My host-sister saw this and so earnestly responded,
"I want to build a snowman, but there's no snow!"
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Apologies
Readers, be you friends, family, supporters, or interested persons,
I apologize for my absence.
All is well.
How are you?
I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I am well. It's been a while since I've posted anything on this blog. I have a backlog of emails sitting in my inbox, and I'm starting the process of responding to them all.
As you may recall, I mentioned having some blog posts in drafts already- between now and the end of the year, I will try my hardest to edit and finish them, and yes, publish them for your viewing.
Meanwhile, here are two facts:
According to weather.com, it's 87 degrees outside and feels like 95 degrees. It also tells me that it's currently 30 degrees in Atlanta... I'll take 87 over 30 any day!
As for food, we eat rice as the main staple for almost every meal. I quite enjoy it, actually. However, here are the top three unexpected foods that I've eaten with rice:
3. Watermelon
2. Salad
1. Noodles
Cheers,
KMJ
I apologize for my absence.
All is well.
How are you?
I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I am well. It's been a while since I've posted anything on this blog. I have a backlog of emails sitting in my inbox, and I'm starting the process of responding to them all.
As you may recall, I mentioned having some blog posts in drafts already- between now and the end of the year, I will try my hardest to edit and finish them, and yes, publish them for your viewing.
Meanwhile, here are two facts:
According to weather.com, it's 87 degrees outside and feels like 95 degrees. It also tells me that it's currently 30 degrees in Atlanta... I'll take 87 over 30 any day!
As for food, we eat rice as the main staple for almost every meal. I quite enjoy it, actually. However, here are the top three unexpected foods that I've eaten with rice:
3. Watermelon
2. Salad
1. Noodles
Cheers,
KMJ
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Sit, enjoy yourself
As YAGM, under the
auspices of the ELCA, we practice a mission model referred to as the model of
accompaniment. Accompaniment means
The holistic definition here, as I have come to understand it, is that accompaniment means being present in one's community, forming relationship, and just living in that intersection of my story, their story, and God's story.
In three words, it's about "being, not doing".
Now, there's more to say on this topic, and perhaps one day I can elucidate my thoughts further; however, accompaniment is just the framing for the subject matter of this post. So today, I leave you readers with that introduction, and move on.
"Koy leng" literally translated means "sit play". (Koy is short for the word angkoy, which means "to sit".)
"Koy leng," when spoken to you, can be understood as "sit, enjoy yourself".
On first observation, one can see that for Cambodians, sitting is a significant component of culture. Life is much-slower paced. There is a calmness intrinsic to life, where family members will just sit together, chatting or respecting silence. There is a familiarity, where a neighbor can walk up to the corner shop, and after making their purchase, pull up a red plastic chair and visit. There is a hospitality, where a visitor is welcomed, and immediately offered a chair upon which to rest. Family sits together. Friends sit together. Strangers sit together.
That is what "koy leng" means.
This sitting should never be interpreted as laziness, as passivity, or as a meaningless action.
To "sit, enjoy yourself" is intentional. When with someone, it's about intentional togetherness. When alone, it's about intentional relaxation and enjoyment of the moment.
A U.S. American equivalent for this action is visible in coffee dates with friends or a walk to the park and a rest among the shade.
"Sit, enjoy yourself" is a beautiful form of walking in accompaniment, of being not doing, which, in its essence, it truly is. It's a moment of silence. It's a moment of conversation. It's companionship.
I can sit at the kitchen table and enjoy life with my host sister, as we smile over cute puppies, talk cultural differences, or eat snacks. I can sit in the shop with my host mother, watching our constant stream of visitors (customers), and sharing the moments. I can sit in the yard of a stranger, observing life in the village.
As I sit and enjoy myself, I cannot help but reflect on accompaniment, on building community, and creating relationship.
"Sit, enjoy yourself" is more than just a simple phrase. It's a way of life.
Love to you all. Take a moment to "koy leng" with your friend or your neighbor, share life together, and smile.
Peace,
KMJ
“walking together in solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality”.Okay, but those are challenging words. At its heart, accompaniment is about reconciliation. We are a people called to be in relationship and created for community. How is this call articulated in this broken world, where the pronouns “us” and “them” have become normative? There is division, there is injustice, and there is exclusion and objectification of “the other”. In such a world, accompaniment is “a tool to see otherness as God intended: a gift”. It means not just speaking, but listening.
