It is amazing what a great night of sleep can do, especially when there is fully functioning A/C. As is the norm for traveling West, we fell asleep early, which means you wake up equally early. We have become quite happy with our lodging, as the workers are gracious, always smiling and greeting you with hands in a prayer mode.  

My brother Rick, who is a minister with the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, has good friends, Tim and Wendy who run a school/orphanage in Siem Reap. We wanted to spend some time with them and also bring some supplies that might be helpful for the children. Before we left Houston, we did a shopping trip to Target and Costco and picked up basic necessities (toothpaste, shampoo, underwear, etc), art supplies and some toys (soccer and tennis balls, puzzles, matchbox cars, etc). Since we have free bags on United, we packed our suitcases and two boxes full with the supplies for the trip.  

For those unfamiliar with the SDA church, one of the main tenants is worshiping on the 7th day, which is Saturday. Tim invited us to join them and the children for church and lunch, and that seemed the perfect way to spend the day. Church started at 8am, so we had our tuk tuk ready at 730. Due to construction and our driver not really sure where we were going, we arrived a bit late but Wendy was there to welcome us.  

We joined the service already in progress and enjoyed hearing the children sing familiar and not so familiar songs in Khmer. The sermon was given by one of the house fathers (more about that in a bit), and Wendy was kind enough to provide translation. The church was full, with all ages represented from the orphanage and the community. After the service, everyone broke into smaller groups for Sabbath School (similar to Sunday School). We joined the adults and was led by a young lady from California, who is currently working in the Phillipines. There were several young persons volunteering at the school for varying amounts of time.  

After Sabbath School, Tim took us on a tour of the school and housing. They house about 200 children, with 8-9 homes each headed by a married couple. Each home has up to 16 children and the hope is to replicate a real home atmosphere with a mom/dad. The homes are very sparse, but provide a home life and education for the children who otherwise would be homeless. Around 30+ children are HIV positive, and they are provided medicine by the Clinton Foundation.   The school educates around 300+ children and we were amazed by what is being done with a minimal budget and donations.  

We had lunch under the mango tree with Wendy and Tim (originally from Australia), their two sons, volunteers and other visitors and friends from the area. It was a typical SDA potluck, with some great vegis, salads, rice, sweets and fruit. It was truly an inspiring day. For those interested in the work that Tim and Wendy are doing, please visit: : http://saltmin.org/orphanage/index.htm

After a rest at our hotel, we tuk tuk'd it back into town. The small city is packed with tourists and each night we call to get a reservation at one of the recommended restaurants. San, our hotel manager, recommended Khmer Touch, a restaurant that serves Khmer food across from the Night Market. He warned us that while the food is good and the ambiance is nice, there is a night club next door which can have a loud band. Luckily it was not the case, and we enjoyed a very nice quiet dinner in an classy setting.  

Before we headed back for the evening, we stopped for a nightcap at Miss Wong's a popular bar decorated in all in red. A nice way to end the day. Tomorrow is an early morning bike ride for sunrise at Angkor Wat.