We arrived Saturday morning to our new home in Phnom Penh Cambodia to a wonderfully warm reception. After 32 hours of travel, house to house, we were so grateful to simply have arrived! The Exchange Coordinators, Philip and Belen picked us up from the airport with their smiling 8 month old and transported us home where Ming Ramy (our cook/laundry lady/housekeeper) was waiting with her daughter. There were beautiful lilies and roses on the table as well as delicious Khmer food ready for us to eat. Charlotte’s favorite part was the red pepper cut into the form of a flower. The house was clean, the beds made and the people so welcoming! We could not have asked for a better arrival.
The girls were exhausted. Catherine fell asleep on the last flight and stayed asleep on our shoulder and/or would cry when we tried to wake her. She slept through the airport, the visas, baggage claim, and a car ride home. She slowly and reluctantly woke up and became more cheerful with youtube music. Charlotte stayed awake on the final flight, saying how excited she was! When we arrived, she tried her sleepy best to stay with us as we juggled luggage and visas. In the car, she pointed out Cambodia flags happily (thank you Carol from Children’s Orientation in Akron for teaching her the national flag!). But then she fell asleep and so arrived to our new home, sound asleep. Charles carried her inside and laid her down. Noise and unpacking, conversation and doggie kisses from our new dog Leena – she slept soundly. Hours later we managed to wake her and she was coaxed out of her tearful exhaustion with brownies left for us by our supervisors Arthur and Phyllis – thank you!
And so here we are. Settling in, figuring life out, and being delighted. Charlotte’s absolute wonder and delight at the house was a joy. “Oh mom look at this!” “Mom, this is just lovely!” “Mom, do you think I can climb that tree?” And Catherine laughing and laughing at Leena, learning how to play gently with a dog.
Thank you all for the many prayers you sent on our behalf. We’ve had some bumpy moments (like in Honk Kong when they lost our stroller), but we’re getting there. The jet lag is better each day and the rain is keeping the mosquitos at bay for the moment. We are so grateful to be here, growing and learning with our MCC Cambodia team and partners.
Prayers of thanksgiving for a wonderful beginning! Much love and continuing prayers from your Fairfield family.
The photos aren’t showing up.
Glad to hear of your arrival and acclimations, but can’t see the pictures 🙁
Thank you for the update. Enjoyable to hear all the wonderful news!!!
I love the update and hearing how Charlotte and Catherine are adjusting! Sounds like a lovely welcome! It sounds like the girls did really well for such a long travel time!
Yeah! So happy to hear things are well. We couldn’t see pictures either. Anju asked this morning if she could spend a few minutes reading the blog board on Sunday morning. We’ll check back later to see if pictures are up. Raining here too. ☔️
Thanks so much for your excellent updates and helpful orientation reflections; sounds like you are well prepared for this new adventure and holy work! Blessings and prayers as you continue your orientation and settle in to your new home and routines!
Your post floods me with memories of going to Africa with my family as a young girl…so terribly long of a journey…but absolute wonder when we arrived. I know you will do much that is good! I love hearing your experience!
wonderful! But I can’t see the pictures…? So glad you are there and getting settled. We love you!
So very goad yo hear this wonderful update! Our prayers continue as you continue to settle in. So thankful you’re all so well cared for
Glad you arrived safely! I look forward to following your family’s adventures.
So glad you arrived safely and are having a fairly smooth transition!
Amen for traveling mercies and answered prayers for safe arrival!Many blessings as you all begin to do His work in a new place! You are lifted in so many prayers-thanks for this sharing!!!