Our Move and Some Special Guests

Our season of “house-sitting” in the Hills’ apartment came to an end in the month of July, and we moved into the house we found for our long-term residence on July 31. We were in a hurry to get at least a bit organized that first day, since we were expecting houseguests a mere 36 hours after spending our first night in our new home. Franklin Mennonite Conference, a small group of churches in the Chambersburg, PA area that financially support the EMM dorms, sent a delegation to visit Cambodia. Their purpose for the visit was to report on the dorm ministry and to encourage us and the church. Paul and Tina Holderman (former EMM missionaries here in Phnom Penh) and Katie Lehman (a young woman from Holdermans’ church) were here from August 2 – 13, and though it made life very full, their time with us was indeed a blessing. Paul was very handy in doing odd jobs around the house, Tina baked us some yummy food, and they were able to visit and encourage many of their friends from the 3 years they lived here. It also felt like Christmas, because they came bearing gifts from our family, friends and MST. Thank you so much, everyone! We don’t have very many pictures of the team during their time here – we were too busy to think about it! – but the camera came out while we were seeing them off at the airport. Thanks again, Holdermans and Katie, for your encouragement, help and gift of a night away as a couple! (We were able to play tourists – childless! – and sleep at a local hotel. What a rare treat!!)

Paul Holderman and Mades, a church member and friend of the Holdermans

Katie Lehman and Tina Holderman, visiting after church



Saying goodbye to the team at the airport, with Ming (younger aunt) Nyaw, our househelper (Juliana was in preschool)