Ranger Weekend

It wouldn't be summer if we didn't go to Arlington for a Rangers weekend. Brit and Zac joined us and Greg and Janice were able to come to. So we had a great weekend. It was alittle on the warm side, but the Rangers cooperated and won the Friday night game. Rick is returning again before we head back to Cambodia and will be joined with his baseball buddy, Jim!
In the picture, I didn't care for one of the calls the umpire made! :) gail

Bikes to Burchams

It has been great visiting some people here in the states that have come to Cambodia. We got to see Wallace and Carol Randal in Hot Springs and Don and Diane Johnson in Little Rock. But we had to go to the boothill of Missouri to see Russ and Rosemary. So we took our bikes and made the ride. It was great to sit around the table and have cornbread and cucumbers from their garden! We even were able to share in the delicious birthday cake that their daughter made for Russ. It was short but sweet and good to give them both a hug! Our lives have been blessed to know all these great Christians and see their faith in their work in Cambodia. gail

News from Bill and Marie

I wanted to pass this on since it was great news! Just a short update of happenings on the Ship of Life while Bill and Marie are in residence. I copied Bill's note below.

From the Ship of Life in Cambodia We are five hours north of Phnom Penh, just South of Laos, on the Mekong River where last night we took our two interns from the Cambodian Bible school and two Christian crew members to preach in the village. 30 people braved the torrential monsoon rains to come to hear the Word preached for, they said, "The very first time." After an hour of preaching we asked if there were questions and one lady said, "We don't know what to ask since we never heard of the living God before." They then said "If you will come back tomorrow afternoon there will be many more people who want to hear" soooo. we are due to go back everay afternoon for the rest of the week to continue sharing the Word. Please pray for us.


Bill & Marie-Claire McDonough

River Life

We are busy in Arkansas but I am sure life goes on in Cambodia on the Mekong River. These are some pictures that Diane Johnson took when her and Don were on board and the ship moved from one village to another. Just alittle different than life here! It is like living two different lives. When we are in the states, we go about what we feel is normal and in a comfort zone we know. And yet, while in Cambodia it also seems normal now and we are comfortable with life on the ship. Both places we experience frustrations with what we might be trying to do, but isn't that life?! Oh well, that is about as deep of thought as I can go with right now. Rick is painting front door and and I think the fumes are getting to me. More pictures coming up. gail

Northens Plus

Here we are in Mtn. View, Ar enjoying the mountains. We had a cabin by the White River, ate some good catfish and listened to some Hoe Down bango pickin music! What else can you ask for! Everyone went their separate ways today as we said goodbye to another Northen reunion. If we could get the younger generation there, it would be perfect! gail

Star..bucks

It does take a few bucks for a coffee, but I sure enjoy them! However, this "Starbucks" sign is not in the states, but in Phnom Penh. Rick and I were driving down Sihanook boulevard and and saw the sign and thought ,wow!, a Starbucks is here now. But if you read the fine print, it is not a legitimate Starbucks! Like so many things here it is a copy. Oh well, we actually enjoy the Khmer coffee we make on the ship! Our blogs are random since arriving in states, so hope you bear with us! thanks gail

Birth Days

Before Rick arrived, I drove up to Fayetteville to help Greg and Janice celebrate Greg's 24 birth day. Isn't it amazing how time flies! I drove back a different route just because I had the time and it was beautiful weather. I don't know if it is because we are away or what, but Arkansas really is a beautiful state. I took off the interstate at Altus and headed south to the Ozark National forrest. I think this area is all basically the Ouachita National forrest. I thought I would go to Mt. Magazine but went the wrong direction. It was a great little side trip and want to do it again with Rick! This next week we will take Rick's family up to Mountain View and enjoy that area of the state. gail

Home at Last!

Rick's flights from Phnom went without a hitch! He arrived safe and sound at the Little Rock airport Tuesday at 4:30 on schedule. He was able to sleep some the night before so he was up to meeting Greg for dinner in Little Rock and enjoyed a good visit with him. Then we got the wild hair to visit Britt and his mom in Texas. So here we are in Jacksonville, Texas, of course watching the Rangers play, and will return to village tomorrow. So, one night home and we are on road already! We have some updates from Bill and Marie-Claire that he will share in future blogs! gail

Home Sweet Home

I arrived safely in Little Rock last yesterday at about 4:30 P.M. It takes about 48 hours of travel time including an overnight in Los Angeles to get home from Cambodia. My trip was uneventful for the most part. I saw the CNN news report of the Air France flight going down in the Atlantic and knew immediately my Mom would be a little unnerved. She was relieved when I called her from LA.
Last night I enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner with my wife and son. What a wonderful reunion. I can't wait to see my daughter also if she will stay at home long enough for me to visit her!