"Home"

It's good to be "home."

I love Thailand. I love the kids there. I love our staff. But there's something about Cambodia that feels like home.

I left Chiang Mai at about 3pm, flew to Bangkok, and arrived in Phnom Penh at about 8pm. After deplaning, I trudged through immigration, customs and the visa counter. I picked up my luggage and headed out the front door of the airport.

I didn't know if anyone would be there to meet me -- I had told John Campbell, whose arrival had preceded mine by about an hour, to go on to the guest house without me, and that I could take a taxi. Nevertheless, I was greeted warmly by Savorn, Sony, Narin, Daniel, Ravi, Sopang, Narun and Savong.

"Oh, brother John! So good to see you. We miss you and all the kids are very excited to see you tomorrow! You are still so very handsome (Cambodians are renowned for their exaggeration in compliments...)"

After hugs and handshakes the men quickly took my bags and loaded them into the back of the truck. Savorn drove me back to the guest house with Sony, Savong and Ravi. The rest followed us back in the van. As we drove through the streets, I rolled down the window to breathe in the signature smell of the city at night -- roasting chickens, diesel fuel, dust, burning debris -- and I smiled.

"Ah, I really feel like Phnom Penh is a home for me."

"Oh, thank you very much. We are so glad to have you back."

When we arrived at the guest house, my friends came in, helped me with my bags and left. They had taken time away from their families and some of them had driven a good 45 minutes. Just to make me feel welcome. Just to drive me home from the airport.

I love these guys. I love this place, and I can't want to see the kids I love. I'll send pictures as soon as I can, probably by this time tomorrow.

Peace to all of you. Thanks for making this ministry possible.