wompeters, foma, and gran falloons

Don't realy have a lot to say today but it had been a couple of days since I had written anything, so I thought I would tell you about one of our non work diversions. With our employment Jed bought us a membership at a health club. Now in many respects I could have put quotations around that but it is a legitimate health club although we just use for the ENORMOUS SALT WATER POOL. Yes we can escape the heat in the luxurious surroundings of the Prince d' Angkor Hotel and Spa, swimming laps, lounging in the excercise chaise lounges (yes I know thats redundant and an oxymoron), or just excerfrolicing. A new word defined as nonstructured aerobic activity for the dual purpose of fun and health. Many of you will complain that I made that up, to which I say. So What, its my blog I can verbigate if I want. Another new word meaning to make up words and meanings as you go. People are starting to arrive for the wedding and much fun should be had by all.

A Very Sad Day

It breaks my heart to have to report that Mr. Cook and I have just returned from our first Cambodian funeral.

Unfortunately Lin's injuries were too severe for his body to repair and he has passed on. A group of us traveled from Siem Reap this morning to Kompong Kdei, the village Lin grew up in, and took part in his funeral. Despite the language barrier, it was a beautiful Buddhist ceremony and it was truly an honor to be able to be there and say goodbye to our friend.

Fila, our friend and favorite tuk tuk driver, was at the ceremony and explained to us that the belief is that for the next 100 days, Lin's spirit will travel around doing the things that he loved the most. At the end of those 100 days, there will be another ceremony to encourage his spirit to move on. I personally thought that was one of the better life after death explanations I have heard, and can only hope that everywhere it goes Lin's spirit is filled with happiness and joy.

I know we, and everyone whose lives he has been a part of, will miss him tremendously.