The holistic definition here, as I have come to understand it, is that accompaniment means being present in one's community, forming relationship, and just living in that intersection of my story, their story, and God's story.
In three words, it's about "being, not doing".
Now, there's more to say on this topic, and perhaps one day I can elucidate my thoughts further; however, accompaniment is just the framing for the subject matter of this post. So today, I leave you readers with that introduction, and move on.
គុយលេង"Koy leng" is a phrase I have heard every day since I moved to Kampot, Cambodia. "Koy leng" is a phrase that encompasses so much of Cambodian culture as I've experienced it. "Koy leng" is a phrase that has a deep, embedded significance.
"Koy leng" literally translated means "sit play". (Koy is short for the word angkoy, which means "to sit".)
"Koy leng," when spoken to you, can be understood as "sit, enjoy yourself".
On first observation, one can see that for Cambodians, sitting is a significant component of culture. Life is much-slower paced. There is a calmness intrinsic to life, where family members will just sit together, chatting or respecting silence. There is a familiarity, where a neighbor can walk up to the corner shop, and after making their purchase, pull up a red plastic chair and visit. There is a hospitality, where a visitor is welcomed, and immediately offered a chair upon which to rest. Family sits together. Friends sit together. Strangers sit together.
That is what "koy leng" means.
This sitting should never be interpreted as laziness, as passivity, or as a meaningless action.
To "sit, enjoy yourself" is intentional. When with someone, it's about intentional togetherness. When alone, it's about intentional relaxation and enjoyment of the moment.
A U.S. American equivalent for this action is visible in coffee dates with friends or a walk to the park and a rest among the shade.
"Sit, enjoy yourself" is a beautiful form of walking in accompaniment, of being not doing, which, in its essence, it truly is. It's a moment of silence. It's a moment of conversation. It's companionship.
I can sit at the kitchen table and enjoy life with my host sister, as we smile over cute puppies, talk cultural differences, or eat snacks. I can sit in the shop with my host mother, watching our constant stream of visitors (customers), and sharing the moments. I can sit in the yard of a stranger, observing life in the village.
As I sit and enjoy myself, I cannot help but reflect on accompaniment, on building community, and creating relationship.
"Sit, enjoy yourself" is more than just a simple phrase. It's a way of life.
Love to you all. Take a moment to "koy leng" with your friend or your neighbor, share life together, and smile.
Peace,
KMJ
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Instagram Roundup part 2
Greetings,
I have a list of a least 5 pending blog posts. I'm going to start it off with another Instagram Roundup, so you can see some of the lovely scenery I've been sharing on that social media medium.
The CamFam departed for their placements on 12 September. I absolutely cannot believe that that was over a month ago!! Before we left, we placed stickies on a map of Cambodia to indicate our placement locations.
This was originally captioned "Peaceful Saturday at the Riverside". One of my favorite activities here in Kampot is to ride my bike up and down the riverside. This photo is of one of the riverboats. Incidentally, a couple weeks later, I happened to take a sunset river cruise on this exact boat!
Original caption: "The beauty of this country is overwhelming. It's omnipresent, found in the landscape and in the friendly, hospitable smiles of every person one meets. I'm in love. Also, I'm ever-grateful for the fact that a simple smile transcends every language barrier."
Original caption: "This is Secret Lake, a place that I've come to refer to in my mind as where beauty rises from ashes. We sat here one day, waiting out rain, gazing over this beautiful, peaceful lake. Then I heard its tragic story. Secret Lake is man-made; it was dug out through forced labor during the Khmer Rouge occupation. Many people died in its creation. Yet, beauty triumphs. So tragic, yet so beautiful."
Original caption: "Practicing patience. To everything there is a season... These ចេក grow in my backyard! Khmer lesson 101: ចេក is pronounced "jake," and means banana."
My family has an orchard in their yard, practically. I love the fruit in Cambodia and have tried many new varieties... some of which I've yet to find the English translation of what I've eaten!
