Abide

If you abide in my word, 

you are truly my disciples, 

and you will know the truth, 

and the truth will set you free.  

John 8:31-32

Abiding in the word brings forth freedom. 

Abide.

This verb has become a theme for me as of late.

No Groceries Please - FAIL

Originally written November 29th, 2011

Dear Reader,

I have failed you. In a previous post I advised you never to accept a ride from a moto driver with groceries. Yesterday morning I did just that.

Even though I had not yet made a deal with the supposed taxi driver I went against my better judgement as my eyes fell upon the green plastic bag full of veggies. I snuffed the small voice inside of me yelling, “Heed your own advice! Think of your integrity! integrity! [cue echo fade]”

Sure enough, not even a minute into the drive, the driver mumbled about stopping off somewhere. Seeing a gas station on the corner I assumed he needed to top off on fuel. We passed the gas station. Instead, he stopped in front of a house and started yelling through the opened front door, “HEY! I GOT THE FOOD!” Silence. “I GOT THE FOOD!!” Silence.

He turned off his engine, got off his moto, grabbed the groceries and disappeared into the wooden house. I stood by as a dumbstruck spectator. Of course. What else should I have expected?

May I reiterate my previous thesis? Do yourself a favor and disregard moto taxi drivers carrying groceries.

Thankfully this driver’s house was next to the main road and the detour didn't take up too much time.

Victory over Genocide Day

On January 7, 1979 the Vietnamese overthrew the Khmer Rouge regime and the peoples of Cambodia walked towards healing and away from the horrific rule of Pol Pot. Almost 30 years later those most responsible for the genocide are finally being tried. These criminals have lived without accountability for their actions for the past 30 years. 

The Khmer Rouge Trials are still in process. It may be years before they finish. Delayed as they are, the fact that the trials are taking place is a cause worth celebrating. Happy Victory Day.