I began with over 60 hotels that fit into my criteria, before sorting through the various lodging options. After a few weeks, I had it narrowed down to 3 spots that would suit us well, and our desire to be in closer proximity to the Bouth family knocked us down to 2. For some, a simple coin toss or "eenie, meenie, minee, moe" would do the trick, but this was a job for the Over Analyzer. So, to that I said, "let the agonizing commence!" ;o) Bradley listened to argument after argument, knowing full well that he was not a part of the personal debate taking place in the living room, and wisely kept out of the web I was busily weaving.
For roughly 2 weeks I bounced back and forth between worry and prayer. Worry brought on guilt, as I was not turning over my burden (as small as it was), to the Almighty, but then I would begin to feel silly praying for such a seemingly unimportant matter. I mean, it is not like the course of our entire life would be altered because we were at one hotel or the other, right? I was being silly, and I knew it. So, with one final prayer {ya know, just in case this choice really did matter}, I clicked on and paid for the hotel that would be our temporary home in a foreign country. *PHEW!* It was done, and I could now relax, knowing that we had a bed waiting for us, and that the Heavenly Father was hopefully pleased with my decision, if it had any bearing on anything. The move came, and before we knew it, we were standing at the entrance of the Frangipani Hotel.
After the first week, Bradley had managed to make several friends {big surprise!*wink*wink*}, and one man in particular was often perched near our breakfast table, wishing us well and doing his best to assist us in any possible way. Being an introvert in a strange land, I was not always keen on this gentleman hovering nearby, but Bradley's God-given talent won out, thankfully. At first our conversations were cordial, necessary for politeness sake. Soon, however, the "good mornings" became "can I help you buy phones," and then evolved into "I will take you to the market and help you purchase such and such." As the Edwards were at the same hotel (an unplanned coincidence... or was it?) , Bradley recommended this young man's services to them as well. Before long, Jonathan and Bradley had interviewed Vanny for employment as our translator/interpreter, and this serious, very business like man left the same hotel to join us in our work for the Lord.
Now, let me introduce you to the man who is Chan Vanny.
In this culture, their family name is listed first, and their "V" is pronounced like our "W". So, Vanny's name sounds like "Wonny" to us.
Although at first he appeared very somber, with a let's not mix business with pleasure type of attitude, it soon became evident that this was a facade easily penetrated. A prankster, waiting for the next opportunity to startle or trick his nearest victim, it was easy to fall in love with this "little brother," as I know how to play the role of big sister all too well. He literally thrives on making me jump, and if I scream, it is just that much better...the little stinker! ;o) As a baby, his older sister passed away, and not knowing her in this life, he has said that he longs to make her laugh in heaven. If she is able to look down on her younger brother, I am sure she is already giggling joyfully.
Vanny is an invaluable blessing, and I will try to help you learn a little bit about the man whom I proudly call my friend and brother in Christ.
Born into a rough life without a father, and a mother who was incapable of raising her children without a husband, he spent most of his childhood in the care of his grandparents. Their family was in poverty, and there were many times Vanny played the part of a street urchin. This is a nickname given to children who are orphaned and/or poor, and who try to make money by performing random small jobs, like dusting a windshield or selling handmade bracelets. Chum Ben is a holiday when the Buddhists throw sticky rice on the ground of the pagodas for dead relatives to "eat," and sometimes guards are posted to ensure no one sneaks into the grounds to snatch the food. Vanny bears the scar of one of these attempts. When I see that scar, I am reminded of a hungry boy trying to feed himself, but the sadness fades quickly when I see the smile of the man he has become. He is Aladdin in real life - a street rat who is truly a diamond in the rough.
This man recognizes what God has done for him, and it shows in everything he does. Over the past 8 months, I have been privileged to watch the Lord working in and through Vanny for His Kingdom's sake. In the beginning, he was often nervous, even reluctant at times to share (interpret) Jonathan or Bradley's thoughts or questions with others during a study, but now... Now, he is eager to go and share the truth with anyone who is willing to listen. The talents God has placed in him are so complimentary with Bradley and Jonathan, and I am in awe as I watch them growing as a team for His sake. He has chosen a beautiful wife, Sopeak, who has recently given him their first daughter, Grace. Already I am looking forward to the day when I get to hug this couples' neck, twenty years gone, knowing that we were so honored to serve in the birth of the church in this land we call Cambodia.
Vanny's baptism... Penny loves her Mister Vanny.
Vanny interpreting Mr. Sarem's words to Jonathan.
Hard at work, ensuring the message is understood.
Although the young man changed his mind, Vanny worked very hard to find him a job in the city.
Vanny working his "magic" in personal work.
Always able to laugh and love life...
The first study Vanny led on baptism.
Some may say our meeting Vanny is coincidence, and they may be right. However, looking back at the decision that I thought was so ridiculous, I cannot help but see God's hand in it all. I know some, if not many, when dealing with the small details of life will ask "does it really matter?" Well, for me personally, all I have to do is look into Vanny Chan's face, and then I know, "Yes, it does."