Original caption: "Same sun, new sunset, everyday"
Original caption: "We casually stopped by this unofficial port to purchase some crabs for lunch. Crab = ក្តាម (kdam)"
Edited caption: "You know there's a gorgeous sunset happening behind those clouds."..."Sunset = ថ្ងៃលិច (tnai lake)"
Original caption: "The river is gorgeous, what can I say? View of the river FROM the river. We took a riverboat sunset cruise... At night, the fireflies lit up the trees like Christmas lights. Khmer: firefly = អំពិលអំពែក (ahm-pell ahm-pike, where ahm rhymes with bomb)
Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm rather obsessed with dogs. One of my host dogs just had two puppies a week and a day ago. They are absolutely adorable. Also, I had the fascinating experience of watching one of them be born.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Kampot! More photos to come (once I take them), and more posts to come, as well.
Cheers,
KMJ
I have a list of a least 5 pending blog posts. I'm going to start it off with another Instagram Roundup, so you can see some of the lovely scenery I've been sharing on that social media medium.
 |
| Map of Cambodia |
 |
| Cloudy morning at the riverside |
 |
| Sweetsop farm in the mountain foothills |
 |
| Secret Lake |
 |
| Bananas! |
My family has an orchard in their yard, practically. I love the fruit in Cambodia and have tried many new varieties... some of which I've yet to find the English translation of what I've eaten!
 |
| Sunset on the river! |
 |
| Boats! |
 |
| Sunset |
 |
| Lovely river |
 |
| Puppies!!! |
Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm rather obsessed with dogs. One of my host dogs just had two puppies a week and a day ago. They are absolutely adorable. Also, I had the fascinating experience of watching one of them be born.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Kampot! More photos to come (once I take them), and more posts to come, as well.
Cheers,
KMJ
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Thankfulness
As some of you know, I recently celebrated another successful revolution around our dear, light-giving sun. It was a quiet, pleasant day.
Sometime during the afternoon, while I was sitting outside studying Khmer, my host sister looks at me and says, "Oh, you're eating dinner out with my father and I tonight." Oh, I am, am I? Then later it was a simple, "We go now." So off I go, riding on the back of Vandy's moto, with her friend driving alongside of us. After a detour, stopping at a quaint shop, we cross the railroad tracks and drive down the road to one of the omnipresent bamboo hut restaurants.
 | ||
| A bamboo hut, similar to where we ate |
Vandy, her friend, and I joined my host father and a co-worker who were already waiting. We ate a delicious dinner; they ordered for me, a Khmer crepe called បាញ់ឆែវ (banh chow), which happens to be one of my favorite Cambodian meals thus far. THEN they surprised me with a lovely cake.
Matt, my country coordinator, asked how my day was, in just six words, so I said, "a quiet celebration with good cake."
 |
| Elephant Gift ដំរី (damrei) means elephant |
I am just constantly overwhelmed with thankfulness for this host family of mine. I'm thankful for their care and concern for my well-being, their provision, and my host'-mother's fabulous cooking skills. I'm thankful that they're one of the sweetest, open-heart families that I have ever had the privilege and pleasure of meeting. They have much to teach me of compassion, of generosity, of love...
 |
| Responsive art project អរគុណ (a-koon) means "thank you" |
Cheers, and love to all back home,
KMJ
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Discernment
So. I wrote this poem back in April. I wrote it as I was waiting, sitting outside the room where momentarily I would be having my interview for the Cambodia country program.
----------------------------------------
It is
swirling thoughts
and drumming heart
with a thousand worries
and a thousand joys
in one brief moment
lifetimes long.
It is
groaning sighs
and whispered pleas
and falling onto battered knees.
Is it
rushing wind
or still small voice?
Listen.
Listen to the silence.
Find the calm within the storm.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
It is
swirling thoughts
and drumming heart
with a thousand worries
and a thousand joys
in one brief moment
lifetimes long.
It is
groaning sighs
and whispered pleas
and falling onto battered knees.
Is it
rushing wind
or still small voice?
Listen.
Listen to the silence.
Find the calm within the storm.
----------------------------------------
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Companionship
companionship (n):
the good feeling that comes from being with someone else *
Yesterday before dinner, I walked to the riverside with my host mother. On our journey back, night had already fallen, so we walked under a blanket of darkness. We walked in silence. It was a comfortable silence, a peaceful silence, but it was a silence that waited to be broken. It was a silence that was holding its breath, opening its mouth to speak but not finding the words, and subsiding again.
I was out walking alongside this beautiful woman, one who holds my hand as we cross the street to ensure our togetherness, who points out "tuhk" (water) so that I don't walk through the mud, and who congenially performs charades to tell me the wind is chilly or that we were to go on this walk.
