s apparent that they don’t need “things” to be happy and content. I’m reminded that simple is good. And I’m reminded that even the poor in America are rich by much of the world’s standards.

Towing a 737

2008-05-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot to mention... We all looked at each other on the plane last night after we landed in Guatemala City and taxied a bit the pilot came on and said they'd be shutting down the engines, hooking up a generator and they would tow us to the gate. Huh? That was a new one. We all left our speculative thoughts to ourselves.

First Morning in Guatemala

2008-05-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

We're closer to the airport than I thought! An hour or so after I turned out the light (maybe 1 or so this morning) a large plane flew overhead! Sounded like it was going to land on the hotel. On the other hand, around 4 this morning, before the traffic kicked up, I heard some great bird calls - some I've never heard before. Enjoyed that and look forward to more.

And thanks to something we take for granted these days I've been listening to Positive Life Radio this morning as I'm getting ready - the Netcast at www.plr.org. Nice to hear the familiar music. Although when Steven Curtis Chapman's "Cinderella" came on this morning it made me miss my two little girls at home. My morning worship today was listening to "Breath" by Micheal W. Smith (among other great PLR songs!)

I can tell I'm at a higher elevation (about the same as Denver) and we're going even higher here in a couple hours and will be at 11,000 feet for a few days.

We head back to the airport in a couple hours and fly to Quetzaltenango. This afternoon we'll visit the Bethania Student Center, at Pasac I, Cantal, 10km south of Quetzaltenango. It's a small community of about 1700. Half the adults there are unemployed. Some work in factories and earn the equivalent of $75 a month. It's a mountainous community where a typical house is constructed of cement floors, adobe walls and sheet metal roofs. The primary ethnic group and language is Quiche.

Arrived in Guatemala City

2008-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Made it! After getting to know the Dallas airport a bit and having a good meal at a Mexican restaurant I met up with 13 others from around the U.S. who are on the Compassion trip as well. We were all on the same flight from Dallas to Guatemala City. We arrived just a bit late and all made it through customs ok.

The local Compassion staff was there to meet us with a small bus and took us to the hotel. It was fun to hear some of the people in the group (especially some of the kids - there are 3) get excited when they saw a Burger King and a McDonalds. Nothing like a little bit of home. Then they saw the Porche dealer. Only two cars in the showroom that I could see as we drove by.

They had bottled water waiting for us so we're set! We've been warned - "Don't forget - used bottled water when you brush your teeth." I'll try to remember...

Looking forward to traveling again tomorrow morning then seeing our first Compassion project in the afternoon.

Seattle

2008-05-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting flight to Seattle. My normal routine is to sit tight on an early morning flight and either read a bit or rest. This morning was different. The guy I sat next to asked if I was headed out on work or personal so I told him I was headed to Guatemala on a Compassion International trip.

As it turned out, he not only knows of Compassion but he’s a believer as well so we had a good conversation about kids, Christian radio, and his family a bit. He had been in town for his grandmother’s funeral and was headed home – back to Tampa, FL. I introduced him to Positive Life Radio (he’s going to listen on-line) and we talked about Compassion as well and the good work they’re doing.

When we got off the plane another guy came up to me (he had been sitting just a couple people away on the same row.) He asked who I was, “I thought so!” he said. “I listen to you on Positive Life Radio!” Didn’t get to talk with him much but was able to wish him safe travels.

It was a ministry opportunity – before I even got to Seattle! God is going to do great things through this trip. Pray with me that more opportunities will come up to talk with others about Christ.

In Seattle now so had to get some coffee – right? Had a extra dark Mocha from a Mocha Café (my kind of place.) Very nice.

I’m a little apprehensive about food on this trip. So many people have cautioned me about what I eat and drink. Seems like at least a couple people in a group this size always get sick. I don’t want to be one of them. I’ve been sick on the road before – so miserable. But still others have said, “No big deal – you’ll be fine!” I’ll go with the latter.

Traveling to Guatemala City

2008-05-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

After some late night packing and a 4 hour rest I kissed my two precious little girls good bye as they slept. With my wife waving at the door I left home at 5:30 this morning, headed for Guatemala City to see Compassion International in action.

It's a decent schedule today but anything over 4 hours seems long to me these days. It'll take 14 hours or so - door to door. I'm ready for it and looking forward to sharing some of the toys my girls put together for the children in Guatemala.

They're just about ready to board the flight to Seattle - better get going...

From here to Seattle. Seattle to Dallas. Dallas to Guatemala City.