Independence Day

November 9th is Independence Day for the Cambodian people. All of the schools were out today as large numbers of people celebrated their 1953 freedom from French control. Not that French control was necessarily a bad thing. The French helped Cambodia to come out of the dark ages in many ways in the first half of the twentieth century but felt it was time to let them govern themselves fifty two years ago today. The King spoke, bands played, and flags were waved just as they are back home. I hope this little country can keep moving in the right direction for several more decades without any more blood spilled.

The local preacher, James, was asked recently why the people celebrate their independence from France and not from the Khmer Rouge government of the seventies. He did not know, but felt strongly that it would be more appropriate to recognize the latter. It seems that they celebrate the former because the French suggested it! I am so glad that the French invented “freedom fries” aren’t you? Well I guess the French are like the poor, we will always have them with us.

I am happy to let you know the Channy, who I told you about last time, has accepted the invitation to serve as the boat's engineer. He gave a twenty minute devotional thought tonight at our Wednesday night study and even though it was in a language I do not understand, I’m sure he did a fine job. The picture above is of Channy and Bill McDonough, whose dream of a medical boat on the Mekong River some ten years ago, is almost a reality.