You see, my host mother does not speak English, and lamentably, I do not speak [intelligible] Khmer. So on this walk, we walked in silence, and we walked in peace. I eagerly await the moment when I can chat with her about my day, when this walk is filled with words and laughter.
But for yesterday, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of companionship and of comfort. I was comfortable walking alongside this woman, sharing this experience with her.
Yet, I was struck by how different our experience could be. While I was walking, I was thinking about how dark the street was, how nice the temperature was, how glad I was that we were together... in English. I was thinking in English. Perhaps my host mother was thinking about how dark the street was, how nice the temperature was, how glad she was that we were together... in Khmer. Perhaps those were not her thoughts, but perhaps she thought something similar. Regardless, my stream of consciousness was running in English while hers was running in Khmer. Our experiences would be described differently by our contrasting languages. The same, yet different. Intertwined, yet distinct.
It was a lovely moment, that walk, that shared experience. I felt that good feeling that comes from being with someone else.
While I walked, I thought about what I could say in Khmer to be understood, and I have a feeling that she was thinking the same thought, too. We lacked the words to acknowledge the moment.
So we smiled.
(*definition from Merriam-Webster online)
the good feeling that comes from being with someone else *
Yesterday before dinner, I walked to the riverside with my host mother. On our journey back, night had already fallen, so we walked under a blanket of darkness. We walked in silence. It was a comfortable silence, a peaceful silence, but it was a silence that waited to be broken. It was a silence that was holding its breath, opening its mouth to speak but not finding the words, and subsiding again.
I was out walking alongside this beautiful woman, one who holds my hand as we cross the street to ensure our togetherness, who points out "tuhk" (water) so that I don't walk through the mud, and who congenially performs charades to tell me the wind is chilly or that we were to go on this walk.
You see, my host mother does not speak English, and lamentably, I do not speak [intelligible] Khmer. So on this walk, we walked in silence, and we walked in peace. I eagerly await the moment when I can chat with her about my day, when this walk is filled with words and laughter.
But for yesterday, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of companionship and of comfort. I was comfortable walking alongside this woman, sharing this experience with her.
Yet, I was struck by how different our experience could be. While I was walking, I was thinking about how dark the street was, how nice the temperature was, how glad I was that we were together... in English. I was thinking in English. Perhaps my host mother was thinking about how dark the street was, how nice the temperature was, how glad she was that we were together... in Khmer. Perhaps those were not her thoughts, but perhaps she thought something similar. Regardless, my stream of consciousness was running in English while hers was running in Khmer. Our experiences would be described differently by our contrasting languages. The same, yet different. Intertwined, yet distinct.
It was a lovely moment, that walk, that shared experience. I felt that good feeling that comes from being with someone else.
While I walked, I thought about what I could say in Khmer to be understood, and I have a feeling that she was thinking the same thought, too. We lacked the words to acknowledge the moment.
So we smiled.
(*definition from Merriam-Webster online)
Monday, September 19, 2016
Biding Your Time
Hi all,
So I'm still settling into Kampot... and still establishing a means of regular internet connection.
First things first, Cambodia is a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people. As I struggle with language acquisition, I am ever-grateful that a simple smile transcends any language barrier. Life has been wonderful; life has been challenging; life has had ups; life has had downs. I've had moments of humbling experiences. I've had moments of joy.
I anticipate the day when I begin to tell my story of my journey in Cambodia. For now, I'm still searching for the words, for the way to encapsulate my experience in a blog post, or a newsletter, or an email... For now, I'm witnessing life, and taking a few pictures along the way.
While I'm busy collecting my thoughts (and finding the opportunity to connect to the internet and publish said thoughts), I encourage you to read blog posts from my fellow YAGM in Cambodia, as well as the blog post by our country coordinators, Jen and Matt. You can find links to their blogs on the sidebar of my main page.
Amanda, Kurt, Rachel, and Savannah serve with Life with Dignity
Ashley, Lindsay, and Mallory serve with the Lutheran Church in Cambodia
Jen and Matt live in Phnom Penh
In future posts, I'll share more about these lovely individuals and the partner organizations OR perhaps I can get one or two to guest-post and tell you about it themselves! Meanwhile, please peruse their blogs.
I wish peace, blessings, and love to you all. When you smile today, remember it's more than a reflex or coordinated muscular movement; remember, and recognize, the power it holds to brighten someone's life and the power it has, especially when words fail.
