Speaking Khmer

In Cambodia the people speak a language called Khmer. I am learning to speak it so that I can talk to people who don't speak English. When I want to say 'hello' to someone, I say 'Soo sa day'.

When I want to ask 'How are you?', I say 'Sok sabai tay?'

If someone says that to me, I answer back 'Sok sabai.'

Some of the kids here call me 'Ta John'. That's the Khmer way of saying 'Grandpa John'.

Lee howie

with love from Ta John in Cambodia

Happy Birthday Zac

On August 25, Zac is four years old. I am not there with you for your birthday Zac, but I think of you often. I hope you have a lot of fun on your birthday and that you enjoying being four.

with love from your Grandpa John

Soon the flood

If I take a ride on my bicycle from where I live, soon I come to the river. It is called Tonle Sap. This river is famous because every year it has an enormous flood. If people build their house near the river, they usually build it on very high stilts, like you see in the picture. Then, when the flood comes, the house is still above the water.

This bridge goes across a little inlet from the river. I had to be very careful where I put my feet as I crossed, otherwise I would have ended up in the water—and my camera too. I don't know the kid in the picture but he seemed to want to be in any pictures I took. He has a nice shirt on.

Whenever I look at the river the water seems to be higher. Soon the bridge will be under the water and people will have to go across the inlet in a boat.

love from your Grandpa John in Cambodia

Hello everyone

I have been trying to upload a picture for you but there is a problem on the internet. Still I am happy because today I saw my first photos of Chloe. I hope there is a photo of Isaac for me before I leave the internet cafe.

I have moved into my new house now. Maybe I'll give you some photos of it later.

I think of all of you often.

love from Grandpa John in Cambodia