Author: Charles Dittmeier

Flower Power

It is an unwritten cultural norm here in Cambodia that any government official–or even just someone to be respected–must be graced with at least one display of flowers. Here is Prime Minister Hun Sen giving a talk during the coronavirus crisis and his desk is well adorned. Half the time the floral displays are so large they tend to hide the speaker at a podium, and they’re especially bad for deaf people who need to see sign language.

COVID-19 Notes

For a week or ten days the government has been floating stories in the government press about enacting a state of emergency. I assumed they were preparing the populace for the notion. Now a couple hours ago, the prime minister announced (the prakah or regulation above) there was about a 0.1% chance of implementing the state of emergency. No reason given except a comment that a state of emergency is for only “when the situation is beyond our control.” I guess that means he feels things are under control. I’ve heard a couple officials in the US say that things were under control, too….

Masks for Deaf People

A Kentucky college student has created and is producing face masks with a transparent panel for deaf people who need to see a person’s face to communicate well. Part of sign language is on the hands. The rest is on the body. The emotion, punctuation, and more appears on the face and is hidden by regular surgical masks.

Here is a link to the article about the masks.

The challenge for now….

“WAITING.” I guess that’s what we are all doing these days, around the world. And it’s only just begun! With strengthened community quarantine rules prohibiting many from physically leaving their home, what’s in store for us? Have you thought about what it will be like two or three weeks or a month from now? Because of the tensions, we could get on each other’s nerves. How long will this last? No one likes to wait. In the meantime, we get worried, anxious, fearful, impatient, and angry.

Let’s step back and get the right perspective. First of all, let’s be thankful. We have electricity, water, shelter, food—the basic necessities. We have each other online with phone calls, e-mail, texts, Zoom, Viber, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and so much more. Get into a daily routine. Keep God as part of your day. Spend time in His Word and talk about Him to your family. Keep exercising, studying, working, and most of all smiling. This too will pass.

Notable Quotes

Yes, the old ways of doing things are on hold, perhaps for longer than we realize. But this moment of rupture may be an opening to new paths. New connections. New ways of being. And, if we are diligent and blessed, maybe even liberation.

~ Rabbi Michael Rothbaum

One tough cookie

Just because of her age, this woman’s life has been rough–she is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge. And from this picture life may still be very difficult. But again she’s a survivor, making it day by day. Her story would be compelling, I am sure.