They came to Cambodia only having been married for 5 months.  They spent the next 4 months with us.  I think we learned a lot from each other as people, couples and as Christians.  Our children certainly grew from their short time here.       

From time to time Neal or Rachel would learn to do something new and I would mention that it is something they could add to their resume’, like building a roof out of palm leaves or harvesting rice. 

I never said it to them but the same applied for our children.  Neal and Rachel added a lot to our children “resumes” as well, in how to do this or how to make that.  They added much to their life in love and time spent. 

Out of all the guest we’ve had over the years their departure drew the most tears from the kids and from children we did not expect to be saddened by it. 
I think with other guest their is some hope that they will return one day.  With Neal and Rachel they will return to the States and maybe start their own family, I think the kids knew it is the last time they would see them.      

I think Neal and Rachel are special people.  They were special to us in their time here and while they were here we could always see that they were special to the people they knew at home receiving mail, emails, packages, facebook messages and calls.

I don’t think they could have had a more fulfilling trip.  They got to in a short time come into our world and experience everything we get to experience.  Children going and coming, staff coming and going, weddings, funerals, Christmas and Birthdays, work and holidays and for ever the daily cry of the village loudspeaker which became the “hey there is a party at Neal’s house” joke.  They got to see God work in a babies life the dramatic miraculous effects.  They got to see God work in the daily lives of the kids changing.  When I think about it all I think they got more than they bargained for.

Rachel helped with classes, school, bible stories and creating fun.
Neal worked tirelessly around the house, taught the Word and played.
These are small little titles for what they did.  I have much respect for the things they did and the things they overcame as a newly married couple in a new environment.         

I hope they realize what they have done for us in our work.  I pray they will miss us as much as we will miss them.

I also hope their stories encourage others to come to give and receive of themselves as well, to see how God might use you.

How lucky the people they work with next.