I’m home sick today. It’s one of those sinus, sore-throat things. But it did give me some time to think about a few things. After watching two videos about SAAB rally racing, I suddenly got the itch to do some racing around back roads. I’m no speed racer, but I’ve always enjoyed driving on country roads—especially when you can swing the back end of the car with you around the corner!
Then I checked my email and saw this picture of my friends in Cambodia. Michael and his family moved to that country a few years ago and have been learning the language and customs so that they can share the good news of Jesus with the people there. That’s a worthwhile endeavor in any country, but how do you get around in Cambodia—especially in the uncivilized part of the country?
As you can see in the picture, Michael and his family use a motorcycle of some sort. It’s been dangerous and he is still recovering from an in-town accident which required surgery on his leg. But he’s still going at it. The funny thing is that Michael is a car guy. When we first met at a Bible Conference, we swapped car stories and developed an instantaneous friendship. It’s nice to see that God can use car guys in Ohio … and Cambodia.
We do have a lot (too many) of cars here in Bogota, Colombia. However, in some of the hot-weather towns we’ve visited, you see more motorcycles. It is not strange to see a family of 3 or 4 balanced on it.
Thanks for the post, Andy. Yes, I’ve turned into a motorcycle guy in Cambodia! The one car I bought here is a 1999 Toyota Camry 4cyl and it cost me over $10K due to the cost of ocean freight from the US and >100% import taxes. All cars here are appraised at about 200% of the US value. (And I see people driving new Land Rovers all the time!) So I turned into a motorcycle guy since a brand new Suzuki like the one my family is sitting on costs $1,350–about 1/3 of what a similar bike would cost in the US. I grew up on motorcycles and know quite a bit about them. I’ve helped others buy a few and I’ve purchased 4 and sold 2 for our family while here. My wife has a 2009 Suzuki Smash 110 (in the picture) and I’ve got a 2009 Suzuki Viva, both in the standard Cambodian black.
More than that, we are more than satisfied to be in the Lord’s will here in Cambodia. To be sure it’s harder than most countries around the world, and it’s going to get harder with our upcoming move to the province. But the Lord has made a special place in our hearts for the Cambodian people, and we are anxious to serve Him by serving them with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your friend in Cambodia,
Michael
PS: Katrina, we see the same thing here and it always cracks us up: Mom and dad with their three kids all squeezed onto a seat made for two or three adults, on a motorcycle with a 50-100cc motor. Like in this picture:
http://www.spraguephoto.com/stock-photos/3290-Family-on-motorcycle,-Battambang,-Cambodia.|7125.jpg