Love,
KMJ
So I'm still settling into Kampot... and still establishing a means of regular internet connection.
First things first, Cambodia is a beautiful country, filled with beautiful people. As I struggle with language acquisition, I am ever-grateful that a simple smile transcends any language barrier. Life has been wonderful; life has been challenging; life has had ups; life has had downs. I've had moments of humbling experiences. I've had moments of joy.
I anticipate the day when I begin to tell my story of my journey in Cambodia. For now, I'm still searching for the words, for the way to encapsulate my experience in a blog post, or a newsletter, or an email... For now, I'm witnessing life, and taking a few pictures along the way.
While I'm busy collecting my thoughts (and finding the opportunity to connect to the internet and publish said thoughts), I encourage you to read blog posts from my fellow YAGM in Cambodia, as well as the blog post by our country coordinators, Jen and Matt. You can find links to their blogs on the sidebar of my main page.
Amanda, Kurt, Rachel, and Savannah serve with Life with Dignity
Ashley, Lindsay, and Mallory serve with the Lutheran Church in Cambodia
Jen and Matt live in Phnom Penh
In future posts, I'll share more about these lovely individuals and the partner organizations OR perhaps I can get one or two to guest-post and tell you about it themselves! Meanwhile, please peruse their blogs.
I wish peace, blessings, and love to you all. When you smile today, remember it's more than a reflex or coordinated muscular movement; remember, and recognize, the power it holds to brighten someone's life and the power it has, especially when words fail.
Love,
KMJ
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Instagram Roundup
Greetings, Readers/Followers/Supporters/Everyone Else!
Today is Day 17 (what!) of life in Cambodia. Orientation is drawing to a close... Tomorrow morning, I leave Phnom Penh for Kampot! Tomorrow, I leave for my placement. Tomorrow, I meet my host family.
Orientation has been a complete whirlwind. We've had conversations about logistics, fears and expectations, how to communicate our stories; we've taken trips to the markets, taken a Khmer cooking class, visited the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom, and took audio tours at the genocide memorials; we've had Cambodian history lessons, church history discussions, and Khmer language lessons... It's been full, and it's been intense.
I'm still processing, so I haven't completed any blog posts or newsletter articles. Those are pending, but TBD when they'll be published. In the meantime, here is a roundup of photos that I've posted to Instagram. I've included modified captions for each of the photos, but this should give a glimpse of my Cambodian journey thus far.
I had the joyful experience of an hour of anticipation waiting for our order of chicken seasoned with banana flower. When they say whole chicken, they mean whole chicken...
We explored the Royal Palace and the "Silver Pagoda" (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), learning more about the rich history of Cambodia. The lion- symbolizing protection- stands guard outside the throne room of the King.
The CamFam took a Khmer cooking class! We took a trip to the market to learn more about the ingredients typical to Khmer cuisine, and then we made Green Mango Salad, A Mok (chicken, fish, or tofu), and Chek Ktis (a coconut cream, tapioca, and banana dessert). It was a delicious, educational experience.
Who would have thought that a "rainbow" paddle pop would have "toffee and butter caramel" flavor?? So confusing.
"Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3 ... I took a moment to be still and enjoy the cool, refreshing rain that swept through the city today. It reminded me of this verse (and LCM Atlanta).
Su'suh'dei! Khmer is a beautiful language. It is also unlike any language I have attempted to learn thus far, because I don't know the script, so I must attempt to write the words as they sound... A positive to this language is we don't have to conjugate verbs! My vocabulary is growing, but unless it's asking names, asking "what is this?", or ordering fried noodles, conversation doesn't get too far. At least there's room for growth...
Cooking food with the CamFam has been one of my favorite activities during orientation. We've gone to market(s) to select our ingredients and brought them "home" to la Casa Bishquist, creating some stellar meals. The first meal was spaghetti with garlic toast and fresh spring rolls (the latter was lovingly given by a community partner). The second meal was a variation on a delicious Khmer Crepe we ate at a restaurant one day. The third was chicken kabobs with corn and watermelon. And the fourth was fried rice with chicken and fried egg (and Hoisin sauce). Definitely some fantastic bonding time while we braved shopping and new cooking experiences.
