Christmastime in Kampong Kdey

I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas week here in Cambodia. Tim and I stayed at site and had an all-star cast of volunteers over to our house for a few days before the 25th. Per usual, we gave them a tour of our town, took them to the bridge and watched bad TV. Unsurprisingly, Tim also cooked up a storm – making sure our bellies never felt empty.

Neysa opening a package from home

Peter got a lot of gifts from home too

Taking a trip to the bridge

Even though some of the volunteers had to return to site, Meghan was able to stay with us for the culmination of the holiday festivities: a two day wedding celebration. We attended four ceremonies over the course of the two days, including our first hair cutting ceremony, during which all of the guests symbolically cut the bride and groom’s hair to represent a fresh start and a new life. For the final reception, we even got all dolled up Khmer-style with loads of hairspray and fake lashes.

One of my favorite parts of Khmer weddings is when all of the kids light sparklers

Meghan dancing up a storm!

Tim gettin’ down

Me and a coworker from the health center

It was certainly a Christmas to remember. Only two more work days until we take a small break for New Year’s!

Katie