Ghosts

Last weekend I was at home by myself, as Soeun and most of the students were away in provinces. Whenever I'm home by myself Khmer people ask me if I'm scared of ghosts. They never seem to believe me that I'm not, as it seems Khmer people are scared of ghosts. My language helper has had a bit to do with us strange ex-pats. I heard her explaining to some other Khmer people that foreigners aren't scared of ghosts.
I was amused to find the next time I checked the kids blog (who live at the dump) they had written a story about ghosts! "Scaring of ghost"

Too noisy!!!

There was a funeral happening right next to church this week. If you’ve been anywhere near funerals or weddings in this region you’ll know that means it was very noisy! We couldn’t hear each other talk, very annoying. Like weddings and other events a marquee (see photo) is set up on the street, decorated with white and black instead of colours. Tables were set for a meal. Flowers and offering were set up around the mounted photo of the deceased lady.

The noise was an "arjar”chanting. ‘Arjar’s are men from the temple who wear a white top and black trousers. Originally they were Hindu priests but now Hinduism and Buddhism are mixed together. Under different kings in ancient times Cambodia was sometimes Buddhist, sometimes Hindu. Although further back people were animists. These days the official religion is Buddhism but in practice all three are mixed together.

Our church meets in a tall brick house, in a row of other tall brick houses. When we started going last month they were singing a cappella. Soeun has started playing his guitar, and he is preaching next week too.