I have a painful heart. (Warning: this Instagram synopsis does not do justice to the tragedy that occurred.) By 1975, Cambodia had already been suffering from a tumultuous period of civil war AND carpet bombing by the U.S... In 1975 the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, establishing a 4-year regime where the policies and atrocities resulted in genocide and the deaths of an estimated 30% of the population. We visited Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, and here are some photos of the memorials. (L) preserved remains of victims, (Top) Choeung Ek's Memorial Stupa, (Bottom) Fourteen Graves, on the grounds of Tuol Sleng
I held a silk warm! We road a boat up the Mekong River to visit a Silk Village. We learn all about how silk is made, from butterfly to fabric. The women working the looms were so impressive with their dexterity and their memory for the patterns.
We celebrated September birthdays with some festive purple and green, coconut and lemon cake; that was such an experiment for the taste buds.
If you stuck with me through all those photos, I hope you enjoyed viewing them!
Cheers! -KMJ
Today is Day 17 (what!) of life in Cambodia. Orientation is drawing to a close... Tomorrow morning, I leave Phnom Penh for Kampot! Tomorrow, I leave for my placement. Tomorrow, I meet my host family.
Orientation has been a complete whirlwind. We've had conversations about logistics, fears and expectations, how to communicate our stories; we've taken trips to the markets, taken a Khmer cooking class, visited the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom, and took audio tours at the genocide memorials; we've had Cambodian history lessons, church history discussions, and Khmer language lessons... It's been full, and it's been intense.
I'm still processing, so I haven't completed any blog posts or newsletter articles. Those are pending, but TBD when they'll be published. In the meantime, here is a roundup of photos that I've posted to Instagram. I've included modified captions for each of the photos, but this should give a glimpse of my Cambodian journey thus far.
 |
| Banana Flower Chicken |
 |
| Lion statues can be seen all around Phnom Penh |
 |
| Tofu A Mok with Dessert |
 |
| Ice cream |
 |
| View from the balcony of Casa Bishquist (our country coordinator's apartment) |
 |
| A notes page of transliterated Khmer |
 |
| Homecooked meals! |
 |
| Genocide Memorials |
 |
| Friendly silk worm |
 |
| Rachel and Amanda |
If you stuck with me through all those photos, I hope you enjoyed viewing them!
Cheers! -KMJ
Friday, August 12, 2016
Newsletters
Quick update:
So it turns out that I'll be sending newsletters out approximately every two months.
That's in addition to this blog, which I'm planning to update more frequently. There's no guarantee for that frequency, though- it could be every 3 days or it could be every month. It will depend on internet access, motivation, and whether there are interesting remarks to write.
Regardless, there will be newsletters. These newsletters will include stories, observations, and experiences... I'm sure you can imagine what a newsletter will contain.
If you're interested in receiving a newsletter, please comment below with your email address, or email me your email address, or comment on Facebook with your email address, or PM me on Facebook, or text me... You know, just make sure I have your email address!
Cheers!
-KMJ
So it turns out that I'll be sending newsletters out approximately every two months.
That's in addition to this blog, which I'm planning to update more frequently. There's no guarantee for that frequency, though- it could be every 3 days or it could be every month. It will depend on internet access, motivation, and whether there are interesting remarks to write.
Regardless, there will be newsletters. These newsletters will include stories, observations, and experiences... I'm sure you can imagine what a newsletter will contain.
If you're interested in receiving a newsletter, please comment below with your email address, or email me your email address, or comment on Facebook with your email address, or PM me on Facebook, or text me... You know, just make sure I have your email address!
Cheers!
-KMJ
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Prayer Calendar
So, unless someone can guide me otherwise, I cannot find a way for you to edit my prayer calendar without inviting every.single.supporter to my calendar one.by.one. This, I do not wish to do.
Therefore, I have a new idea. See the "Contact Me" section on the right-hand side of my home page. You can include your name and email, and in the "message" part write the date(s) that you choose. It will send me an email that includes this information. Make sure you add the date to your own calendar so that you don't forget! I will at various points update the calendar here on this blog to reflect those selected dates.
Now, why should you select a date? I need prayers, and I need happy thoughts, as I embark on this crazy awesome journey. I would appreciate any support that you feel willing to provide!
For what can you pray?
- Courage
- Strength
- Peace
- Understanding
- Growth
- My fellow volunteers
- My host family
- My host country
- Like, literally anything you think is applicable...
What can you send me?
