Hello and Good-bye

Hello, Coats Family!

When Darrell and Susan Caldwell returned to the U.S. this past spring after twelve years of service with EMM, we were the only long-term EMM workers in Cambodia. Well, we're no longer alone! We are excited to introduce you to John and Debbie Coats and their boys, Micah(14) and Jesse (12). Join us in thanking God for the new relationship we are establishing with this EMM family!

Though new to EMM, the Coats family isn't new to Cambodia. They have been working here for about 17 years! They've had experience in medicine, agriculture, and church planting. Currently they are operating a tuberculosis clinic, providing mentoring and support to local church leaders, and running a character-shaping program for children. They've just recently joined EMM and we are excited to get to know them and help support each other in ministry.

John, Debbie, and Jesse live 3-4 hours outside of the city and Micah is boarding at his high school here in Phnom Penh. Because of the distance that separates us, we may not see them much more frequently than once a month, but we'll look forward to our times together.

Hello and Good-bye, Don and Keith!
Last weekend we had good opportunities to spend time with Skip and Carol Tobin and John and Debbie. We also had the honor of hosting/visiting with Don Sensenig, former long-term EMM missionary to Vietnam, and Keith Weaver, moderator of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Don and Keith were in nearby Vietnam for some meetings between the Mennonite Church and the Vietnamese Government. Because they were close to Cambodia, they decided to swing over and it was a joy to have them with us for a few days. They were able to learn more of what EMM and MCC are doing here in Cambodia. Below, Keith and Don join in a time of prayer at our house.

Good-bye, Greta!

This morning, Bethany took Greta Kauffman, the one year EMM mission intern, to the airport. Greta has served and learned here in Cambodia for the past year. She is planning on going to medical school, so was interested in getting her feet wet in medical mission work. She helped Debbie Coats with some medical research and served in some clinics here in Phnom Penh. We regularly hosted Greta for supper once a week and we will miss her. Juliana and Kai have enjoyed having an "aunt" around. Below is a recent picture of Greta and our family.

Hello, care package!

We were excited to receive a care package this past week with all kinds of fun items for the kids and Lancaster County treats. (Thanks Ted and Ann!) Below Juliana and Kai are having fun with the box the goodies came in...

Most likely the highlight of this week will be Juliana's birthday. It's her golden one, so she'll be four on the fourth! We're plan to celebrate with a trip to a local playground area and, instead of cake, homemade whoopie pies. We plan to share these PA Dutch treats with Juliana's pre-school class as well as some neighbors and friends. Come on by and we'll share some with you too...

-Ryan