BUZZING FLIES AND FLAPPING FISH
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| Growing and harvesting rice is an important part of Tampuan culture. |
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November 20, 2008
by Dena McMaster
Missionary Jon Smedley spends half of his day working in the rice fields and village gardens of the Tampuan people of Cambodia. In the afternoons he processes the language he has heard and studies the words he learned from his Tampuan friends.
Jon and his wife, Kristen, first studied the Khmer language which is the primary language spoken in Cambodia. They are now living among the Tampuan people and learning that language with the goal of teaching the Gospel message.
"The sounds in the Tampuan language are very different from Khmer," wrote Kristen, "and fascinating to listen to. Jon loves every minute out in the villages, gardens and rice fields with his Tampuan friends."
Kristen faces the challenge of preparing food and taking care of her home in a foreign culture where things are done quite differently than she is used to. Having three small children to care for somewhat complicates her task.
"I have been trying to keep up with my three little ones and a house in this setting where life is not as convenient as we westerners are used to," wrote Kristen, "especially in regards to food preparation. This involves going to the open air, muddy market regularly to bargain, amid the buzzing of flies and the flapping of fish, for fresh ingredients for our meals. If it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. I love my trips to the market and always feel energized by interacting with the sellers there."
Pray for Jon and Kristen to adjust to their new surroundings. Pray that they will quickly learn the culture and language so that they can bring the message of God's saving grace to the Tampuan people.
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