- An encouraging note
- A favorite Bible verse
- A funny joke
- Like, literally anything you think is uplifting or supportive
Thank you a million times, from the moon and back, and many more, for your interest, your support, and your encouragement. You might not be able to imagine how the littlest smile has even meant so much.
Peace & Blessings!
-KMJ
Therefore, I have a new idea. See the "Contact Me" section on the right-hand side of my home page. You can include your name and email, and in the "message" part write the date(s) that you choose. It will send me an email that includes this information. Make sure you add the date to your own calendar so that you don't forget! I will at various points update the calendar here on this blog to reflect those selected dates.
Now, why should you select a date? I need prayers, and I need happy thoughts, as I embark on this crazy awesome journey. I would appreciate any support that you feel willing to provide!
For what can you pray?
- Courage
- Strength
- Peace
- Understanding
- Growth
- My fellow volunteers
- My host family
- My host country
- Like, literally anything you think is applicable...
What can you send me?
- An encouraging note
- A favorite Bible verse
- A funny joke
- Like, literally anything you think is uplifting or supportive
Thank you a million times, from the moon and back, and many more, for your interest, your support, and your encouragement. You might not be able to imagine how the littlest smile has even meant so much.
Peace & Blessings!
-KMJ
Monday, August 1, 2016
Placement
Greetings, all!
The most exciting news to date arrived in my inbox: my placement!
My vision is less nebulous, and I can finally share more information about what life might look like in Cambodia. It's like a life-size jigsaw puzzle, in a way, without having the image on the box as a guide. I started working on the outside edges, piecing together the border and the framework. Sure, I knew the general idea what the picture looked like, but image was blurry, unclear. I even attempted using pieces from other experiences to fill in the gaps, but as one could imagine, the pieces didn't quite fit. It was an approximation, a substitute, not legitimate. You following?
But now, the image has sharpened.
I'll be living in the town of Kampot, which is about 149 km southwest of the capital Phnom Penh. Also, it is about 5 km from the Gulf of Thailand. In Kampot, I will serve with the Reproductive and Child Health Alliance (RACHA), a Cambodia-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). RACHA has a focus on community health programming. Their mission is:
Over the next few weeks leading up to orientation I will be receiving more information about my year in Cambodia, but it is a journey in progress. My puzzle won't be complete until I return home to the United States next year... In fact, it probably won't be complete for years, as I will carry these memories, experiences, and lessons with me into the future. I feel like I have travelled so far, AND I HAVE NOT EVEN GOTTEN THERE YET!
Continue to pray for me. Continue to ask questions about my journey. Thank you once more for your support.
Cheers!
-KMJ
The most exciting news to date arrived in my inbox: my placement!
My vision is less nebulous, and I can finally share more information about what life might look like in Cambodia. It's like a life-size jigsaw puzzle, in a way, without having the image on the box as a guide. I started working on the outside edges, piecing together the border and the framework. Sure, I knew the general idea what the picture looked like, but image was blurry, unclear. I even attempted using pieces from other experiences to fill in the gaps, but as one could imagine, the pieces didn't quite fit. It was an approximation, a substitute, not legitimate. You following?
But now, the image has sharpened.
I'll be living in the town of Kampot, which is about 149 km southwest of the capital Phnom Penh. Also, it is about 5 km from the Gulf of Thailand. In Kampot, I will serve with the Reproductive and Child Health Alliance (RACHA), a Cambodia-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). RACHA has a focus on community health programming. Their mission is:
To improve the lives of individuals and communities in Cambodia by making essential health services including reproductive health, newborn and child health, nutrition, clean water, sanitation, hygiene, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS and other related services safe, available, accessible, and sustainable.I'm not yet sure what my role will be with RACHA, but word is I "will be serving alongside them in that mission, both at their office and in various surrounding communities". I am incredibly overwhelmed by this placement- and I mean that in a positive sense. When I received the email, I teared up. It sounds perfect. It sounds like an amazing fit, and I cannot wait to learn and discover by working with this organization. I have a feeling that I will learn more than I will teach, but I am continuously grateful for this opportunity.
Over the next few weeks leading up to orientation I will be receiving more information about my year in Cambodia, but it is a journey in progress. My puzzle won't be complete until I return home to the United States next year... In fact, it probably won't be complete for years, as I will carry these memories, experiences, and lessons with me into the future. I feel like I have travelled so far, AND I HAVE NOT EVEN GOTTEN THERE YET!
