Caleb is no longer an undocumented person! After many weeks, visits, reminders and some financial incentive, the local authority has issued his birth certificate in Khmer language and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has translated it into English! Next stop – the US Embassy for passport and Certificate of Birth Abroad. I just submitted not only applications…
Author: Crystal Conklin
Charlotte’s First Bible
The church I am a member of, Plains Mennonite in Hatfield, PA, has a tradition of giving every child entering first grade their first Bible, in anticipation of them learning how to read. Charlotte missed this tradition as we came to Cambodia during kindergarten an I did not give it much thought as she continues…
Maternity Leave and Orientation
Orienting new international workers is my favorite part of our role as Reps. Yes, its very busy with many trainings and logistics, but the energy they bring to our team is infectious, as is the joy of the national staff when they see, again, that international people really do want to come to Cambodia. As…
A Tuesday in May
It’s 3:30 in the morning and he’s cooing at the diaper changing table nightlight. After babbling to it for a few minutes he bursts out in his biggest smile – the one he usually saves for when Charles is wearing glasses. I’m not sure if its the delight of the shadows or a purely internal…
Hot Season with a Newborn
Caleb was born during an atypical hot season week, with cool breezes and 80 degree days. In Cambodian tradition, we were actually able to dress him head to toe in cozy clothes. This not only allowed us to sidestep the constant unsolicited advice from all Cambodians that he needs to be covered all the time,…
Baby Boy Conklin
Following a molar pregnancy miscarriage in September 2021, Charles and I have been cautious about making a major family announcement. After months of doctor visits, testing, and an absurd amount of mosquito spray (I do NOT want to get dengue), we are ready to announce that Baby Boy Conklin is scheduled to arrive in early…
Preparing to host another International Thanksgiving
I learned a decade ago that in order for me to enjoy any part of guests coming to dinner, I needed to prep. This is more true of holiday meals than any other event. There is always a bit more to do the day of and to be present with people, I need to have…
Some of our Home Leave Experiences
What a memorable home leave! It was definitely worth the 3 year wait. So many good memories, experiences and connections to carry with us into the next phase of Cambodian life. As we were preparing for home leave, I was challenged to consider the purpose of home leave. It was/is so many things! I discussed…
Myanmar: Give the LORD no rest
The situation in Myanmar is getting worse. Now the power cuts are extreme and people are surviving without electricity most of the time, setting alarms for when the electricity comes on so they can quickly cook their food and charge their phones. Food and basic commodities are more expensive. And Omicron is blazing through the…
Gratitude
The flavors and textures of gratitude are many. There’s the quick and sharp relief gratitude that the red ant which got in my hair while sweeping the courtyard didn’t bite me. There’s the bone deep, breath-stopping gratitude of seeing pictures from my 16 year old niece’s car accident and knowing she miraculously got out with…