Continue to pray for me. Continue to ask questions about my journey. Thank you once more for your support.
Cheers!
-KMJ
Sunday, June 19, 2016
My Journey to Cambodia
Hello Reader!
So, if you're reading this, you most likely know that in August I'll be embarking on a year of service in Cambodia. I have accepted a call to serve through the Young Adults in Global Mission program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Those titles are quite the mouthful, so henceforth, if I mention them, I'll likely refer to them as YAGM and ELCA. For those of you who don't know about this program, know that I'll be one of more than 85 young adults serving in countries around the world for this next year.
As I prepare for this year of service and then throughout the year, I have one request. Please, keep me in your thoughts and prayers. You, your support and encouragement, have had an integral role in my life, whether you were a part of my childhood, my school years, or you came into my life five minutes ago when you started reading this blog, whether you know me, my family, or if you're a kind-hearted stranger... It's in part due to your influence that I said "yes" to traveling 9,000+ miles across the world.
So please, pray for me and my journey, as well as the other 85+ young adults who have been charged with the same mission. I have a google calendar, where the computer savvy can indicate that they have adopted a day to prayer for me- and for those of you who don't wish to indicate online, that's fine as well. You can either tell me, and I'll add you, or you can choose to remain anonymous. All prayers and all thoughts are appreciated. And hey, if you want to send me an email or a letter, I won't say no to that, either! I'm still working out a few details with the calendar, but I have at least imbedded it on this blog- so you should be able to see it.
My fundraising page is still accessible at http://support.elca.org/goto/kylemariejacobsen, but with a thankful heart I can share with you that my generous supporters have helped me reach MORE than 100% of my goal. Thank you, thank you, thank you. From this point on, I will most likely only be updating this blog, rather than the fundraising page. This blog will be my main source of updates.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
-KMJ
So, if you're reading this, you most likely know that in August I'll be embarking on a year of service in Cambodia. I have accepted a call to serve through the Young Adults in Global Mission program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Those titles are quite the mouthful, so henceforth, if I mention them, I'll likely refer to them as YAGM and ELCA. For those of you who don't know about this program, know that I'll be one of more than 85 young adults serving in countries around the world for this next year.
"A year of service through the Young Adults in Global Mission program invites young adults to become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of need... Young adults serve in the spirit of accompaniment, walking alongside global companions in a manner that practices mutuality, interdependence, and solidarity. Areas of service include, but are not limited to, health and development, congregational ministry, human rights, education, homelessness, addiction recovery, women's issues, and children and youth... Current YAGM country programs include: Argentina/Uruguay, Cambodia, Central Europe (Hungary), Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Southern Africa, and United Kingdom." - Read more hereI'm absolutely thrilled to be traveling to Cambodia, for this opportunity to learn from the culture and people of Cambodia. This next year will be a year of growth and discovery, a year of challenge and transformation. Already I have become more aware of the blessings in my life. This is where you, dear Reader, have a role. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and the encouragement that I have witnessed over the past couple months as I have told friends, family, and strangers the news. I'm so very, very thankful.
As I prepare for this year of service and then throughout the year, I have one request. Please, keep me in your thoughts and prayers. You, your support and encouragement, have had an integral role in my life, whether you were a part of my childhood, my school years, or you came into my life five minutes ago when you started reading this blog, whether you know me, my family, or if you're a kind-hearted stranger... It's in part due to your influence that I said "yes" to traveling 9,000+ miles across the world.
So please, pray for me and my journey, as well as the other 85+ young adults who have been charged with the same mission. I have a google calendar, where the computer savvy can indicate that they have adopted a day to prayer for me- and for those of you who don't wish to indicate online, that's fine as well. You can either tell me, and I'll add you, or you can choose to remain anonymous. All prayers and all thoughts are appreciated. And hey, if you want to send me an email or a letter, I won't say no to that, either! I'm still working out a few details with the calendar, but I have at least imbedded it on this blog- so you should be able to see it.
My fundraising page is still accessible at http://support.elca.org/goto/kylemariejacobsen, but with a thankful heart I can share with you that my generous supporters have helped me reach MORE than 100% of my goal. Thank you, thank you, thank you. From this point on, I will most likely only be updating this blog, rather than the fundraising page. This blog will be my main source of updates.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
-KMJ
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